Erasmus Student Housing Guide: Poland 2026
Introduction
You have been accepted to an Erasmus exchange in Poland. Congratulations. Now comes the part that stresses out almost every incoming student: finding somewhere to live. Housing is the single largest expense of your exchange and the decision that will most affect your daily experience. Get it right, and you set yourself up for the best semester of your life. Get it wrong, and you spend months dealing with a bad flatmate, a distant commute, or a landlord who ignores your calls.
This guide is written specifically for Erasmus and exchange students heading to Poland in 2026. It covers the full housing landscape, from university dormitories to private rentals and flatsharing, with real prices, honest pros and cons, and practical advice you will not find in your university's generic welcome packet.
Poland hosts over 25,000 Erasmus students annually across more than 300 institutions. The most popular destinations are Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Poznan, and Lodz. Each city has its own housing market dynamics, and this guide covers them all. Whether your grant is 600 EUR or 700 EUR per month, you will find a strategy here that makes the numbers work.
Your Erasmus Grant vs Housing Reality
Let us start with the numbers that matter most: how much money you will have and how much housing actually costs. The 2025-2027 Erasmus+ programme sets monthly grants by country group. Poland falls into Group 3 (lower cost of living countries), which means your grant is at the lower end of the scale.
Erasmus Grant Amounts for Poland
- Standard Erasmus+ grant: 540-600 EUR per month (depending on your home country group)
- Erasmus+ with top-up (fewer opportunities, social inclusion): 790-850 EUR per month
- Erasmus Mundus grants: Variable, typically 800-1,200 EUR per month
- Bilateral exchange (non-Erasmus): Varies widely by home university
Can Your Grant Cover Housing?
The short answer: yes, if you share an apartment. The long answer depends on your city and housing choice.
| City | Dorm Room (Shared) | Dorm Room (Single) | Room in Shared Flat | Grant Coverage (600 EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 600-1,000 PLN | 1,000-1,500 PLN | 1,300-2,000 PLN | Tight but possible with sharing |
| Krakow | 500-900 PLN | 900-1,400 PLN | 1,100-1,700 PLN | Comfortable with sharing |
| Wroclaw | 500-850 PLN | 850-1,300 PLN | 1,000-1,500 PLN | Comfortable with sharing |
| Gdansk | 550-900 PLN | 900-1,400 PLN | 1,100-1,600 PLN | Comfortable with sharing |
| Poznan | 450-800 PLN | 800-1,200 PLN | 950-1,400 PLN | Very manageable |
| Lodz | 400-700 PLN | 700-1,000 PLN | 800-1,200 PLN | Easy, budget surplus likely |
At 600 EUR per month (approximately 2,560 PLN at current exchange rates), you can comfortably cover housing in a shared flat in any Polish city and still have 1,000-1,500 PLN remaining for food, transport, and social life. The key is choosing the right housing option and avoiding the trap of overpaying for convenience.
Housing Option 1: University Dormitories
University dormitories (akademiki) are the cheapest option and the path of least resistance for incoming Erasmus students. Most Polish universities guarantee dorm placement for exchange students, though the quality and availability vary significantly.
Pros of University Dorms
- Cheapest housing option (400-1,500 PLN depending on room type and city)
- Guaranteed placement for Erasmus students at most universities
- No lease negotiation, no deposit hassles, no landlord interactions
- Located on or near campus, minimizing commute
- Built-in social environment with other international students
- Utilities, internet, and basic furniture included
- Easy move-in and move-out aligned with semester dates
Cons of University Dorms
- Shared rooms are the norm (2-3 people per room in many dorms)
- Limited privacy and personal space
- Facilities can be outdated, especially in communist-era buildings
- Strict rules: visitor hours, quiet hours, no cooking in some dorms
- Shared bathrooms and kitchens (per floor, not per room)
- No choice of roommate in most cases
- Noise levels can be high, especially during exam and party periods
- Distance from city nightlife and social scene (some campuses are suburban)
How to Apply
Your host university's International Relations Office handles dorm applications. Apply as early as possible, typically two to four months before the semester starts. Popular universities like Jagiellonian (Krakow) and the University of Warsaw fill their international dorm allocations quickly. If you miss the deadline, you will need to find private accommodation.
