Study in Poland
Everything a Ukrainian student needs to know about living in Poland
The residence of Ukrainian students in Poland is becoming increasingly important in light of current events. Poland attracts students with its high-quality educational programs, affordable tuition fees and proximity to Ukraine. Polish universities offer many opportunities for free education and scholarships, which makes the country attractive to Ukrainian students.
Looking for housing
There are several accommodation options for students in Poland. University residence halls offer the most cost-effective housing with amenities for studying and socializing with other students. The cost of living in a hostel varies from 300 to 800 zlotys per month, depending on the city and conditions.
Renting an apartment gives you more freedom and privacy, but is usually more expensive. The cost of renting an apartment for one person ranges from 400 to 900 zlotys per month, depending on the location and size of the apartment. It is important to consider additional utility costs.
Living with local families can be a good option for those who want to better immerse themselves in Polish culture and language. This option usually includes meals and fewer household chores.
The process of searching for housing can be started on popular sites: OLX, Otodom, Gratka. These platforms offer a wide selection of ads and convenient search filters.
When choosing a real estate agency, it is important to check its reputation and licenses. Pay attention to reviews from other clients and make sure that the agency provides contracts and receipts for services.
Never agree to a rental without personally inspecting the property. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that the apartment meets your expectations and the photos or video materials provided. It is also important to discuss all rental terms in advance to avoid misunderstandings in the future. If you enter into a contract, you must re-read it carefully and, if necessary, consult with a lawyer.
Legal aspects of residence
To rent housing in Poland, students need a passport, visa or residence permit and income certificate. These documents confirm your identity and solvency, which is important for concluding a rental agreement.
There are several key points to pay attention to in your lease agreement. Lease term - the contract is usually concluded for 6 or 12 months with the possibility of extension. The amount of the deposit is most often an amount equal to the monthly rent. It is important to find out the conditions for returning the deposit to avoid problems when leaving. Termination conditions - check what conditions are provided for early termination of the contract to avoid penalties.
Foreigners are required to undergo a temporary registration procedure at their place of residence. To do this, you need to visit the local municipality office with your passport and rental agreement. The procedure is usually simple and takes little time.
Registration is important as it confirms your legal residence in Poland. Without registration, there may be problems with access to medical and other services, and there may be fines for its absence. The maximum possible sanctions are deportation.
Cost of living in Poland for students
Let's look at the example of Warsaw, where there are the most universities and opportunities. Accommodation in Warsaw for students requires taking into account several key costs. The average cost of renting housing in the capital is about 2000-2500 zlotys per month, depending on the location and size of the apartment. Utilities that are usually paid separately include water, electricity, heating and gas. These costs vary depending on the season and use, but on average they are around PLN 300-500 per month.
Food will cost approximately 500 zlotys per month. To save money, you can cook at home and take advantage of discounts in supermarkets. Large cities often host promotions and sales, which also helps reduce costs.
Transport costs depend on the use of public transport. Students can take advantage of discounts on travel tickets. For example, a monthly travel card in Warsaw costs about 55 zlotys, and a 90-day ticket costs 140 zlotys.
Healthcare and Insurance
Health insurance in Poland is compulsory for all students. It is divided into compulsory and voluntary insurance. Compulsory insurance covers basic medical services and is paid either by the state or by the employer if the student is officially employed. It is important to register with the ZUS healthcare system and pay your insurance premiums on time.
Voluntary health insurance provides a wider range of services and usually includes access to private clinics. Popular insurance companies in Poland include Medicover, Luxmed and Enelmed. These companies offer a variety of insurance packages that you can choose depending on your needs and financial capabilities.
The registration procedure usually begins with a visit to the office of the insurance company with a passport and other necessary documents. After registration, you must pay monthly insurance premiums, which depend on the selected service package. For example, a basic Medicover package costs about PLN 30 per month, while more advanced packages can reach PLN 100-200. Having good insurance is extremely important, because medical services in Poland are quite expensive, and often worse than, for example, in Ukraine.
Read also: How to rent housing in Poland: useful tips
Leisure
Studying is good, but don’t forget about rest! There are many options available for students in Poland to spend their free time. In large cities such as Warsaw and Krakow, you can find many cafes and restaurants where students can eat inexpensively and have a good time. Cinemas offer discounts to students, and the cost of a ticket is about 14-20 zlotys.
Museums and theaters also offer discounted tickets for students, allowing you to attend cultural events at an affordable price. Entrance to museums can cost from 5 to 10 zlotys, and tickets to theaters can cost from 17 to 25 zlotys.
For an active holiday, sporting activities such as swimming pools and gyms are available. Many universities have their own sports complexes, where students can play sports for free or for a nominal fee.
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