Student halls of residence in Krakow

Cześć! Have you been lucky enough to be planning your studies in this wonderful Polish city? Then you’re surely considering student residences in Krakow to live in! In this article we explain the most important details about this type of accommodation: their advantages and disadvantages, distinctions between private and university residences, how to find affordable residences, and answers to the most relevant frequently asked questions. Ready? Let’s do this!

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Krakow

The most outstanding characteristics of this type of accommodation in the Polish city are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Krakow

Gives the possibility of being part of an international community, facilitating cultural exchange and the opportunity to make friends from all over the world.
They have heating throughout the residence. This is very important, remember that winter in Krakow is very cold: temperatures have a maximum of 3ºC and a minimum of -6ºC.
The cost of heating and electricity, water, gas, and Internet are usually included in the monthly rental price. This helps to avoid having to pay an extra cost at the end of each month.
They’re usually located near universities, which reduces transportation time and cost and allows you to easily participate in university activities.
They have various facilities such as gyms, study areas, shared kitchens and leisure spaces. Sometimes they also organise cultural events and activities for residents.
Residence staff can offer assistance with procedures and practical advice about life in Krakow, making it easier for you to adapt.

Cons of living in student dorms in Krakow

The rooms can be shared between two, three, four, five, and up to seven students. This makes your personal space very limited.
Living with so many people in the same building can make it difficult to concentrate on studies. In addition, the common areas are constantly occupied.
They have specific rules that residents must follow, which may limit certain personal freedoms, such as visiting hours and use of common areas.
Living exclusively with students can limit interaction with the local population and complete immersion in Polish culture.
The high demand for student accommodation in Krakow may make it difficult to find a place in the residences, especially near the beginning of the semester.

Private student residences in Krakow

The location of private student residences is usually in neighbourhoods around the centre of Krakow. Many institution campuses are in areas such as Kazimierz and Łobzów, and residences usually have good access to them. This is convenient for students, both because of its easy access to classes and because of the lower cost of rent.

In private residences you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of types of accommodation, according to your budget and preferences. Most of the single rooms in Krakow have a small kitchen and their own bathroom, like a small studio-type apartment, although you’ll also find some that have a shared bathroom and kitchen. There are also shared rooms between two or three people, which usually have a much cheaper rental price. Take a good look at their features and photos, so you can easily choose your ideal accommodation.

Private residences in Krakow have plenty of amenities intended to foster a sense of community and enjoyment for residents. Among the facilities you can find, the most common ones are study, game and relaxation rooms, a gym and a cinema. In addition, some may also have an outdoor terrace, with a jacuzzi, art room, barbecue area, and even a sauna.

One detail to keep in mind is that some of these private residences have a minimum period of stay to be able to rent. Sometimes it can be five months, that is, the duration of a semester of classes.

University student halls of residence in Krakow

It’s common for university residences to be located near the universities of which they’re part. Because of this, we recommend that you pay close attention to where your faculty is located, so you can apply for the residence with the most convenient location for you. It’s true that the distances in Krakow are not very long, but, if you’re going to study in Łobzów, it's probably not a good idea to look for accommodation in neighbourhoods like Grzegórzki, which is more than half an hour away by tram.

Normally these university residences have very small spaces, meaning they offer small rooms. You can find single rooms, but the most common thing is that the rooms are shared between two, three, four, and up to seven people! This makes the cost much cheaper, but, for example, the room may not have a desk for each student. This greatly limits privacy and having a quiet study space without having to use common areas.

University residences in Krakow also have some common spaces that students can use in their free time. Some of them are a games room, gym, and study area. However, you should know that they’re usually more basic and with older furniture than those in private residences, which makes it not as cosy.

A very important detail is to pay close attention to what the room and residence that you choose include. For example, it may be that the kitchens don’t have the utensils and kitchenware to use, so you’ll have to buy them once you arrive in Krakow or even bring them from home.

University Residences of the Jagiellonian University

This prestigious institution has some residences available for students. However, places are limited and they’re usually not enough for all those who request a place.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Jagiellonian University, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Krakow

One of the best ways you can find cheap and verified student residences in Krakow is to use our search engine, Erasmus Play. On our platform you have the possibility of filtering between the residences available for your stay, viewing their prices, locations, and characteristics. This way it’ll be very simple for you to make the reservation! In fact, through our platform you can do it 100% online and completely securely.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Krakow

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Krakow?
The main requirement is to be a student at a higher level institution in the Polish city. Additionally, proof of admission or registration, a valid identification document, and, in some cases, the payment of a security deposit may be required. Some residences also ask for a one-off administration fee to be paid when booking.
How much does a student residence in Krakow cost?
The cost of a student residence in Krakow varies depending on the type of accommodation and services included, generally ranging from €130 per month for a room in a public residence to approximately €500 per month for a room in a higher standard private residence. Keep in mind that there are many residences that adjust the rental cost depending on the length of your stay (the longer you stay, the lower the monthly cost).
Are there scholarships for student residences in Krakow?
In Krakow, some universities and organisations offer specific scholarships or financial aid for accommodation in student residences, especially aimed at international students, exchange students or students in difficult economic situations. Keep in mind that, if you’re going to do your Erasmus in Krakow, you can use the scholarship they give you for the expenses of your stay.
When to apply for a student residence in Krakow?
We recommend that you do it in advance, preferably several months before the start of the academic semester. Many residences allow applications from spring for the following academic year, so it’s advisable to start searching and applying around March or April to secure a place for the start of the semester in September.
Are there male and female university residences in Krakow?
In this Polish city the trend is towards an inclusive environment that welcomes students of all genders, providing a safe, comfortable, and enriching living experience for all.