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Ultimate Student Accommodation Guide In Poland [2024 edition]


Are you coming to Poland for your Erasmus exchange or are you considering choosing this country for your stay? First of all - great choice! Poland is a very popular destination for International students - around 100,000 students from all over the world choose this country every year for their Erasmus program or as a permanent place to study. Beautiful cities, access to both sea and mountains and not very expensive cost of living make this country an attractive destination. Major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw are the most famous destinations, each year accommodating tens of thousands of students. The demand for quality housing has led to a rise in rental prices but despite this increase, Poland remains an affordable option compared to other European countries.

What is common for you and all other students is that you will need apartments in Poland. There are many options to choose from, so we decided to create a complete guide on how to search for housing in Poland, how the rental process looks and what to watch out for when renting an apartment in Poland. The renting process can be tricky even for the locals and it can get harder when you are a foreigner. But don’t worry! 

Thanks to the Ultimate Student Accommodation Guide, finding flats in Poland during your Eramus exchange will become much easier, we will answer all your questions and tell you tricks to save money during your Eramus exchange stay! This guide will also help you to learn how to make the booking process easy and how to find and rent student housing that suits your preferences best in a secure way.

Types of student accommodation in Poland

Dormitory, single room, studio flat, or the whole apartment? What types of accommodation in Poland can you expect and at what price? Before renting an apartment, read this post written by locals to get to know the types of student housing in Poland.

In the Polish property rental market, there is a great variety of places to rent. You will find here dormitories, private apartments and flats, student rooms, etc. Each of these options has its pros and cons. And thanks to this guide you will know which alternative is suitable for you.

First of all, dormitories - the most intuitive choice for any student. In Poland, many schools provide dormitory accommodation and it is a relatively cheap option. Unfortunately, the standard in Polish student houses is usually maintained at a very low level. More than once you heard stories about new tenants in the room, which were none other than cockroaches. The level of cleanliness also leaves much to be desired. And living with two or more people in one room is a big challenge. Usually, the available rooms in public dormitories are limited so it’s not always possible to book them. Dormitories also have their pluses but in our opinion is better to search for different student housing options.
Nowadays there are more and more private dormitories in Poland. The standard of the private dormitories is much higher than the public ones, however, the prices are much higher as well. 

Private single room - in our opinion, an ideal option for any student. For a reasonable price, you can find attractive, fully furnished and convenient housing close to your university. A large plus is that you share the kitchen and bathroom with a few people (depending on how many bedrooms the flat has) and not with the whole floor as it is in the dormitory. On the rental market there are many single rooms for rent so it’s easier to book it than a public dormitory. Having a private room is a great comfort and a better standard. It's also a perfect opportunity to integrate with your roommates, and if you're an Erasmus student there's a good chance you'll meet someone from the same country in your apartment. Together is always better! Are you looking for a single room? Check our offers below and enjoy the comfort.

If you are planning to go on your Erasmus exchange in a group, the ideal option would be to choose a shared apartment. You can usually find apartments with 3 or 4 single rooms and a shared kitchen. Student apartments in Poland usually don't have a separate living room. Booking a whole apartment is usually cheaper per month than renting alone.

A studio apartment is a brilliant option for a person who enjoys peace and privacy. Thanks to this solution you can enjoy the comfort of having everything in one place. Your home is both a bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Also is more spacious than a single room. The studio flat is a private apartment only for you! Living in a studio or one-bedroom apartment is very comfortable and gives you plenty of time for self-reflection or reading. And when you feel you need more social interaction, it's a great and spacious place to invite your friends. At Pepe Housing, we have prepared for you a wide selection of studios. Most of them you will find in the biggest cities in Poland.

If you are planning to Erasmus plus exchange to Poland then you are most interested in mid or long-term rentals. The platform you can 100% trust in terms of the reliability of landlords and verified offers is Pepe Housing. We have been on the market since 2016 and since then we have completed more than 6000 bookings successfully. Every day more and more international students come to our website to find apartments for their Erasmus exchange in a fully online and secure way.

Where to find student housing in Poland?

Your application for the Erasmus program to Poland has been accepted. You are extremely happy because your biggest dream has finally come true!  However, this is just the beginning of the new challenges. The hardest task is before you - how to find an apartment for your exchange in another country?

University

One of the solutions is to ask your University.  Most universities in Poland have dormitories, which offer apartments for students. Unfortunately, their quality of living is not of the highest comfort. The question of cleanliness and standard of the dormitories is a matter of doubt, since most of them still remember the early days of our parents' studies and, unfortunately, have never been renovated. This is probably the cheapest option, but cheaper is not always better. Also, as we mentioned earlier in the article, the places in the dormitories are usually limited.

