In this step-by-step guide, we show you how to find safe and comfortable student accommodation in Krakow, so you can focus on your Erasmus from day one — not on housing problems.
Stress when looking for Erasmus accommodation in Krakow is completely normal. A new country, a foreign language, and limited time make even simple decisions harder.
For many students, cultural differences are a challenge — in Poland, contracts, security deposits, and paperwork (often exclusively in Polish) are the standard. On top of that, there is a high demand for student rooms in Krakow, which means good offers disappear quickly, especially before the start of the semester.
However, we have good news for you – you can avoid unnecessary stress! You just need to know which accommodation options make sense for Erasmus students and what to look out for from the very beginning — that’s exactly what this guide is about.
When looking for housing, you will quickly notice there are several options — and each looks "good" at first glance. The differences only begin when you consider formalities, stress levels at the start, and how easy it will be for you to settle into the new city. Below you will find a short, concrete overview of the three options most frequently chosen by Erasmus students.
Public dorms run by universities are usually one of the cheaper forms of accommodation. their big plus is the location — often very close to campuses — and the low price compared to other options.
However, you have to expect compromises. The standard is usually basic, rooms are typically shared, as are kitchens and bathrooms. There are also regulations that limit freedom (e.g., quiet hours, guest rules). For Erasmus students, formalities conducted exclusively in Polish and a limited number of spots in a student residence hall in Krakow can also be a problem. This is an option rather for those with a very limited budget and high flexibility.
A private student dormitory in Krakow is one of the most frequently chosen options by international students — and for good reason. It is a solution that simplifies the start in Krakow to the max. You book a room before arrival, come to a place that is "ready to live in," and don't worry about contracts, utility bills, or extra fees.
The price usually includes your own room, fast internet, utilities, and access to modern common areas. A huge plus is also the international community — it is easier to meet other Erasmus students and integrate quickly. In terms of formalities and stress, a private student residence in Krakow is one of the most predictable options, especially for the first semester.
Renting a flat or finding rooms for students in Krakow gives the greatest independence and the possibility of living "on your own terms." This solution is often chosen by students who plan a longer stay or know the reality of living in Poland well.
On the other hand, it involves the largest number of formalities: a security deposit, bills, long contracts (often for 12 months), and the risk of unfair offers. The language barrier can be a real problem here because contracts and ads are usually only in Polish. For many Erasmus students, this is an option that generates more stress than it initially seems — especially at the very start.
This is one of the most common questions regarding Erasmus Krakow accommodation — and no wonder. Both options can work, but at different stages of your stay and for different people. Instead of looking for one "best" solution, it is worth considering what you need most at the beginning.
A student residence in Krakow (especially a private one) is a good solution if you are coming to Krakow for the first time, don't know the city, and want to avoid paperwork. It gives greater predictability, facilitates integration with other students, and allows you to sort out housing before arrival. For many people, it simply means a calmer start.
Renting a flat or finding student rooms in Krakow works better when you plan a longer stay, already know the reality of life in the city, and care about greater independence. It is an option giving more freedom but requiring more commitment, contact with the landlord, and dealing with formalities.
In short: a dormitory is an easier start, and an apartment is greater freedom but more responsibilities. That is why many Erasmus students decide on a dorm for the first semester, and only later — when they know the city better — consider renting an apartment.
Costs are one of the most important topics when choosing accommodation — especially if you compare Poland with Western Europe. The good news is that Krakow still compares favorably in price to many Western European cities. However, you need to know what exactly is hidden behind the price in the ad, because it is not always the final amount.
Prices for rooms for students in Krakow vary depending on the standard, location, and form of rental, but most often fall into these ranges:
It is worth remembering that a lower initial price does not always mean a lower total cost.
This is the moment where many Erasmus students get surprised. In the case of renting a flat:
In turn, in a private student residence in Krakow, the price you see is usually the final price — without hidden surcharges and without settling meters every month. For international students, this makes a big difference because it is easier to plan a budget and avoid surprises.
If you are coming from Spain, you might be surprised by two things:
Therefore, before making a decision, always ask about the full monthly cost — exactly "how much will I pay each month and for what."
