University of Warsaw Student Housing Guide 2026
Introduction
The University of Warsaw (Uniwersytet Warszawski, or UW) is Poland's top-ranked university and the largest in the country, with over 40,000 students spread across multiple campuses. If you have been admitted as a degree student, exchange student, or are enrolling in one of UW's English-language programmes, finding the right place to live is the single most important logistical decision you will make.
Warsaw's housing market moves fast. The city has grown into one of Central Europe's most dynamic capitals, and student demand for affordable rooms near UW campuses peaks every September and February. This guide covers everything you need to make an informed housing decision: UW's own dormitories, private flatsharing options near each campus, the best neighborhoods for UW students, real 2026 pricing in PLN, transport logistics, and a monthly budget breakdown.
Whether you are an incoming Erasmus student from Western Europe, a Ukrainian student on a scholarship, or a Polish first-year moving to Warsaw from a smaller city, this guide will help you navigate the options and avoid the mistakes that cost students time and money every semester. For immediate listings, check flatmate listings in Warsaw.
UW Campus Locations and What They Mean for Housing
Unlike many universities that operate from a single campus, UW is spread across Warsaw. Where your faculty is located should heavily influence where you choose to live.
Main Campus: Krakowskie Przedmiescie
The historic main campus sits on Krakowskie Przedmiescie in the very center of Warsaw, just south of the Old Town. This is where you will find the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Polish Studies, Faculty of History, Faculty of Philosophy, and the university administration. The campus is beautiful, with grand 18th-century buildings and courtyards, and it is surrounded by cafes, bookshops, and cultural venues.
Living near Krakowskie Przedmiescie is expensive because it is Warsaw's most central and prestigious address. Most UW students at this campus live in Srodmiescie (the central district), Powisle (just south along the river), or commute from more affordable neighborhoods like Bielany or Wola using the metro.
Ochota Campus
The Ochota campus, located along Banach and Pasteura streets, is UW's science hub. It houses the Faculty of Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics (MIM), and the Faculty of Geology. This campus has a completely different feel: modern laboratory buildings, student cafeterias, and proximity to several dormitories.
Ochota is a more affordable district than central Warsaw and is well-connected by tram and bus. Many science students live within walking distance of this campus, either in UW dormitories or in shared flats in the Ochota and Mokotow neighborhoods.
Other UW Locations
The Faculty of Management is located on Szturmowa street in Mokotow. The Faculty of Economics is on Dluga street near the Old Town. The Faculty of Journalism is on Bednarska street in Powisle. The new campus at Dobra 55 houses several interdisciplinary programmes. These scattered locations mean that some students split their time between two or more sites during the week, making metro and tram access a priority when choosing housing.
University of Warsaw Dormitories
UW operates nine student dormitories (akademiki) managed by the university's Student Affairs Office. Dorms are the cheapest option and are guaranteed for most exchange students, though Polish degree students face more competition for spots.
UW Dormitory Overview
| Dormitory | Location | Room Types | Monthly Cost (2026) | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS Hera | Belwederska 26/28, Mokotow | Double, triple | 650-950 PLN | Renovated, good condition |
| DS Muszelka | Kickiego 20, Ochota | Double, triple | 600-900 PLN | Standard, functional |
| DS Riviera | Warynskinego 12, Ochota | Single, double | 800-1,300 PLN | Recently renovated, popular |
| DS Zaczek | Zwirki i Wigury 95/97, Ochota | Double, triple | 600-850 PLN | Basic, affordable |
| DS Mikrus | Zwirki i Wigury 97a, Ochota | Double | 650-900 PLN | Compact but well-located |
| DS Smyczkowa | Smyczkowa 7/9, Mokotow | Double, triple | 600-850 PLN | Quiet, residential area |
| DS Ursus | Keniga 8, Ursus | Double, triple | 500-750 PLN | Budget option, far from campus |
| DS pod Skrzydlami | Pasteura 2, Ochota | Double | 650-950 PLN | Near science campus |
| DS nr 4 | Kazimierzowska 55, Mokotow | Double, triple | 650-900 PLN | Residential neighborhood |
Who Gets a Dorm Room?
