In this guide, we have gathered things that are really worth paying attention to when choosing a student dormitory in Krakow as an Erasmus student. No marketing slogans, but a perspective from people who know what international students face most often.
A dorm is not just a place to sleep. It is a space where you study, rest after classes, and spend time with people you meet on Erasmus. Well-chosen student housing in Krakow can make everyday life much easier — a poorly chosen one quickly becomes a nuisance, even if it "looked fine" at the beginning.
It is also worth remembering that changing your dorm during the semester is not just moving. It also means additional costs, paperwork, and a lot of confusion at a time when you should be focusing on your studies and the new city. It is better to spend a longer moment choosing at the start than to act in a rush later.
For many Erasmus students, a student residence is also the first real contact with Poland — with the language, rules, and daily functioning. Therefore, student housing for international students should offer something more than just a bed: the feeling that from the first days, you know how everything works.
Most often, the choice comes down to two options: a public dorm or a private student dormitory. Both forms of accommodation are available to students, but they differ in organization and approach to residents — which matters a lot for Erasmus students.
Public dorms are usually cheaper but involve more paperwork. The admission process can be limited, regulations are quite strict, and contact and documents are often conducted exclusively in Polish. The standard is rather basic, and flexibility regarding the length of stay does not always fit the reality of student exchange.
Private student residences work differently. They offer more predictable conditions, a higher standard, and simplified formalities. For many students, Erasmus accommodation in Krakow in the private sector also means service in English and greater contract flexibility. These are simply two different models — the choice depends on your budget, expectations, and how comfortably you want to start your stay in Krakow.
When choosing a place to live, it is worth looking broader than just the price and photos. Details decide whether daily life will be comfortable and hassle-free.
In Krakow, travel time is more important than the address. Thanks to well-functioning public transport, you don't have to live in the center to get to classes quickly. Trams and buses run frequently, and student tickets are affordable. Before choosing student accommodation in Krakow, always check the real commute to the university — preferably during morning hours.
It's not about luxury, but daily comfort. Pay attention to whether the room has a desk for studying, stable internet, a sensible kitchen, and access to laundry. These are the things that most affect the comfort of life in a student dormitory, especially during exam sessions.
For Erasmus students, matching the contract to the length of the semester is crucial. Check how long the contract is signed for and whether there is a possibility of early departure. Accommodation for Erasmus students in Krakow with a flexible contract gives much greater peace of mind, especially if your plans might change.
One of the biggest pluses of Erasmus is the people. An international student residence hall makes it easier to meet other students from abroad and makes starting in a new city simply easier. Common spaces and daily contacts favor integration — also outside of university classes.
At the beginning of your stay in a foreign country, a sense of security is very important. A safe dorm is not only monitoring or access control but also the presence of staff you can turn to with a problem. Student housing for international students should offer clear rules and real support — especially when something doesn't go according to plan.
Browsing offers of student accommodation in Krakow, you will quickly notice price differences. This is normal — prices depend mainly on what is actually included in the monthly fee, not just on the location or room size.
Public dorms are usually cheaper but offer a basic standard and limited scope of services. Private student dormitories work differently: the price includes not only the room but also utilities, internet, access to common areas, and often additional amenities (e.g., chill rooms or a gym). Therefore, when comparing offers, it is always worth checking exactly what is in the price, instead of focusing solely on the amount itself.
For Erasmus students, predictability is very important. A fixed monthly fee in a private student residence allows you to plan your budget without calculating bills and unexpected surcharges during the semester.
If you want to see a broader comparison of a dorm and renting a flat, it is worth checking our separate article that breaks down these differences — Private student dorm or renting a flat? Let’s compare the costs and benefits for students in Krakow.
At first glance, many dorms look similar, so it is easy to make a decision that later starts to bother you in everyday life. Here are the mistakes Erasmus students make most often:
Most of these can be easily avoided if you spend a moment calmly comparing options.
For many Erasmus students, predictability and clear rules are extremely important. A private student dormitory gives a sense of control over everyday matters — from the price, through the contract, to the organization of life on the spot.
Language also matters a lot. In student housing aimed at international students, service in English is standard, which eliminates many misunderstandings, especially at the beginning of the stay. Thanks to this, it is easier to focus on studies and the Erasmus experience itself, instead of organizational matters.
Choosing Erasmus accommodation in Krakow doesn't have to be complicated if you approach it calmly. Just pay attention to a few important issues:
It can be handled — the key to success is a conscious choice at the beginning, instead of nervous decisions during the semester. A well-chosen student dormitory in Krakow means less stress and more space for what is really important in Erasmus.
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