Pepe Housing

The most known and verified website where you can find flats for your Erasmus exchange, internship or just long-term accommodation in Poland is pepehousing.com. At Pepe Housing you'll find only verified properties and trustworthy landlords. What’s more, you can make the booking in advance, without leaving your home! The reservation process is fully online and secure. You can browse offers on the website, check pictures, videos and descriptions. All the landlords are speaking English so communication is easy. Pepe Housing secure your payment by keeping it till you move in so you have 24 hours to report to us if something is wrong with the apartment you booked. We cooperate with many universities and we are the official Erasmus Student Network partner for Erasmus housing in Poland. Want to know more details? Check this article and get to know how Pepe Housing works.
Already decided to rent an apartment? You can search and book thousands of offers in Poland using link below:

Ask a friend!

A solid option for finding an exchange apartment in Poland is a recommendation from your friends. Someone who has already studied here before will be able to give you the best advice based on their own experience. If you know people who have been to Erasmus in Poland, do not hesitate to ask for the most important details. It will definitely be helpful!

Advertising websites and Facebook Groups

In Poland, there are a few advertising websites like Olx, Gumtree, and Otodom. On all of them, you can find many rental offers in Poland. It’s a popular option for local students, however, it may be difficult to find a flat there if you are a foreigner. Language barrier, no online bookings and landlords who prefer to rent for 12 months it’s the main reason why it may be difficult to rent there if you are from abroad. In this case, it’s also much easier to get scammed as there is no secure online booking process. There are also many Facebook accommodation Groups in Poland. It may be simpler to contact the landlords there than on advertising websites, however there are more scammers there as well.

TIP: Would you like to recommend our site to another friend and earn money at the same time? Join our affiliate program, recommend Pepe Housing to a friend, and get 200 PLN for the recommendation! Also, your friend will get a discount on his first booking! Win-win.

Accommodation necessary documents and paperwork for renting. What to watch out for?

Now that you know what types of accommodation you can find in Poland and where to book them, the next step is to know what you will need to prepare in terms of documentation and what document you will need to sign.

When you book the flat - no matter if it’s a dormitory or an apartment from a private owner, you will need to sign the contract lease. The lease contract is a legal document in which the landlord is obliged to provide the leased property for use by the tenant, for a specified or indefinite period, in exchange for payment in the form of rent paid by the tenant. Usually signing a contract happens during the check-in, however, if you booked the student housing online (for example on Pepe Housing) it may happen that the landlord will send you a scan of the contract even before your arrival and will ask for an online signature.

Standard contract lease should contain:

  • the personal data of the landlord and tenant
  • the duration of the lease. The dates of stay on the contract should be exact as you expect to stay in the apartment. Usually, the contract contains a termination period, in Poland it is common to set it from one to three months
  • payment method - the recommended method is to pay via bank transfer to the owner’s bank account, if it’s not included in the contract you can ask your landlord for such a possibility. If you decide to pay in cash you should ask for confirmation from the landlord each month that he received the payment.
  • the costs of the lease, and what it includes: utilities such as gas, water and electricity are not always included in the monthly rent cost and are normally at the tenant’s expense
  • the payment deadlines
  • the deposit and the form of return. Standard deposit is one month's rent, but sometimes landlords ask for a higher amount. Security deposit is fully refundable if you give back the apartment in the same condition as when you check-in. According to Polish law, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit.

    To sign the contract lease, you need to have your ID or Passport.

TIP: If you are from abroad and don’t understand Polish, the contract should also be translated into English. If that’s not possible you can ask your Polish friend to check the contract with you before signing.

Cost of living in Poland

A question that bothers every student: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?


Let me guess, this was the first phrase you typed into the search engine looking for your place on Erasmus "How much does it cost per month to live in ... Warsaw?". We are already here to help! Below we have created a guide that will help you estimate the approximate cost of living in your Polish city per month. Please note that the costs vary in other cities in Poland. When it comes to the most expensive place to live in Poland, it is of course the capital - Warsaw. Not far from there, you will find Krakow, Gdansk, and Wroclaw. Cheaper options include Katowice, Poznan, Lodz, and Bialystok.

Do you want to save money or try to better plan your budget during your stay in Poland? It's possible and it’s not hard! Take a look at our article about the cost of Living in Poland and read the tips about how to plan your budget that include some money-saving tips for Erasmus students. Be sure to also check our Useful tips for your Erasmus stay in Poland that also can help you to save some money.

