First year Premium

First year at university in Poland?

New city, new people – how to survive the first few weeks at university in Poland?

Starting university is one of the most turning points in life. The first year at university is not only a change in the way you study and the famous “exam season”, but above all, an entry into adulthood. For most people, it means moving to a completely new city, living without parents, and the necessity of building a network of new acquaintances from scratch.

Although the beginnings may seem stressful, it is during the first year that lifelong friendships are formed, and adapting to the new academic environment happens faster than you think.

First steps at university, or the student essentials:

• Orientation days and matriculation – take part in the organisational meetings. That is where you will find out how the dean’s office and USOS (the student management system) work, and where to look for lecture theatres.
• Year integration – join your course groups on social media, take part in the freshers’ camp, or official integration events.
• Science clubs and organisations – NZS (Independent Students’ Association), the Student Council, or AZS (University Sports Association) are the best places to meet valuable people and quickly feel at home.

First-year logistics – accommodation, transport, and discounts

Student life requires quickly mastering the household budget and city logistics. To ensure your first year at university passes without any painful clashes with financial reality, take care of three key areas:

1. Student accommodation or halls of residence – if you do not have a place to stay yet, start searching for a room or a place in halls by August at the latest. Remember always to sign a tenancy agreement and draw up an inventory when collecting the keys.
2. Student ID card (ELS) and super discounts – this is your most important document. Collect it from the dean’s office as soon as possible. It entitles you to a statutory 50% discount on public transport and a 51% discount on PKP trains.
3. Travelcard and transport – do not buy single tickets. Get a travelcard and top it up with a student-discounted termly or monthly ticket. It is the cheapest way to get unlimited travel on trams and buses.

The golden rule for a fresher: your student ID is the key to a cheaper life. Ask for student discounts literally everywhere – in cinemas, theatres, museums, pizzerias, swimming pools, as well as when buying Spotify or Apple subscriptions, or software for studying.

How to plan your budget for the start?

The first month in a new city tends to be the most expensive due to the tenancy deposit, purchasing long-term tickets, or furnishing your room. Check the cost of living in the given city and find out what scholarships and grants (maintenance or academic) your university offers to keep your finances under control from the very beginning.