Erasmus and bilateral exchange students are generally guaranteed dormitory placement if they apply through the International Relations Office before the deadline (typically May 15 for fall semester, November 15 for spring). Polish degree students are allocated rooms based on financial need, distance from Warsaw, and academic performance. First-year students from outside Warsaw usually receive priority.
- Application deadline (fall): May 15
- Application deadline (spring): November 15
- Result notification: 4-6 weeks after deadline
- Deposit: One month's rent, payable upon confirmation
- Contract period: Full academic year or single semester
Pros and Cons of UW Dorms
UW dorms are functional and affordable, but they are not luxurious. Most rooms are shared with one or two other students, and you typically share a bathroom and kitchen with your floor. The Ochota-area dorms (Riviera, Muszelka, Zaczek, Mikrus, Pod Skrzydlami) are conveniently located near the science campus. Hera and the Mokotow dorms are quieter and more residential but require a tram or bus ride to either campus.
- Cheapest option at 500-1,300 PLN per month including utilities and internet
- Walking distance to Ochota campus for most dorms
- Built-in social environment with other students
- No lease negotiation or landlord interactions
- Shared rooms with limited privacy
- Communal kitchens and bathrooms per floor
- Strict guest policies and quiet hours enforced
- Limited storage space for personal belongings
Private Housing Near UW Campuses
Private flatsharing is the most popular alternative to dormitories and offers more space, freedom, and location flexibility. In Warsaw, the private rental market is large and competitive. Domkaspot helps students find compatible flatmates and verified apartments across the city.
Rooms Near Krakowskie Przedmiescie (Main Campus)
Rooms in shared apartments within walking distance of the main campus typically cost 1,800-2,800 PLN per month plus utilities. This includes neighborhoods like Srodmiescie-Polnoc, Nowy Swiat, and Powisle. The area is expensive because it is the absolute center of Warsaw, but it offers unbeatable convenience for humanities students. A more budget-friendly approach is to live along the M1 or M2 metro line and commute in under 15 minutes.
Rooms Near Ochota Campus (Science Faculties)
The Ochota area is more affordable than the city center, with rooms in shared flats running 1,400-2,100 PLN per month. The surrounding neighborhoods of Filtry, Stara Ochota, and the border with Mokotow offer good-quality housing stock. Many apartments in this area were built in the 1960s-1980s and are spacious, if not always modern. This is the most cost-effective location for science students who want to walk to campus.
Private Housing Cost Overview
| Housing Type | Near Main Campus (Center) | Near Ochota Campus | Commuter Zone (Bielany/Wola) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room in shared flat (2-3 people) | 1,800-2,800 PLN | 1,400-2,100 PLN | 1,200-1,700 PLN |
| Room in shared flat (4+ people) | 1,500-2,200 PLN | 1,200-1,700 PLN | 1,000-1,400 PLN |
| Studio apartment | 3,000-4,500 PLN | 2,500-3,500 PLN | 2,000-2,800 PLN |
| Utilities (shared, per person) | 250-400 PLN | 250-400 PLN | 250-400 PLN |
| Security deposit | 1-2 months' rent | 1-2 months' rent | 1-2 months' rent |
Best Neighborhoods for UW Students
Choosing the right neighborhood is about balancing cost, commute time, lifestyle preferences, and the vibe you want from your daily life. Here are the top neighborhoods for University of Warsaw students.
Neighborhood Comparison
| Neighborhood | Avg. Room Price | Commute to Main Campus | Commute to Ochota | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srodmiescie (Center) | 1,800-2,800 PLN | Walk (5-15 min) | Tram (15 min) | Humanities students, social life | Urban, busy, cosmopolitan |
| Bielany | 1,200-1,700 PLN | Metro (15 min) | Metro+tram (25 min) | Budget-conscious students | Green, quiet, residential |
| Mokotow (Upper) | 1,400-2,000 PLN | Tram (15-20 min) | Walk/tram (10-15 min) | Balanced lifestyle | Residential, parks, cafes |
| Ochota | 1,300-1,900 PLN | Tram (15 min) | Walk (5-15 min) | Science students | Student-oriented, practical |
| Wola | 1,400-2,100 PLN | Metro (10-12 min) | Metro+tram (20 min) | Modern amenities, metro access | Developing, new buildings |
| Powisle | 1,700-2,600 PLN | Walk (5-10 min) | Tram (15-20 min) | River lifestyle, central | Trendy, cafes, Vistula riverbank |
| Praga Polnoc | 1,100-1,600 PLN | Metro (10 min) | Metro+tram (25 min) | Artsy, affordable | Creative, gentrifying, diverse |
Srodmiescie: The Central Choice
Living in Srodmiescie puts you within walking distance of the main campus and gives you instant access to Warsaw's best restaurants, bars, museums, and cultural venues. The downside is cost. Expect to pay 1,800-2,800 PLN for a room in a shared flat. Students who choose Srodmiescie tend to prioritize convenience and social life over savings. The area is well-served by metro line M2 (Nowy Swiat-Uniwersytet station is literally at the UW main gate) and multiple tram lines.