Housing Option 2: Private Shared Apartments
Private flatsharing is the most popular choice among experienced Erasmus students, and for good reason. You get more space, more freedom, and a more authentic living experience than a dormitory provides. The trade-off is that you need to find the apartment and flatmates yourself, but platforms like Domkaspot have made this much easier.
Pros of Private Flatsharing
- More space and privacy than a dorm (your own bedroom, shared common areas)
- Choice of location: live in the neighborhood you want, not where the campus is
- Choose your flatmates based on compatibility (especially with Domkaspot's smart matching)
- No institutional rules about visitors, cooking, or quiet hours
- Better equipped kitchens and bathrooms
- Often cheaper than a single dorm room if you find the right shared flat
- More immersive cultural experience living among locals or mixed-nationality groups
Cons of Private Flatsharing
- Requires more effort to find and secure
- Security deposit required (1-2 months' rent upfront)
- Lease terms may not align perfectly with your semester dates
- Risk of flatmate conflicts if you do not choose carefully
- Landlord quality varies, some are responsive, others are absent
- Scam risk when searching online without verified platforms
- Need to set up utilities and internet in some cases
Finding a Shared Flat Before You Arrive
One of the biggest advantages of Domkaspot for Erasmus students is that you can complete the entire process from your home country. Create a profile, specify your target city and dates, browse matched flatmates, have video calls, and view apartments remotely. Many students secure their housing weeks before they even board the plane.
The alternative is arriving and searching in person, which some students prefer. If you go this route, book a hostel for your first 5-7 days and dedicate that time exclusively to apartment hunting. In peak season (September), good rooms are taken within hours of listing.
Housing Option 3: Co-Living Spaces
Co-living is a newer option in Poland that combines the best elements of flatsharing and dormitories. Co-living operators provide fully furnished rooms in shared apartments with all bills included, community events, and often coworking spaces. It is the most hassle-free option but comes at a premium.
Co-Living Costs by City
- Warsaw: 2,200-3,500 PLN per month all-inclusive
- Krakow: 1,800-3,000 PLN per month all-inclusive
- Wroclaw: 1,600-2,800 PLN per month all-inclusive
- Gdansk: 1,800-2,800 PLN per month all-inclusive
For an Erasmus student on a standard grant, co-living in Warsaw would consume most or all of your monthly budget, which is not ideal. However, in smaller cities or if you have additional funding, co-living removes all logistical headaches and guarantees a social environment. Browse co-living options on Domkaspot.
City-by-City Guide for Erasmus Students
Each Polish city offers a different experience and cost profile. Here is a condensed guide for the six most popular Erasmus destinations.
Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland's biggest city with the most career opportunities, the most diverse nightlife, and the highest costs. Best for students in business, economics, tech, or international relations. Top universities include the University of Warsaw, Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), and Warsaw University of Technology.
Recommended neighborhoods: Bielany (budget, near UW campus), Wola (modern, metro access), Praga Polnoc (artsy, affordable). Monthly student budget: 2,800-3,500 PLN.
Krakow
Krakow is the cultural heart of Poland with stunning architecture, a legendary nightlife scene, and the most concentrated student community. Best for humanities, arts, sciences, and anyone who values atmosphere. Top universities include Jagiellonian University (Poland's oldest) and AGH University of Science and Technology.
Recommended neighborhoods: Krowodrza (near AGH, affordable), Debniki (near JU campus), Podgorze (creative scene). Monthly student budget: 2,300-3,000 PLN.
Wroclaw
Wroclaw is known as the city of a hundred bridges, with a beautiful river setting, a youthful population, and a tech sector that is growing fast. The city has the friendliest reputation among Erasmus students and an exceptionally walkable center. Top universities include Wroclaw University, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, and Wroclaw University of Economics.
