Top 5 student cities in Poland

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Poland and what makes them unique.

Poland has become one of the favourite countries among international students thanks to its high-quality education, youthful atmosphere and much more affordable prices than other European destinations. If you’re looking for the top 5 student cities in Poland, this guide will help you choose the ideal destination according to your lifestyle, budget and the type of experience you’re looking for.

In the following sections, you’ll find key information about each city: pros and cons of studying there, notable universities, and rental prices for students. This’ll allow you to quickly compare and make an informed decision.

What's more, through our online student accommodation platform, you can search for verified options, filter by location, and book securely before you travel. This guide will serve as a starting point to help you discover which of these five Polish cities best suits your academic and personal experience. Let's get started!

Warsaw

The historic capital is the largest and most dynamic university city in Poland. It offers a rich cultural life, prestigious universities and a combination of ancient and modern architecture. Its nightlife is very lively, with student parties every day of the week, and it has excellent connections to other cities in the country and Europe. Furthermore, Warsaw has the largest number of foreign students in the country, creating a very multicultural atmosphere.

Pros and cons of studying in Warsaw

Studying in Warsaw can be a great experience because of its advantages, although it also involves some challenges.

Pros of studying in Warsaw

Great student atmosphere.
A wide variety of leisure options in terms of culture, art, and entertainment.
Many job opportunities.
Study at prestigious institutions.

Cons of studying in Warsaw

It’s the most expensive city in Poland.
The demand for accommodation is very high at the beginning of the academic year.
Winters are very cold.

Top Universities in Warsaw

The Polish capital is home to a variety of prestigious institutions.

Uniwersytet Warszawski (University of Warsaw)

The University of Warsaw is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in Poland. An interesting fact is that normally more than 30% of the students are international, so the atmosphere is multicultural.

It has numerous buildings in different parts of the city, mostly grouped into three campuses: the main campus in the historic centre, the Ochota Campus, and the Służew Campus.

Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near the University of Warsawa.

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula (Vistula University)

Vistula University is a private institution known for its high-quality teaching and modern facilities. Its unique campus is located in the Stokłosy area, in the Ursynów Północny district.

See the complete guide to student housing close to Vistula University for more information.

Student housing in Warsaw

Warsaw is the most expensive city in Poland, but it’s still affordable compared to other European capitals. The price of rent depends greatly on the neighbourhood and type of accommodation: single rooms tend to have a moderate minimum cost (approximately €280), while studios are slightly more expensive (from €450 upwards). Prices can vary greatly depending on the area, especially between Śródmieście, Mokotów, and Praga-Południe.

Are you looking for accommodation in the Polish capital? Read our guide to student housing in Warsaw, with types of accommodation, neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Poznan

Rows of traditional Polish houses with narrow, colourful façades in Poznań's Old Market Square.

Poznań is one of Poland's most traditional university cities and has a lively and dynamic student atmosphere. It’s quieter than Warsaw or Kraków, but offers an excellent quality of life, good education and a fairly affordable cost of living. And its cuisine is excellent!

Pros and cons of studying in Poznan

Student life in Poznań has many positive aspects, but also some disadvantages that may affect your daily life.

Pros of studying in Poznan

The cost of living is very affordable compared to larger cities.
Very good student atmosphere.
Good cultural and gastronomic offerings, as well as nightlife.
The city is very bicycle-friendly, and most students travel to campus by bike.

Cons of studying in Poznan

A slower pace of life than Warsaw or Krakow, which may be ideal for some and too quiet for others.
Limited job opportunities.
The weather is cold and grey, and in winter there is little sunlight.

Top Universities in Poznan

Two institutions in particular stand out in this Polish city.

Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu (Adam Mickiewicz University)

Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań is the most important university in the city and one of the leading universities in the country. Its faculties are located on three campuses in the north, centre, and west of the city.

Find more practical information about the university and its faculties in the guide to student housing close to Adam Mickiewicz University.

Politechnika Poznanska (Poznan University of Technology)

Poznan University of Technology stands out as one of the best technical institutions in the country. It has a single campus where all its faculties are taught: the Piotrowo Campus.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near Poznan University of Technology.

Student housing in Poznan

Poznan usually has fairly competitive prices for students, both for rooms and flats. As a reference, a room costs an average of €180 per month, while a studio flat starts at €350.

For more information on types of accommodation, convenient areas to live in, and universities, please refer to our guide on student accommodation in Poznan.

Krakow

Krakow is one of the most historic and attractive cities in Poland for students. In fact, it’s one of the most popular destinations for Polish and foreign students due to its quality of life and student life. It has world-renowned universities, a varied cultural offering, historical sites to visit and a youthful atmosphere in lively neighbourhoods. In addition, it’s a city with an impressive artistic heritage, full of museums, theatres, and historic cafés.

Pros and cons of studying in Krakow

Krakow stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

Pros of studying in Krakow

It’s a historic city, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its nightlife is lively and its cultural life is very varied.
Ideal location for travelling around Poland and other European countries.
It’s a safe and friendly city for students.