Examples of Rental Costs in Major Polish Cities

Apartments in WarsawApartments in KrakowApartments in Wroclaw

Single room  - 1900 - 2500 pln
Studio apartment – 3000 – 4000 pln
2 room flat – 3500 – 5000 pln
3 room flat – 5000 – 7000 pln
4 room apt. – 7000 – 10000 pln

Single room - 1500 - 2300 pln
Studio apartment – 2300– 3500 pln
2 room flat – 3700 – 4600 pln
3 room flat – 4600 – 6000 pln
4 room apt. – 5800 – 8400 pln

Single room - 1300 - 2000 pln
Studio apartment – 2300– 3400 pln
2 room flat – 3800 – 4000 pln
3 room flat – 4900 – 5900 pln
4 room apt. – 6600 – 8000 pln
Apartments in PoznanApartments in GdanskApartments in Lodz

Single room - 1200 - 1800 pln
Studio apartment – 2500 – 3000 pln
2 room flat – 2900 – 3800 pln
3 room flat – 4200 – 5100 pln
4 room apt. – 5700 – 7500 pln

Single room - 1400 - 2200 pln
Studio apartment – 2300 – 3700 pln
2 room flat – 3400 – 4100 pln
3 room flat – 3000 – 4000 pln
4 room apt. – 6100 – 7800 pln

Single room - 1100 - 1800 pln
Studio apartment – 2100 – 3600 pln
2 room flat – 3200 – 3900 pln
3 room flat – 3500 – 4000 pln
4 room apt. – 4600 – 6100 pln

Top Erasmus cities to study in Poland

Warsaw

It is the capital of Poland and at the same time the most populated city. The number of inhabitants here is around 2 million people and year after year there are more and more of them! In a word, Warsaw is beautiful, charming, impressive, and one of a kind. You will fall in love at first sight. According to the European Union rankings, it is one of the best cities to live in Europe. And its popularity is still growing! In Warsaw, you can feel the European climate, but it is equally cozy and safe. During warmer months this city amazes us with its beauty and all-around greenery! What’s interesting about Warsaw is that during the II World War, the city was destroyed by over 80%. But now you can admire not only the beautiful Old Town that has been rebuilt after the war but also the very modern and full of skyscrapers City Center. In the city, you will also find many beautiful parks like Łazienki Królewskie (Royal Baths Park), great restaurants, clubs and other attractions.

Krakow

The most touristic city in Poland, if someone says that he visited Poland, then he was in Krakow for 99%. Old Town has a magical atmosphere, and Vistula Boulevards are the most famous places for students to sit outside and have a nice time. Krakow is also an ideal starting point if you want to visit the Polish mountains - Tatra Mountains. It’s really close to getting there by train or car. 

Gdansk

The prevailing argument which no other city can offer you - sandy beach and sea. Wonderful views of the old town and access to the water are something that locals love here. Gdansk will delight you in any season, but remember that it is quite windy here all year round, so you'd better bring a hoodie!

Wroclaw

One of the warmest cities in Poland, in June the temperature here reaches 30 degrees, and the sensible temperature is 5 degrees more. Wroclaw in a word - chill and relaxed. Everyone here has a smile on their face and is willing to give you a helping hand when you need it. In Wroclaw people live life to the fullest, never in a hurry and try to make the most of every moment. 

Lodz

Piotrkowska Street - I don't think anyone needs to be introduced to this place. It is here that the majority of students spend their time meeting and eating together. Interestingly, Lodz is becoming an ever more popular destination for foreign students. It is located just over an hour by train from the capital, so if you feel like it, you can visit Warsaw anytime!

Poznan

Poznań - city of experiences! This is the most famous proverb in Poland about this city. And it did not come from nowhere. Ponan will charm you with its unique atmosphere and stunning views. It is a very student place and the headquarters of ESN in Poland! If you choose this place as your Erasmus destination, be sure to try the pyry z gzikiem - a traditional Poznan treat!

Katowice

A city that is growing in popularity in terms of foreign students all the time. It is a dynamically developing city and the capital of the IT industry. There is no lack of interesting student spots and restaurants.

Bialystok

This is by far the most peaceful city of all those above, It has its atmosphere though. On the outskirts of the city, you can get to know the real Polish countryside and taste traditional delicacies. Bialystok is located very close to the capital, so you immediately have a plan for a weekend trip! Within 30 minutes by car, there are the most beautiful national parks in Poland: Bialowieza and Biebrza National Parks.

Finding the right location - What to consider?

Distance from the university

The most important factor to consider is, obviously distance from the university. How to check it? Enter the address of your college in Google Maps, and note this location. Then go to Pepe Housing, select "View on map" and check the apartment listings near your college. Then select "Choose a listing" and the miniature houses will be displayed at the bottom of the map. Choose the offer that best suits your needs, enter the details, press "Free pre-book now" and viola! You have just found an apartment close to your uni!

