Cost of living Premium

Student living costs – how much does it cost to study at university?

How much does a student spend? Average monthly student budget

Moving out and fending for yourself in a university city is a major test of financial management. According to periodic “Student Wallet” reports (prepared by the Polish Bank Association), the average monthly cost of living for a student in Poland is currently between 3,400 and 4,000 PLN.

The final amount, of course, depends on your mode of study (full-time vs. part-time), the chosen city, and your standard of living. Expenses in Warsaw, Kraków, or Wrocław will be noticeably higher than in Lublin, Rzeszów, or Toruń.

What makes up a student’s monthly expenses?

• Accommodation (the biggest expense): Typically consumes between 40% and over 50% of the entire budget.
• Food: Grocery shopping, dining out, or eating at university canteens.
• Educational materials: Books, photocopies, access to paid platforms, or software.
• Transport and entertainment: Monthly travel passes, trips home, social outings, and subscriptions (Spotify, Netflix).

Student living expenses in practice – rent, food, and transport

To better plan your budget for the upcoming academic year, it is helpful to break down student living costs into specific categories:

1. Room, apartment, or halls of residence: A place in a public hall of residence costs between 400 and 1,000 PLN. You will pay an average of 1,200–2,000 PLN for a room in a shared student flat, while renting a studio apartment in a large city starts from 2,200 PLN upwards.
2. Food and household essentials: Cooking for yourself at home allows you to keep your food budget within 700–900 PLN per month. Eating out exclusively increases this amount to a minimum of 1,200–1,500 PLN.
3. Public transport and travel: Thanks to the 50% student discount, a semester city travel pass is a minor expense (approx. 50–100 PLN per month). On top of this, you should factor in the cost of train tickets or fuel for weekend trips home.

Saving tip: As a student, you are entitled to numerous discounts. Use your student ID not only for trains and buses, but also in cinemas, museums, restaurants, and even when purchasing software or electronic equipment.

How to boost your student budget?

If the cost of living exceeds your means, remember the support offered by universities and the state. You can apply for a needs-based scholarship, a rector’s scholarship for academic excellence, emergency financial aid, or apply for a preferential student loan with a low interest rate. Most students also combine their studies with part-time work (e.g., under a civil law contract, which is exempt from social security contributions for those under 26, meaning your “gross equals net” earnings).