Looking for accommodation in Poland as an international or Erasmus student? Here is everything you need to know
Going on Erasmus or starting your full-time studies abroad is a huge adventure – a new city, new friends, and totally new experiences. But there is one thing that can cause stress right from the start: accommodation. What to choose? A public university dorm, a private flat, or a private student residence?
Poland is currently one of the top destinations for international students. It is safe, more affordable than Western Europe, and its student cities are vibrant practically all year round. It’s no wonder thousands of students from all over Europe and the world come here every year.
You have three main options to choose from:
- Public university dorms,
- Private student residences (Private Dorms),
- Renting a flat or a room.
Each has its pros and cons. This guide will help you choose wisely – stress-free and without mishaps. You don’t need to know the Polish real estate market inside out. You just need to know what to look for.
What are the types of student accommodation in Poland?
In Poland, students – both local and international – have several basic accommodation forms to choose from. They differ not only in price but also in comfort level, amount of paperwork, and daily lifestyle. What hits the bullseye for one person might be a total miss for another.
Below you will find a short, concrete breakdown of the three most popular options – with practical tips.
Public Dorms – the cheapest option
Public dormitories are classic student houses run by universities. Their biggest asset is the lowest price on the market and proximity to campuses – often just a few minutes' walk or one tram stop to get to classes.
On the other hand, you have to be aware of what comes with such savings. The standard is usually quite basic, bathrooms and kitchens are shared, and "quiet hours" can be rather theoretical. Plus, there are strict regulations that can limit your freedom – especially regarding guests or late returns.
This solution works mainly for people with a very limited budget who have a high tolerance for a lack of privacy. For international students, public dorms can be tricky to organize – spots are limited, and administrative matters are often handled exclusively in Polish.
Private Student Residences – comfort and peace of mind
Private student residences (PBSA) are currently one of the most frequently chosen options by international students, especially for the first semester. And it’s hard to be surprised – this solution simplifies starting out in a new country to the max.
You don’t have to search for a landlord, negotiate terms, or worry about utility bills. The room is ready to move into, all fees are included in the price, and the rules are clear from the start. On top of that, you get an international community, easy socializing, and events that help you meet people in the same boat as you from day one.
A huge plus is the modern common areas, which really make a difference in private dorms. Instead of one crowded kitchen per floor, you have access to zones for studying, communal cooking, relaxing, or gaming – designed to foster both focus and socializing. This is something often missing in university dorms, and even more so in private apartments.
A major advantage is also that you can book your room from abroad and arrive to find everything ready. No searching for temporary hostels, no stress, no time pressure. That is why a private student hall is often chosen as the safest and most comfortable option for a start in Poland.
Renting a Flat or Room – freedom, but with risk
Renting an apartment or a room is a solution for those who value independence and their own rules. It gives a lot of freedom but comes with the greatest responsibility. You have to account for a deposit, often long contracts (even for 12 months), extra utility bills, flatmates, and – unfortunately – the risk of running into a dishonest offer.
Then there is the language barrier, as many contracts and ads are only in Polish. In practice, this means more stress and paperwork, especially at the beginning.
Therefore, renting is not the ideal option for the first Erasmus semester. It works much better for people planning a longer stay, who already know the reality of living in Poland and feel confident handling formal issues.
Public Dorm vs. Private Residence vs. Flat – a quick comparison
If you are wondering what will realistically be best for you – it all comes down to three things: budget, comfort, and initial stress.
Public Dorm is the cheapest option and often has a good location right next to the university. On the flip side, you have to expect sharing a room with others, shared bathrooms, and rather flexible noise levels. It’s a solution for those who care more about the lowest price than privacy.
Private Student Dorm is the "middle ground" price-wise, but definitely wins on comfort. You have your own room, internet, and all bills included, plus ready-made infrastructure for studying and socializing. And most importantly: you don’t worry about landlord contracts, meters, or paperwork. Plus, you get access to amenities like gyms, game rooms, and chillout spaces included in the price.