Bielany: The Budget-Friendly Option
Bielany is the most popular neighborhood for budget-conscious UW students. Located north of the center, it offers significantly lower rents (1,200-1,700 PLN for a shared room) and excellent metro access via line M1 (stations Mlociny, Wawrzyszew, Stare Bielany, Slodowiec). The commute to the main campus takes about 15 minutes door-to-door. Bielany is green and quiet, bordering the Kampinos Forest, making it ideal for students who prefer a calmer environment. The local university campus of UKSW (Cardinal Wyszynski University) adds to the student population in the area.
Mokotow: The Balanced Choice
Upper Mokotow (around Pole Mokotowskie park) is excellent for students who attend classes at both the main campus and the Ochota campus. It sits between the two, with tram connections in both directions. Rents are moderate at 1,400-2,000 PLN, and the neighborhood has a pleasant residential character with plenty of parks, cafes, and the popular Mokotow food market. The area around Pole Mokotowskie has become a student and young professional hub.
Cost Comparison: Dorm vs Shared Flat vs Studio
This table compares the total monthly cost of living for a UW student across the three main housing options. All figures are monthly, in PLN, and based on 2026 Warsaw market rates.
| Expense Category | UW Dorm (Shared Room) | Shared Flat (Ochota/Bielany) | Studio Apartment (Ochota) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 650-950 PLN | 1,400-1,800 PLN | 2,500-3,500 PLN |
| Utilities (electricity, water, heating) | Included | 250-400 PLN | 400-650 PLN |
| Internet | Included | 30-50 PLN (shared) | 60-90 PLN |
| Groceries | 700-900 PLN | 700-900 PLN | 700-900 PLN |
| Transport (student pass) | 55 PLN | 55 PLN | 55 PLN |
| Phone plan | 30-50 PLN | 30-50 PLN | 30-50 PLN |
| Social/entertainment | 300-500 PLN | 300-500 PLN | 300-500 PLN |
| Study materials | 50-100 PLN | 50-100 PLN | 50-100 PLN |
| Total Monthly | 1,785-2,500 PLN | 2,815-3,800 PLN | 4,095-5,790 PLN |
Getting to Campus: Transport for UW Students
Warsaw has Poland's best public transport system, including two metro lines, an extensive tram network, and numerous bus routes. For UW students, transport logistics are straightforward.
Key Transport Facts
- Student monthly pass (ZTM): 55 PLN for all metro, tram, and bus routes within Warsaw
- Metro M1 line: Runs north-south through the city, useful for students in Bielany, Wola, and Mokotow
- Metro M2 line: Runs east-west, station Nowy Swiat-Uniwersytet is directly at UW main campus gate
- Tram lines 10, 17, 33: Connect Ochota campus to central Warsaw and Mokotow
- Night buses (N-lines): Run every 30 minutes, essential for students coming home from late study sessions or social events
- Veturilo city bikes: 20-minute rides free with student subscription, ideal for campus-to-campus trips
Commute Times from Popular Student Areas
| From | To Main Campus | To Ochota Campus | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bielany (Stare Bielany metro) | 15 min | 25 min | Metro M1 + walk or tram |
| Wola (Rondo Daszynskiego metro) | 12 min | 18 min | Metro M2 or tram |
| Mokotow (Pole Mokotowskie) | 18 min | 12 min | Tram 10/17 |
| Ochota (near campus) | 15 min | 5-10 min walk | Tram or walk |
| Praga Polnoc (Dworzec Wilenski metro) | 10 min | 25 min | Metro M2 |
| Powisle | 8 min walk | 18 min | Walk or tram |
| Srodmiescie (center) | 5-10 min walk | 15 min | Walk or tram |
Monthly Student Budget Breakdown for Warsaw
Warsaw is Poland's most expensive city, but student life is still very affordable by Western European standards. Below is a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a UW student living in a shared flat in an affordable neighborhood like Bielany or Ochota.