Recommended neighborhoods: Srodmiescie (central, walkable), Krzyki (affordable, good transport), Psie Pole (budget option). Monthly student budget: 2,200-2,800 PLN.
Gdansk
Gdansk offers a coastal lifestyle with beautiful old-town architecture, proximity to beaches, and a strong maritime history. The TriCity area (Gdansk-Sopot-Gdynia) gives you three cities in one. Best for engineering, maritime studies, and students who love the sea. Top university: Gdansk University of Technology.
Recommended neighborhoods: Wrzeszcz (student hub, affordable), Oliwa (near campus, green), Stare Miasto (central, pricier). Monthly student budget: 2,400-3,000 PLN.
Poznan
Poznan is a business-oriented city with a strong economy, a vibrant Old Town, and a reputation for excellent food (especially croissants, the local specialty). It has a smaller but tight-knit international community. Best for business, economics, and engineering. Top university: Adam Mickiewicz University.
Recommended neighborhoods: Jezyce (trendy, walkable), Wilda (affordable, central), Stare Miasto (central, pricier). Monthly student budget: 2,200-2,700 PLN.
Lodz
Lodz is Poland's most affordable major city and its emerging cultural capital. The revitalized Manufaktura complex, a growing street art scene, and the famous film school give it a creative edge. Erasmus students here get the most bang for their buck. Top universities include the University of Lodz and Lodz University of Technology.
Recommended neighborhoods: Srodmiescie (central, revitalizing), Polesie (affordable, student area). Monthly student budget: 1,900-2,400 PLN.
Student Housing Costs Comparison Table
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of key housing and living costs for students across all six major Erasmus cities in Poland.
| Cost Category | Warsaw | Krakow | Wroclaw | Gdansk | Poznan | Lodz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared room (center) | 1,500-2,000 PLN | 1,200-1,700 PLN | 1,100-1,500 PLN | 1,200-1,600 PLN | 1,000-1,400 PLN | 800-1,200 PLN |
| Shared room (outside center) | 1,100-1,500 PLN | 900-1,300 PLN | 850-1,200 PLN | 900-1,300 PLN | 800-1,100 PLN | 650-950 PLN |
| Dorm room (shared) | 600-1,000 PLN | 500-900 PLN | 500-850 PLN | 550-900 PLN | 450-800 PLN | 400-700 PLN |
| Monthly groceries (budget) | 650 PLN | 600 PLN | 580 PLN | 600 PLN | 570 PLN | 530 PLN |
| Transport pass (student) | 55 PLN | 70 PLN | 55 PLN | 55 PLN | 55 PLN | 48 PLN |
| Beer at a bar | 15-22 PLN | 10-18 PLN | 10-17 PLN | 12-18 PLN | 10-17 PLN | 8-15 PLN |
| Total monthly (budget) | 2,800-3,500 PLN | 2,300-3,000 PLN | 2,200-2,800 PLN | 2,400-3,000 PLN | 2,200-2,700 PLN | 1,900-2,400 PLN |
The Arrival Checklist: First Two Weeks in Poland
Arriving in a new country is exciting but disorienting. Here is a practical checklist for your first two weeks that covers housing and essential administrative tasks.