If you want to see a detailed comparison of costs and benefits, check out our post Private Student Residence vs. Renting a Flat – Comparing Costs and Benefits for Students.
When choosing accommodation, location matters a lot — but it's not about living "right in the center." Krakow has very good public transport, so daily commuting to the university or the center is usually not a problem, even if you live a bit further away. Below is a short overview of the districts most often chosen by Erasmus students.
Krowodrza is one of the most student-friendly parts of the city. It is close to many universities, and you can reach the center by tram in about a dozen minutes. It is a quiet district with a large number of shops, cafes, and service points — ideal for everyday life. Prices are usually more reasonable than in the strict center, and commuting is very convenient.
These districts are often chosen by students looking for a good balance between price and location. You will find modern housing estates, shopping malls, and fast tram connections to the center and universities here. Thanks to efficient public transport, moving around the city daily is simple, even if you live further from the Old Town.
Living in the center of Krakow sounds tempting, but in practice, it is not always the best choice for an Erasmus student. Prices are the highest, and tourist areas can be loud and crowded. The plus is, of course, the proximity to attractions and nightlife, but with good public transport, you don't have to live in the center to enjoy it.
In short: in Krakow, what counts is not so much the address as good transport connections. Trams and buses work efficiently, and student tickets are affordable — that's why many districts outside the center work great as a place to live on Erasmus.
Simply put: better sooner than later, but without unnecessary panic. It all depends on which semester you are arriving for.
If you are planning for the winter semester, it is worth looking for a student dormitory in Krakow a few months in advance. This is the busiest period — the most students arrive then, and good offers disappear quickly. Starting earlier means a larger choice and fewer decisions made under pressure.
In the case of the summer semester, the situation is calmer. Competition is lower, and finding a room is usually easier. However, it is still worth starting earlier to have time to compare options and choose accommodation without stress.
And remember – lacking accommodation a few weeks before arrival is not a catastrophe yet. Krakow has a wide offer of housing and good public transport, so you don't have to live perfectly next to the university. Early search gives comfort, but a calm decision is always better than acting in a rush.
When looking for a flat or student rooms in Krakow as an Erasmus student, it is easy to focus only on price and location. This is understandable, but in practice, a few other issues can decide whether your stay will be peaceful or full of stress. Here are things really worth paying attention to.
In Poland, a rental agreement and a security deposit are standard — even for a short stay. Before you sign anything, make sure how long the contract is for and if it can be terminated earlier. also check when and on what terms the deposit is returned. If the document is only in Polish and you don't understand something, do not sign blindly — this is the most common mistake of Erasmus students.
A price that is too attractive, pressure for a quick transfer, and no possibility to view the apartment (even on video) are clear warning signs. Fake ads still happen, especially on social media. It is safer to use offers from verified companies or places that allow you to book a student residence in Krakow even before arrival.
For many international students, the biggest problem is not the price, but the language. Ads, contracts, and contact with the landlord often take place exclusively in Polish, which makes handling even simple matters difficult. In a private student dorm, like StudentSpace, this problem simply disappears — the entire booking process and contact with the team take place in English. Thanks to this, you don't have to worry about unclear clauses in the contract or misunderstandings resulting from the language barrier.
The beginning of Erasmus involves a lot of new things at once, so many people look for a solution that does not require extra hassle. A private dorm gives exactly such predictability — you know where you live, how much you pay, and on what terms, even before you arrive in Krakow.
The room is prepared, all fees are set in advance, and formalities are limited to a minimum. There is no need to search for flatmates, analyze contracts in Polish, or settle bills every month. This is especially important at the beginning when you are just getting to know the city and the university.
For many Erasmus students, a private student residence in Krakow is simply a calm start – without surprises, without time pressure, and with easier integration thanks to the international environment.
If you feel that choosing accommodation is the hardest part of preparing for Erasmus — that's normal. However, it is possible to approach it calmly and without nervous decisions. The most important thing is to stick to a few simple rules.
Grab a short checklist for the end:
Good accommodation means less stress at the start and more energy for what is really important: studies, people, and enjoying life in Krakow. Regardless of whether you stay for one semester or longer — it is worth betting on an option that gives you a sense of security from the first days.
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