The Student Accommodation Hunt in Poland – What’s the Real Cost?

Summer semester classes have just wrapped up, and believe it or not, students are already on the hunt for the perfect apartments and rooms to rent. It might seem early, but there’s a method to their madness. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of housing and what to consider when making your choice.

Why Students in Poland Start Their Accommodation Search Early?

Sure, final exams at various universities just finished up and the new academic year is a solid three months away. Yet, here we are, students are already scouring for that perfect apartment or room to rent. The driving force behind this early bird strategy? A significant shortage of rental properties, spurred on by an influx of individuals from Ukraine moving to Poland, and rising inflation which has made buying property less attractive.

Inflation isn’t just impacting property purchases, it’s making rent and utilities pricier too. So, if you were to start your accommodation hunt in September, you might struggle to find a place that doesn’t burn a hole in your student pocket.

That’s why the hunt is on for many students now. They’re hoping that by starting early, they’ll find more affordable and better-quality accommodations come September, compared to the frantic rush when most students are looking.

• You may also like to read: Poland’s Student Cities: A Comparison of Costs, Life and Education

Choosing Between a Dormitory, a Shared Room, or an Apartment

When choosing your student home, a few important factors need to be considered. Think about what options are available to you, what budget you’re working with, and what kind of lifestyle you want to have. Typically, a dormitory is the most affordable option, but don’t be fooled, some dorm prices can rival those of rental rooms. The cost of living in a student dormitory can vary greatly, depending on the city, the standard of living, and the number of people per room.

Remember, dormitory spots in Poland are often limited. They’re typically granted to those who have a lower family income per capita and live far away from their university. So, you might not be able to secure a dorm spot if your family’s income is above a certain threshold or if you live relatively close to your university city. It’s worth a quick chat with the dean’s office to get a sense of the rules for dormitory applications before you submit yours.

Living in a student dormitory does have its perks. For starters, you’re usually a short distance from the university and are part of an academic community. You’ll have acces to everything you need – from shops and photocopying services to an academic clinic and student clubs. But bear in mind, dorm life isn’t for everyone.

On the flip side, dorms have some drawbacks too. They often have a lower standard of living than a private apartment, and they’re usually not the quietest places due to frequent parties. So if you’re looking for peace and quiet, a dorm might not be your best bet. However, if you’re the social butterfly type or are keen on making loads of new friends during your college years, the dorm might just be your perfect match.

Homestay – A Budget-Friendly Option

Homestays are usually properties where the owners reside and rent out one of their rooms to a student. These places are often reasonably priced as the owners, typically elderly folks, might not be up-to-date with current rental prices. They may also need an extra hand to manage their home and a tenant can help bridge that gap.

What makes living in a homestay attractive? The low cost is certainly a plus. In some cases, you might even be able to negotiate a further reduction in exchange for helping out with chores around the house, like grocery shopping or mowing the lawn. Some homeowners might offer you home-cooked meals too. Another advantage is the guarantee of prompt home maintenance. After all, the owner lives in the same space and will want everything in good working order.

However, homestays might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Homeowners sharing their space might tend to be on the controlling side, imposing strict house rules. They may have restrictions on late-night entries or guest visits. Some might even monitor the amount of water or electricity you use! If you’re someone who values freedom, enjoys social gatherings, and late-night shenanigans, a homestay might not be your ideal choice. But for part-time students who simply need a place to crash every couple of weeks, it can be a cost-effective solution.

Renting a Room or an Apartment – The Comfort vs Cost Equation

Renting your own room or apartment offers the most comfort, but it’s typically the priciest option. If the rent for an entire apartment or a room seems a bit steep, you could consider splitting it with someone you know or opt for a shared room in a student flat. Your comfort in such arrangements would depend on several factors – your roommates, the landlord, the standard of the apartment, and its location.

Renting an apartment or a room in a shared student flat offers more freedom than a homestay or a dormitory. If you find the right roommates, it could also be a quieter and more peaceful option compared to a dormitory. Plus, you’re likely to have more flexibility when it comes to inviting guests over or coming home at any hour.

Despite the benefits, renting an apartment or a room has its own set of drawbacks. It could be located quite a distance away from your university or city center, and you might end up with troublesome roommates. To avoid potential isues, consider sharing the space with friends who have a similar lifestyle.