Cons of studying in Krakow

It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland, which drives up prices.
Winter is often long and can be demanding for those who are not accustomed to it.
It can be difficult to communicate with the locals if you don’t know some Polish.

Top Universities in Krakow

Krakow is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country.

Uniwersytet Jagielloński (Jagiellonian University)

The Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. Students such as Copernicus and John Paul II have passed through its classrooms. Its buildings are located in the historic centre of the city and on a campus in Ruczaj.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to accommodation near Jagiellonian University.

Politechnika Krakowska (Kraków University of Technology)

The Tadeusz Kościuszko University of Technology excels particularly in areas such as architecture, engineering, and applied sciences. Its main campus is in the Kleparz district, but it has other buildings in different parts of Krakow.

In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find housing close to Tadeusz Kościuszko University of Technology.

Student housing in Krakow

Accommodation prices in Krakow are moderate: slightly higher than in Poznan but lower than in Warsaw. There are many options designed for students, with rooms in private shared flats averaging around €250 per month. Studio flats generally start at €330 and up.

Are you planning to study in Poland? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Krakow, with types, neighbourhoods and up-to-date prices.

Wrocław

Wrocław is one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in Poland. It has a lively student atmosphere, incredible architecture and a pleasant pace of life, with many events, cafés, and spots for students. It’s an ideal city if you’re looking to study in a modern place with lots of character. Its old town and numerous bridges over the River Oder give it a unique personality among Polish cities.

Pros and cons of studying in Wrocław

Living and studying in Wrocław offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.

Pros of studying in Wrocław

Very strong university atmosphere.
Affordable prices for students.
Cultural and social activities are constant, with festivals, concerts, and university events throughout the year.
A good starting point for travelling around Poland and to other cities such as Berlin, Prague or Dresden.

Cons of studying in Wrocław

Demand for accommodation increases significantly at the start of the semester and is highly competitive.
It receives many tourists in high season, which can be overwhelming.
Language can be a barrier outside the university environment.

Top Universities in Wrocław

One higher education institution in particular stands out in this Polish city:

Uniwersytet Wrocławski (University of Wroclaw)

The University of Wroclaw is also one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Poland. Its buildings are located on the Grunwaldzki Campus and in other districts of the city, such as the Old Town, Nadodrze, and Karłowice.

Explore locations, neighbourhoods, and tips in the guide to accommodation near the University Wroclaw.

Student housing in Wrocław

Rent for students in Wrocław is generally reasonable, with prices more affordable than in Warsaw. However, demand is very high, so we recommend starting your search as soon as possible. A room in a shared flat costs around €250 per month, and a studio flat costs around €350 per month.

If you’re going to study in this Polish city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Wrocław, with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Gdansk

Traditional façades and the quay in Gdańsk, capturing the historical essence of this university city in northern Poland.

Gdansk is a charming port city located in northern Poland. It has a peaceful atmosphere, an excellent quality of life, good connections to other cities, and is modern. Its coastal setting and port character give the city a different lifestyle to other Polish cities. It’s also part of the Tri-City, along with Sopot and Gdynia, which adds even more cultural and leisure options.

Pros and cons of studying in Gdansk

The academic experience in Gdańsk has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

Pros of studying in Gdansk

The cost of living is very affordable.
It’s a safe and very pleasant city to live in.
It has universities with an excellent reputation.
Access to beaches and the Polish coast.

Cons of studying in Gdansk

The weather can be a bit chilly and windy.
Some degree programmes have fewer courses taught in English compared to larger cities.
The leisure and cultural offerings are more limited.

Top Universities in Gdansk

This port city is mainly known for its university.

Uniwersytet Gdański (University of Gdańsk)

The University of Gdańsk is one of the most important universities in northern Poland. It has faculties in the three cities of the Tri-City (Trójmiasto in Polish), which are Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot.

Find useful information about areas and accommodation in the guide to housing close to the University of Gdańsk.

Student housing in Gdansk

Rent in Gdańsk is generally more affordable than in larger cities such as Warsaw. Options for students include single rooms in shared flats starting at €260 per month, and more expensive studio flats starting at €470 and up.

In our guide of student accommodation in Gdansk, you’ll find various housing options for international students, as well as areas and other important details to know.

Find accommodation in Poland with Erasmus Play

Have you already decided which of the top 5 student cities in Poland suits you best? Then it's time to find accommodation for your stay! On our platform, you can quickly and securely compare rooms, flats and verified residences in these cities and other Polish destinations.

By using the search engine, you’ll be able to see real photos, locations, and all the filters you need to find accommodation that suits your budget and lifestyle. And remember: in Poland, student demand is high at the beginning of the semester, so it’s advisable to book as soon as possible if you find an option that meets all your requirements.

Other guides on studying and living in Poland

Want to know more? Here are more guides on life in the country and in these five cities.