Good access to public transport

If you decide to choose a room a little farther from the university, it is definitely useful to know something about public transport. As far as Warsaw is concerned, practically the whole city is very well connected. We have two subway lines, trains, buses and SKM. The cheapest option for students is to buy a 3-month ticket. For more information, check out this website https://www.wtp.waw.pl/en/public-transport-in-warsaw/.

Wroclaw, Gdansk, Karków, Poznan, Katowice, Łodz, and Białystok are also very well connected, also living outside the city center is not a problem! Sometimes it is even an advantage because it is more peaceful and you can find more green areas. In each place, the best option to travel will be public transport. It is most economical to take a monthly or quarterly ticket. You pay once and enjoy the convenience.

Need your single public transport ticket ASAP?
The best way to find a good connection from your home to your university is by using the Jakdojade App. You can find there every public transport schedule in any Polish city and also buy single tickets. Jakdojade is essential if you want to know your way around the city. The purchase process is very simple and fast.
Link to Jakdojade: https://company.jakdojade.pl/o-aplikacji/

Neighborhood

For some, the most important element to consider when choosing a place to live is not the distance from the university but the climate of the neighborhood. Each of the neighborhoods in your area is characterized by its own micro-atmosphere, for which some people love them and are unable to live anywhere else.

In each neighborhood, you will find something for yourself, because whichever neighborhood you choose you will find a park, great restaurants, places to have fun and go out, stores and good public transportation to the center. Which neighborhood to choose? This is a question of how well you know yourself and your needs. 

Infrastructure and facilities

Along with the neighborhood usually go to facilities. You don't have to worry, because in Poland you will find places necessary for daily life such as grocery stores, bakeries, and pharmacies on every corner of a major city. When it comes to entertainment it can be slightly different. You'll find the largest number of bars, clubs, and fancy restaurants around the city center. In the further parts of the city, there are a little less of them. However, it's worth following the city's Instagram profiles, where there is always information about interesting places or good places to eat.

Warsaw KrakowWroclaw
@warsawholic@krakowfood.kati@kocham.wroclaw
@goodplacewarsaw@gastrozachwyt@wroclawskiepodrozekulinarne
@meetmeinwarsaw@ludziehuby@wroclawbeznudy
GdanskPoznanLodz
@whynotgdansk@mytujemy@czestojemy
@foodlovepeople@foodhunterki@jemywłodzi
@miejscawgdansku@gastropoznaniak@w_lodzi_jest_fajnie

Improve your room or flat easily

If you are doing Erasmus in another country it is very important that you feel comfortable in your apartment or room because you will spend the next months there. How do you make sure you feel at home here?

Be sure to take your favorite souvenir that will remind you of your hometown. A small element that will be able to improve your mood when you miss home. On the other hand, remember that it is your Erasmus! You're coming here to experience a new city that will become your new home for the next six months. How to make this task easier? Maaap, map, and more map of the city. Find a map of your Erasmus city in paper form. Not only will this help you get to know the city better, but you'll also be able to mark your favorite places and restaurants. Hanging a paper map on the wall will make you discover your inner traveler and you will always have the desire to explore the city.

Time to feel more cozy?

Create an atmosphere - who doesn't know these little glowing lamps from IKEA? They make your bed cozier and if you add a candle to it, it's a brilliant recipe for 100% comfort and relaxation.
https://www.ikea.com/pl/pl/p/ledfyr-girlanda-led-24-lampki-do-wnetrz-srebrny-60347989/

How to make your room even more charming? Recently, analogs have become very popular, I recommend you to invest in one too! It is a perfect form of keeping memories of the best moments of Erasmus. Once your roll is full, tear out the photo and put it on the wall to remind you and the coolest moments with your friends. You can also use Instax to get this effect

How to spend your free time as an international student?

No matter which city in Poland you decide on, you will certainly not be bored! In each city, you will find many attractions specific to those places. The capital of Poland, Warsaw, has the most to offer in terms of entertainment, restaurants and attractions. But in fact any major city in Poland is so interesting that you will not run out of ideas on how to spend your time there.

Tips for Erasmus students

Going to study abroad is an exciting experience, but it can also come with many challenges, especially when it comes to payments or transportation in another country. If you don't know the language it will be difficult to arrange basic things. You must be well-prepared to make the most of your stay. That's why we've compiled a list of the 5 most useful apps that will make your stay on Erasmus in Poland easier. Your traveling, financial management, insurance, and daily commute will get much simpler and more convenient now!