Dormitory Costs in 2023

Dormitory prices vary greatly, depending on the university, city, standard of living, and room type (single or shared). Most universities publish dormitory prices on their websites, so you can easily gauge the average cost. In Poland, you’re looking at anywhere from about PLN 350 per month for a spot in a triple room to PLN 1,200 per month for a single room. Here’s a breakdown of dormitory costs in various cities:

• Warsaw: approx. PLN 430-810/month
• Kraków: approx. PLN 360-730/month
• Wrocław: approx. PLN 440-1100/month
• Poznań: approx. PLN 470-800/month
• Gdańsk: approx. PLN 360-620/month
• Łódź: approx. PLN 370-850/month

These figures include total costs as there are no additional charges for rent or utilities in dormitories. It’s worth noting that some cities also offer private dormitories, which are typically of a higher standard. However, the prices for these start at over PLN 1,000 per room and can even go beyond PLN 2,000.

Choosing Between a Flat and a Room for Rent

When it comes to choosing between renting a flat or a room, there are several factors to consider. I think one of the main things to consider is your budget, followed by the lifestyle you want to lead. Let me say, if you want to enjoy more freedom and the luxury of inviting friends over any time, then an apartment or room in a shared student flat could be your go-to option. But remember, it often comes with a higher price tag.

On the other hand, if you need to save money, you might want to consider a dormitory or a homestay. I am convinced that these options are more affordable and could be an excellent choice for part-time students or those who don’t mind a more controlled environment.

The Cost of Renting Rooms and Flats for Students

Here’s the scoop on the costs of renting apartments and rooms for students in Poland. Let me say, the trend of ever-increasing rent isn’t going away anytime soon. So, how much can you expect to shell out for a student accommodation?

Here’s a quick rundown of the cheapest rooms and flats available in different cities. Note that these prices include the rent but utilities typically cost an extra PLN 100-200.

• Warsaw: room – starting from PLN 700, studio – from PLN 1,400 / month
• Krakow: room – from PLN 800, studio – from PLN 1,100 / month
• Wrocław: room – from PLN 900, studio – from PLN 1,500 / month
• Poznań: room – from PLN 600, studio – from PLN 1,000 / month
• Gdańsk: room – from PLN 700, studio – from PLN 1,300 / month
• Łódź: room – from PLN 500, studio – from PLN 1,300 / month

It is worth to say, the cheapest flats are usually found further away from the city center and may not be as well-furnished. However, with some good hunting, you could find an affordable flat with a great standard and location. If you want to save on rental costs, consider sharing a room or flat with a friend – you can cut the cost by as much as half!

Finding The Perfect Student Accommodation

When it comes to choosing the perfect student accommodation, you need to consider your budget and your expectations. Are you looking for a quiet space with ideal conditions for studying or are you more interested in freedom, making new friends, and an active social life?

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Always sign a written contract when renting a flat or a room. This contract should lay out the rules of its use and include all fees.
2. Check the duration of the contract and whether there’s an option for termination in case you need to leave the apartment.
3. Choose private offers over real estate agencies. You’ll avoid paying extra for the service.
4. Pay attention to the type of heating in the apartment. Urban heating is the most comfortable and electric heating is usually the least profitable.
5. Apartments in old tenement houses may be charming, but they can also be cold. Choose wisely to avoid freezing in the winter or paying high heating fees.
6. If you’re looking for a room, an isolated one is the best choice for more privacy and fewer disturbances from other tenants.
7. Check the furnishing of the apartment or room. Does it have enough beds and storage space? Does it have the equipment you need, like a desk or an oven?
8. During the apartment viewing, pay attention to the current tenants and the owner. Your first impression can give you an idea of whether you’ll get along or if there could be any potential issues.

As you navigate the search for your ideal student accommodation, remember to take your time and consider all your options. I know finding the perfect place might seem daunting, but with the right approach, you’ll surely find a place you can call home.

Finding Your Ideal Student Accommodation

So there you have it. The hunt for student accommodation in Poland involves some careful thought and consideration. I can tell you that no one-size-fits-all approach works here. From budget-friendly dormitories and homestays to more comfortable and pricier private flats, you have a spectrum of choices.

I believe it all comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re an early bird starting your accommodation hunt well ahead of the academic year, or you’re getting started just a few months before, it’s important to weigh your options. You need to know what works best for you.

Remember, student accommodation is more than just a place to rest your head. It’s a space where you’ll be spending a significant amount of time. It’s where you’ll study, relax, and maybe even throw a party or two. So, choose wisely and find a place that feels like your second home. Happy house hunting!

References:

• https://pokoje.studentnews.pl/
• https://study.gov.pl/pl/zakwaterowanie
• https://strefabiznesu.pl/studia-wyzsze-sa-coraz-drozsze-ile-trzeba-wydac-na-zakwaterowanie-nawet-1251-zl-za-miejsce-w-akademiku/ar/c3-16937661