Budget Student (Shared Flat, Ochota/Bielany)
| Category | Monthly Cost (PLN) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (room in shared flat) | 1,400-1,700 PLN | 2-3 bedroom flat, shared with 1-2 others |
| Utilities + internet (shared) | 280-400 PLN | Electricity, water, heating, garbage, internet |
| Groceries | 700-900 PLN | Cooking at home, shopping at Biedronka/Lidl |
| Transport pass | 55 PLN | Student ZTM pass, all zones |
| Phone plan | 35 PLN | Prepaid SIM, Play or Orange |
| Social and entertainment | 300-500 PLN | Eating out, bars, cinema, events |
| Study materials and supplies | 50-100 PLN | Printing, notebooks, online subscriptions |
| Health and personal care | 100-200 PLN | Pharmacy, hygiene products, haircuts |
| Total | 2,920-3,890 PLN | Approximately 680-910 EUR |
For comparison, a student living in a UW dorm can reduce total monthly expenses to 1,800-2,500 PLN (420-580 EUR). Students with part-time work in Warsaw can earn 1,500-3,000 PLN per month from tutoring, hospitality, or remote freelancing, which comfortably covers the gap between an Erasmus grant and actual expenses.
Tips for International Students at UW
The University of Warsaw attracts thousands of international students each year. Here are practical tips specific to the UW experience.
- Start your housing search early: Warsaw's rental market peaks in August-September. Begin searching on Domkaspot at least 6-8 weeks before your arrival date.
- Use the UW Welcome Centre: Located at Dobra 55, the Welcome Centre provides practical support including housing advice, buddy programmes, and help with administrative procedures.
- Get your student ID (ELS) quickly: You need it for the discounted transport pass, library access, student meal discounts, and proof of student status for landlords.
- Join UW student organizations: ESN UW (Erasmus Student Network), AEGEE-Warszawa, and faculty-specific groups organize events and have internal housing tip networks.
- Consider Bielany if budget is tight: It offers the best rent-to-commute ratio for UW students with metro M1 access.
- Register your address (zameldowanie): Required for stays over 3 months. Needed for PESEL, bank accounts, and healthcare registration.
- Explore the UW library system: BUW (the main university library) has a stunning rooftop garden and is one of the best study spots in Warsaw.
How Domkaspot Helps UW Students Find Housing
Domkaspot was built to solve the exact housing problems that UW students face. Here is how the platform helps.
- Find flatmates before you arrive: Create a profile from your home country, specify that you are a UW student, and get matched with compatible flatmates in Warsaw.
- Personality-based matching: The algorithm considers lifestyle, schedule, cleanliness standards, and study habits to reduce the risk of flatmate conflicts.
- Filter by UW proximity: Search for rooms near your specific campus, whether it is Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Ochota, or any other UW location.
- Verified profiles: Identity verification creates a safer environment than Facebook groups or random classified ads.
- Multilingual: Available in English, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, covering the main language groups at UW.
- Free to use: Profile creation, browsing, and matching are free. Start searching Warsaw flatmates now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Housing Search for UW
Finding housing near the University of Warsaw does not have to be stressful. With the right information and an early start, you can secure a comfortable, affordable room that makes your university experience everything it should be.
The key decisions are simple. If you want the cheapest option with zero hassle, apply for a UW dorm. If you want more space, freedom, and the ability to choose your flatmates, use Domkaspot to find a shared flat near your campus. If budget allows and you value independence, a studio apartment gives you complete privacy.
Warsaw is one of Europe's most exciting cities for students, combining world-class universities, affordable living by Western standards, a booming job market, and a cultural scene that punches well above its weight. The University of Warsaw sits at the heart of it all. Your housing is the foundation of that experience, so take the time to get it right.
Browse verified Warsaw flatmate listings on Domkaspot and find your ideal living situation for the 2026 academic year.
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