Wroclaw University Student Housing Guide 2026

Main Campus: Old Town (Plac Uniwersytecki)

The historic main campus is located on Plac Uniwersytecki in the heart of Wroclaw's Old Town. The stunning Baroque main building (Gmach Glowny) houses the Aula Leopoldina, one of the most beautiful university halls in Europe. Faculties located in and around the Old Town include the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, and the Faculty of Philology.

Living near the main campus means being in the center of Wroclaw's cultural and social life. The Old Town is walkable, packed with cafes and restaurants, and bisected by the Odra River with its beautiful islands (including Ostrow Tumski, the oldest part of the city).

Science Campus: Plac Maksa Borna and Surrounding Areas

The science faculties are clustered in several locations south and east of the center. The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science is on Plac Grunwaldzki. The Faculty of Physics and Astronomy is nearby on Plac Maksa Borna. The Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Biotechnology are on Joliot-Curie street. The Faculty of Biological Sciences is on Kanonia street near Ostrow Tumski. These locations are all within 15-20 minutes of the Old Town by foot or tram.

Other Locations

The Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management is on Cybulskiego street (Srodmiescie). Some research institutes are scattered across the city, but the vast majority of UWr teaching happens within the central and near-central districts, making Wroclaw one of the easiest cities in Poland for student commuting.

UWr Dormitory Overview

Application Process

• Exchange students: Apply through the UWr International Office (Biuro Wspolpracy Miedzynarodowej) as part of your nomination package
• Deadline (fall semester): June 15
• Deadline (spring semester): December 1
• Polish degree students: Apply through USOSweb, allocation based on financial need and distance
• Deposit: One month's rent upon confirmation
• Contract period: Academic year or single semester

Dorm Life at UWr

UWr dorms range from basic communist-era buildings (Olimp) to the modern DS The Bridge, which was renovated in recent years and offers the best student accommodation in the UWr system. Most dorms feature shared rooms for 2-3 students, communal kitchens per floor, and shared bathrooms. DS Dwudziestolatka and DS Kredka in the Biskupin area are popular because they are near the zoo, the Szczytnicki Park, and the Centennial Hall, while still being only a tram ride from the city center.

• Cheapest option at 450-1,100 PLN per month including utilities
• Social atmosphere with other students from Poland and abroad
• No lease negotiations or landlord interactions
• DS The Bridge offers the best facilities (single rooms available)
• Shared rooms are the standard at most dorms
• Communal kitchens and bathrooms can be crowded
• Some buildings are aging and in need of renovation
• Guest and noise policies are enforced

Neighborhood Comparison

Srodmiescie: Central Living

Srodmiescie encompasses the Old Town and surrounding central districts. Living here puts you within walking distance of most UWr faculties, the market square (Rynek), and Wroclaw's best cafes and nightlife. Rents are the highest in the city at 1,300-1,900 PLN for a shared room, but you save on transport and gain maximum convenience. The area is well-suited for students who want to be in the thick of things and do not mind the occasional noise of a lively city center.

Krzyki: The Smart Compromise

Northern Krzyki, particularly the areas around Plac Powstancow Slaskich and Ulica Swidnicka, offers a strong balance of affordability and accessibility. Tram connections to the center take 10-15 minutes, rents are 15-20% lower than Srodmiescie, and the neighborhood has its own shopping, restaurants, and green spaces. Many young professionals and students share apartments in the renovated pre-war buildings along the main streets.

Nadodrze: Wroclaw's Creative Hub

Nadodrze is Wroclaw's answer to Berlin's Kreuzberg or Krakow's Podgorze. This formerly overlooked neighborhood north of the river has become the city's creative epicenter, with galleries, independent cafes, street art, and a growing community of artists and students. Rents are attractive (1,000-1,400 PLN), the walk to the Old Town campus is under 15 minutes, and the neighborhood has real character. It is an excellent choice for students who appreciate a slightly edgier, less polished atmosphere.

Biskupin: Green and Affordable

Biskupin is a residential area east of the center, known for Szczytnicki Park, the Japanese Garden, the Centennial Hall (UNESCO site), and the Wroclaw Zoo. Several UWr dormitories are located here. Rents are moderate (1,000-1,400 PLN), the area is green and quiet, and tram connections to the center take 10-15 minutes. It is ideal for students who prefer a calmer environment and enjoy green spaces for running, cycling, or studying outdoors.

Price Overview by Housing Type

Wroclaw offers some of the best value for student housing in Poland. A room in a shared flat in Krzyki or Nadodrze costs 1,000-1,400 PLN plus utilities, which is 20-30% less than comparable rooms in Warsaw. The combination of lower rents, a compact city layout, and good tram connections means UWr students can live well on a modest budget.

Key Transport Information

• Student monthly pass: 55 PLN for all trams and buses within Wroclaw
• Tram network: 22 lines covering the city center and major residential areas
• Key tram routes for students: Lines 1, 2, 4, 7 connect major student neighborhoods to the center
• Wroclaw City Bike (WRM): Free 20-minute rides, with stations throughout the center and Biskupin
• Walking: Most UWr faculties are within a 20-minute walk of each other
• Cycling: Wroclaw has an expanding network of bike lanes, making cycling a practical year-round option

Commute Times from Student Neighborhoods