Instead of another opinion "from the internet," in this article you will find a comparison of both options, taking into account issues that are most important for students starting their Erasmus adventure — without judging and without the pressure that you have to choose the perfect option right away.
If you are wondering before departure whether to choose a student dormitory or a flat — you are exactly where most Erasmus students are. This is one of the first and most frequently repeated questions before arriving in Krakow. It is hard to make a decision when you don't know the city, don't have a feel for the local market, and have to arrange everything remotely.
On top of that, there is the language barrier and time pressure. Offers disappear quickly, information can be unclear, and the decision about Erasmus accommodation in Krakow often has to be made even before arrival. No wonder many people feel they "must choose well right away." In practice, this is a completely normal stage of preparation.
Before you start comparing prices and locations, it is worth looking at one fundamental difference. A student residence and an apartment are not two versions of the same solution, but two different ways of functioning on a daily basis. Each works well at different moments of your stay.
A dormitory is a ready-made living setup. A room, internet, kitchens, common spaces — everything is already there. You don't have to wonder about bills or organizing basic things. A big plus is also the proximity to other students, often also Erasmus students, which encourages first contacts and integration.
This is a solution that simplifies the start. Fewer organizational matters mean more space for university, exploring the city, and meeting people. For many, it is simply a comfortable way to calmly enter a new reality.
An apartment gives greater independence and a sense of "being on your own." You can set your own rules and daily rhythm, which for some is a big advantage. On the other hand, it often means living with flatmates — and this can be both a great experience and a source of daily compromises.
Renting a flat also means more responsibility. Contact with the landlord, keeping an eye on bills, the contract, and minor technical issues become part of everyday life. It is a more independent lifestyle, but also one requiring more commitment.
The beginning of Erasmus is a very intense moment. A new city, first classes, paperwork, meeting people, and everyday matters that need to be sorted out in a foreign country. At such a time, there is little room for risk and improvisation.
That is why many people decide on a student dormitory in Krakow for the start. It is a predictable solution — you know how much you pay and what rules apply from day one. In the first weeks of your stay, safe accommodation often turns out to be more important than full independence.
Importantly, such a choice does not close the way to change at a later stage. Many Erasmus students treat the dorm as a base for the start, and only after some time — when they know the city and their needs better — decide on a flat. This is a very common scenario.
It is worth emphasizing one thing: changing accommodation during Erasmus is nothing unusual. And this applies not only to moving from a dorm to a flat, but also changing a flat to a dorm or moving from one student residence to another.
After the first month or two, many things start to fall into place. You know the city, you have your people, you know which districts suit you and what your daily life looks like. Then, some Erasmus students consciously decide to change their place — no longer by chance, but by choice.
For some, this means greater independence in a flat, for others, simplifying life and returning to a student residence hall. The most important thing is that you don't have to make one decision for the entire stay. Erasmus is a process — and accommodation can change along with it.
Comparing the costs of a student dormitory and a flat in Krakow, it quickly turns out that the difference does not come down solely to price. The most important thing is how predictable these costs are.
In a dormitory, everything is simple: one monthly fee, clear rules, and minimum formalities. No meters, unexpected bills, or constant contact with different parties. For many Erasmus students, this is simply less stress during a period that is intense anyway.
A flat means greater control over space, but also more variables. A deposit, contract, utilities, and additional fees make it harder to plan a budget exactly. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth asking yourself not only "how much does it cost," but also how much energy do you want to devote to organizational matters?
Erasmus preparations often happen in a rush, so misguided decisions happen more often than it seems. Here are a few typical traps:
These are not serious mistakes, just natural reactions to a new situation. Awareness of these patterns helps approach the topic more calmly and with greater distance.
For many Erasmus students, the most important thing at the beginning is the feeling that everyday matters are under control. A private student dormitory in Krakow like StudentSpace gives exactly such predictability — you know in advance where you live, how much you pay, and what rules apply. Without guessing and without "we'll see on the spot."
A big plus is also the ready-made environment. A student residence is people in a similar situation, common spaces, and natural opportunities to meet others — often even before you get to know the city well.
Also significant is service in English. In a student residence hall in Poland, contact with the administration, contracts, and everyday matters do not require knowledge of Polish, which makes a huge difference at the start. It's not a matter of convenience, but peace of mind — especially in the first weeks of your stay in Krakow.
The choice between a dormitory and a flat does not have to be a "forever" decision. It is rather a question of what will work best at a given stage of Erasmus. For order's sake — grab a short checklist for the end:
It's not an exam. It's a decision that can be changed when your needs change.
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