A First-Year Student's Guide to Krakow – Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
The first year of university can be compared to a plunge into the deep end – suddenly you have to figure out dozens of new things, meet hundreds of new people, and still find time to study (and have fun, of course). In this guide, we've gathered everything a newly minted student in Krakow should know – from formalities and choosing a place to live, to less obvious tricks that will make your life easier.
And at the end, you'll find a practical checklist to make sure you don't miss anything in your first few weeks!
Anna Godlewska
8/19/2025
Getting Started with University Formalities – You Can't Forget These
The first week of university is a mix of excitement and... paperwork. Before you get swept up in a whirlwind of classes, integration parties, and your first exams, it's worth taking care of a few mandatory tasks. This will help you avoid stressful calls from the dean's office and unnecessary anxiety.
Submitting Your Photo for Your Student ID and to the Dean's Office
Sounds trivial, right? Yet every year, someone forgets and ends up running around the city looking for a last-minute photographer. Each university has its own requirements for the photo's format and background, so be sure to check the guidelines in the USOS system or on the dean's office website. Often, you can submit the photo online – just a few clicks and you're done.
Registering in University Systems – USOS, Moodle, and Student Email
This is your digital guide to your studies. This is where you'll sign up for classes and find materials from your lecturers (depending on your university, you'll use USOS, Moodle, or another system), and your student email is the official channel of communication with the university. Log in right away and set up email forwarding to your primary address – you'll avoid missing important announcements about room changes or exam dates.
Health Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance (NNW)
If you are under 26 and your parents pay contributions to ZUS (the Polish Social Insurance Institution), you are likely already insured. However, if you work on a specific-task contract or run your own business, the situation may be different. If in doubt, consult the dean's office or the NFZ (National Health Fund) – it's better to clarify this now than in the middle of the exam session when you come down with the flu.
Applying for Scholarships and Financial Aid
Most universities have very specific deadlines for submitting applications for social scholarships, rector's scholarships, or emergency financial aid. If you meet the criteria, submit your documents as soon as possible – the earlier you apply, the better your chances of a quick decision.
Pro tip: Keep a scanned copy of your proof of income on your phone; it will come in handy for more than just scholarship applications.
Organizing Your Life in Krakow – How to Get off to a Good Start?
When you start your studies, you have many possibilities ahead of you, but also many important decisions to make. Where will you live to avoid spending two hours a day commuting to the university? If you don't have a bank account, how do you open one and which bank should you choose? Do you really need an ISIC card? The number of questions can grow every day, but we've gathered a handful of the most important tips to help you get started and avoid frantically searching for information from unreliable sources.
Choosing a Place to Live – Dormitory, Private Dormitory, or Apartment
Public Transportation and Commuting to the University
Krakow has a well-developed network of trams and buses, but single-fare tickets can quickly become expensive. The best option? A semester or monthly pass loaded onto the Krakow City Card (Krakowska Karta Miejska). It's also a good idea to install apps like Jakdojade or mKKM and mKK, which allow you to purchase season tickets, including the Krakow Card, so you don't get stuck on your way to a morning lecture.
Opening a Bank Account and Getting an ISIC/Euro26 Card
Many banks offer student accounts with free maintenance and discounts. If you plan to travel (even on weekends), be sure to consider getting an ISIC or Euro26 card – it's not just an international student ID, but also a source of discounts on transportation, admission tickets, and food throughout Europe.
How to Quickly Find Your Place in the New Academic Environment?
The first year is not just about new subjects, but also new people and rules of the game that you don't know yet. The faster you feel like a part of the university, the easier it will be to find your way in everyday life – both in and out of class.
Integration Events and Juwenalia
Most universities organize meetings for new students at the beginning of the year. It's worth going – even if you're not a fan of crowds. It's a great time to meet people from your year and learn less official information about classes and lecturers.
And when spring arrives, Juwenalia will become your annual tradition – parties, concerts, parades, and competitions in a student atmosphere. Every year, universities organize huge events with an exciting concert lineup.
If you live at StudentSpace, you certainly won't lack opportunities for integration – every month in our dormitories, there are events and meetings that make it easy to meet people from all over the world. From themed dinners to movie nights and game tournaments – it's a great way to quickly feel at home.
If you want to develop your interests, gain experience, and make connections, join a student research group or organization. There are hundreds of them in Krakow – from marketing and robotics clubs to theater groups. It's a great way to combine learning with passion, and later have a cool, standout item on your CV.
Less Obvious, but Very Important Tips for First-Year Students
There are things that are rarely mentioned at official student meetings, but that can save your skin in the least expected moment. It's worth knowing them before life at university surprises you.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Your student ID, national ID card, NFZ card – scan them and save them in the cloud or on your phone. If you lose something, handling the formalities will be much easier.
Pro tip: When applying for a scholarship or signing up for classes online, a scanned document can save you a lot of time.
Follow Groups on Facebook and Announcement Platforms
Year-specific Facebook groups, the university forum, or apps like Slack/Discord are a goldmine of information – from lecture notes and event announcements to opportunities for renting a room. Don't ignore them, even if you prefer other social media.
Set a Monthly Budget and Track Your Spending
The first month can be surprising... especially your bank account balance. Krakow's pubs, cafes, and concerts are tempting, so it's easy to spend more than you planned. It's a good idea to establish from the beginning how much you're allocating for housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. Apps for tracking expenses (e.g., Wallet or Spendee) can be your best ally.
Summary – Your Ready-Made Checklist for Your First Month in Krakow
A photo for your student ID, additional insurance, choosing a place to live, your first meeting with your group at the university, registering in USOS... Is your head starting to spin with a jumble of thoughts?
Don't worry! We've prepared a handy cheat sheet that you can use in the near future to start the new chapter in your life without stress.
Head of Marketing at StudentSpace, lecturer at one of Warsaw's universities. For over 15 years, she has been designing and implementing marketing strategies for local and global brands. On the StudentSpace blog, she shares practical advice on choosing accommodation and planning study paths, helping students make informed decisions. Her posts combine expert marketing knowledge with authentic understanding of student life challenges, inspiring personal development at every stage of education.