Renting a Flat or Room gives the most freedom but requires the most commitment. Deposits, utilities, long leases, and flatmates are the daily reality. This is a good option for a later stage of your stay in Poland, rather than the first semester.
- If you want it cheap – choose a public dorm.
- If you want it calm and comfortable – choose a private residence.
- If you want it independent and on your own terms – choose a flat.
What to look out for when choosing accommodation?
Location and commute is something you start feeling very quickly in daily life. In theory, a 40-minute commute doesn’t sound terrible, but after three weeks of morning travel, it can be exhausting. Always check the real travel time during peak hours, the number of transfers, and if there is night transport. Equally important is the safety of the neighborhood – good lighting, nearby shops, and reviews from other students.
Price and real costs are the second most common trap. The rent in the ad is almost never the final amount. You have to add electricity, water, heating, internet, and sometimes cleaning or administrative fees. Plus the deposit – often equivalent to one month's rent. Therefore, always ask for the full monthly cost "all-inclusive."
The Contract can be the biggest problem for international students. It is often only in Polish, for 12 months, and with a multi-month notice period. It is worth checking exactly what happens if you need to leave early and the rules for returning the deposit. If you don’t understand something – do not sign blindly.
Room Standard and Common Areas directly affect your quality of life. Your own desk, a comfortable bed, fast internet, laundry facilities, and a sensible kitchen make a huge difference – especially during exam sessions. These aren't just details; they are your daily comfort.
Security and Regulations are often ignored until a problem appears. CCTV monitoring, reception, access control, or clear rules regarding guests really matter, especially at the beginning of your stay in a foreign country.
Most Common Mistakes by International Students
The most common mistake? Leaving everything to the last minute. It seems like "it will work out somehow," and then it turns out good offers are gone, and prices have gone up. In Kraków, the biggest rush starts as early as July, so looking for a flat in September often means a very limited choice.
The second serious mistake is transferring a deposit without thoroughly checking the offer. Fake ads still happen, especially on social media. If someone pushes for a quick transfer, doesn't want to show the apartment on video, and offers a "super price," a red light should turn on.
And the classic: an unclear contract. Focusing only on the price and move-in date without reading the termination conditions or deposit return rules is a straight path to stress at the end of your stay.
Accommodation in Kraków – why is it #1 for students?
Kraków is the student capital of Poland: universities, parties, culture, transport, and a huge international community.
Most popular districts:
- Krowodrza – quiet, close to universities.
- Grzegórzki – modern, close to the center.
- Czyżyny – cheaper, new housing estates.
- Stare Miasto (Old Town) – top location, but also the highest prices.
If you want to learn more about the approximate prices of different accommodation forms, check out our post Private Student Residence vs. Renting a Flat – Comparing Costs and Benefits for Students!
Public transport works very well – trams, buses, and cheap student tickets mean that even a district further from the center isn't a problem.
Why is a Private Student Residence the best choice to start?
Because you take everything that is most stressful off your shoulders:
- paperwork;
- utility bills;
- finding flatmates;
- unclear contracts.
On top of that, there are people from all over the world, common spaces, and events that help you feel "at home" quickly. In Kraków, places like StudentSpace private student housing operate specifically with international students in mind.
When is the best time to start looking for accommodation?
Ideally 3–4 months in advance. The winter semester sees the biggest traffic – in Kraków, the boom starts as early as July. The summer semester is calmer, but good offers disappear quickly too.
The earlier you start, the more likely you are to:
- have a wider choice,
- find lower prices,
- have less stress upon arrival.
Summary – how to search safely and calmly?
Accommodation is the foundation of your successful studies or Erasmus adventure. A good decision means less stress, better comfort, and more time for what’s really important: studies, meeting people, and discovering the city.
If you want peace of mind from day one, a ready-to-move-in room, and clear rules: check out StudentSpace private residences in Krakow. It is one of the simplest solutions for a safe and great start in Poland.
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