Stay safe - typical scams and how to avoid them

When searching for an apartment for rent in Poland you may encounter some scams so it’s important to be aware of them in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while searching for a flat:

  • Never pay for an option to see an apartment - in the past, there were many “companies” that offered the flat at an attractive price but in order to view the apartment you needed to transfer a small amount of money (for example 200 PLN). If you see this kind of offer don't agree to it as there is a big chance that the person who offers it is a scammer and the flat doesn’t exist
  • If you are not using the safe booking online service (for example Pepe Housing) don’t transfer the money for rent or deposit before you see a flat and sign a contract. If there is no company who secures your payment and you don’t know the person who is offering the flat then it is not safe to make payments upfront especially if you are from abroad.
  • Too cheap to be true - before you rent, get to know the average price on the market for your type of accommodation. For example, if you know that a private room in Warsaw usually costs around 300-400 EUR then if you see an offer for a room for 100 EUR there is a great chance that this flat doesn’t exist
  • Go through the offer carefully - check if the information about the flat makes sense. Use Google Maps to see if the apartment building really stands there. Ask the landlord questions about the apartment and its surroundings 

Apart from these typical scams, remember to always be careful when choosing the accommodation and signing documents. Nowadays there are many sophisticated methods of scammers so it’s always good to make sure that you are not talking to such a person.

Conclusions

Navigating through the process of finding and securing student accommodation in Poland can seem difficult, especially for international students unfamiliar with the local market. However, with the right information and resources, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Poland offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets, from dormitories to private rooms and apartments. Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław not only provide excellent educational opportunities but also vibrant cultural experiences and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European destinations.

To ensure a successful stay, remember to use secure services like Pepe Housing for verified and secure rental options, seek advice from friends and university contacts, and stay vigilant against potential scams. Understanding the rental process, necessary documentation, and average living costs will help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

Choosing Poland as your study destination is an exciting step towards personal and academic growth. By following the guidance in this Ultimate Student Accommodation Guide, you can confidently find a comfortable and convenient place to live, allowing you to focus on your studies and fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural experience Poland has to offer.

Remember, your accommodation is not just a place to sleep—it's your home away from home. Make it cozy, stay safe, and enjoy every moment of this incredible adventure. 

Welcome to Poland, and best of luck with your studies! If you have any further questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to Contact Us.

Happy studying and enjoy your stay in Poland!

FAQ

1. What is the safe way to book accommodation in Poland?

Pepe Housing as a company is trusted by many organizations and universities, making us the official Erasmus Student Network partner for Erasmus accommodation in Poland. Our first concern is to provide secure ways for tenants to complete their rent transactions safely and to do that we set some safety points:

- Payment is safe and online, you won’t have to proceed to any payment outside PepeHousing and thus you won’t be exposed to any sort of money scam or fraud.

- Payment is secure, as we keep your payment for 48 hours after you move in before it is transferred to the landlord in order to make sure that everything is at your convenience and that the accommodation is consistent with the advertisement.

- Our team members will be happy to assist you during the whole process and answer all your questions.

2. I'm not a student, can I book at Pepe Housing?

We are here to help everyone. Whether you’re a student looking for a shared flat while studying abroad, an expat looking for a reliable booking on a great deal or a local looking for a flat in an awesome neighborhood Pepe Housing is for you!

3. Why should I avoid booking a flat without using a secure service?

Without the protection of a secure service, you are at a higher risk of encountering fraudulent listings. Scammers can create fake listings with appealing photos and attractive prices to lure unsuspecting renters. Secure platforms like Pepe Housing verify listings to ensure their authenticity, reducing the risk of fraud. 

4. Is the security deposit refundable? 

A security deposit is a standard payment made to the landlord to cover potential damages made by the tenant. Usually, it’s equal to one month's rent. The deposit is fully refundable in 30 days after the check-in if everything is ok with the flat after your stay. Remember to sign with a landlord during the check-out information that everything is correct.

TIP: It’s worth taking pictures of the room and flat during your check-in to make sure that you will give back the flat in the same condition. If you see any damages during the check-in, be sure to write it down with the landlord in the lease contract.

5. Can I contact your team if I have questions about booking accommodation in Poland? 

We are here to help you. If you have any questions regarding renting an apartment in Poland, you can Contact Us any time. Our team will be happy to help you.

We wish you a pleasant stay in Poland! :)

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About the author
Joanna Stolarska - Expert in finding rental apartments for Erasmus students in Poland. In my free time I'm an enthusiastic traveler and I love running. I'm happy to share with you my tips & life hacks about Erasmus in Poland.
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