Before You Arrive
- Secure housing: either a dorm placement confirmation or a private flat found through Domkaspot or another verified platform
- Book a temporary hostel or Airbnb for your first 3-5 nights if your housing is not yet confirmed
- Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country if you are an EU citizen
- Prepare copies of your Erasmus acceptance letter, passport, enrollment confirmation, and insurance documents
- Download essential apps: Jakdojade (public transport), Google Translate, Glovo (food delivery), Bolt (rides)
- Exchange some euros to PLN or set up a Wise/Revolut account for fee-free spending in Poland
- Research your city's neighborhood map and identify your university location, nearest supermarkets, and public transport stops
Week 1: Settle In
- Move into your accommodation and document the apartment condition with photos (important for deposit return)
- Visit your university's International Office to complete enrollment and get your student ID card
- Buy a Polish SIM card: Play, Orange, T-Mobile, or Plus all offer prepaid plans from 30 PLN/month
- Purchase a student transport pass at the nearest ticket office (bring your student ID)
- Do a grocery run at the nearest Biedronka, Lidl, or Zabka for essentials
- Open a Polish bank account if you plan to stay longer than one semester (mBank and ING are expat-friendly)
Week 2: Administrative Tasks
- Register your address (zameldowanie) at the local city hall if staying more than 3 months
- Apply for a PESEL number at the city hall (EU citizens can get one at any urzad gminy)
- Register with the university health center or find a nearby GP clinic
- Attend the ESN (Erasmus Student Network) welcome event to meet other exchange students
- Explore your neighborhood on foot: find the best cafes, study spots, and grocery stores
- Set up your class schedule and confirm any timetable changes with your coordinator
How Domkaspot Helps Erasmus Students
Domkaspot was designed with international students in mind. Here is how the platform specifically helps Erasmus and exchange students find housing in Poland.
- Remote search: Find and secure housing before you arrive in Poland. Browse flatmates and apartments from your home country.
- Personality-based matching: Get matched with flatmates who share your lifestyle, schedule, and cleanliness standards. This dramatically reduces the risk of flatmate conflicts.
- Multilingual platform: Available in English, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian. No Polish language skills required.
- Verified profiles: All users go through identity verification, creating a safer environment than Facebook groups or classified sites.
- Student-focused filters: Filter by student status, university, budget range, and move-in dates that align with semester schedules.
- City coverage: Active in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Poznan, Lodz, and more.
- Free to use: Basic profile creation, browsing, and matching are free.
Common Mistakes Erasmus Students Make with Housing
After speaking with hundreds of Erasmus alumni, these are the most common housing mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Waiting until arrival to search: Peak season rooms disappear within hours. Start searching 4-8 weeks before your move-in date.
- Choosing a dorm by default without researching private options: Private flatshares often cost the same as a single dorm room but offer more space, freedom, and a better location.
- Paying a deposit before seeing the apartment: This is the most common rental scam. Never transfer money without a video tour at minimum.
- Not reading the lease: Even if it is in Polish, use translation tools or ask a Polish-speaking friend to review it. Key things to check: notice period, deposit return conditions, and who pays for repairs.
- Choosing location based on nightlife instead of university proximity: That Kazimierz apartment looks amazing, but a 45-minute commute to campus at 8 AM in winter will wear you down fast.
- Not setting house rules with flatmates early: Discuss cleaning schedules, guest policies, quiet hours, and shared expenses before the first conflict arises.
- Ignoring zameldowanie (address registration): Some students skip this, but it is legally required for stays over 3 months and is needed for various administrative processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Erasmus Housing Action Plan
Finding housing for your Erasmus semester in Poland does not have to be the stressful ordeal that horror stories online suggest. With the right timing, the right platform, and realistic expectations, you can secure a great living situation from the comfort of your home country.
Here is your step-by-step plan. Eight weeks before arrival, create your profile on Domkaspot and apply for university dorms as a backup. Six weeks before, start actively browsing flatmate matches and apartment listings. Four weeks before, shortlist your top options and schedule video calls with potential flatmates. Two weeks before, confirm your housing, sign the lease (remotely if needed), and arrange your deposit transfer. On arrival, move in, document the apartment condition, and begin your first-week admin tasks from the checklist above.
Poland is one of the best Erasmus destinations in Europe, combining affordable living, rich culture, excellent universities, and a welcoming attitude toward international students. Your housing choice is the foundation of that experience.
Domkaspot is here to make sure that foundation is solid. Join the growing community of international students who have found their ideal flatmates and apartments across Poland.
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