The best choice between a dormitory and an apartment depends on the student’s lifestyle, budget, and expectations. Erasmus in Poland is a great opportunity – and with Nearby, you can easily find comfortable accommodation tailored to your needs.
Key Takeaways
- A dormitory is a cheaper solution with an intense social life, but it comes with less privacy and more noise.
- Renting an apartment provides comfort, quiet, and a private room, but usually incurs higher costs.
- The choice of accommodation should depend on the student’s lifestyle, budget, and personal needs.
- Nearby allows Erasmus students to easily, safely, and remotely find accommodation close to the university.
- Thanks to Nearby’s support (online contract, concierge, service packages), accommodation for Erasmus in Poland is simple and stress-free.
The Dilemma between a Student Dorm and an Apartment – What to Choose?
It’s a decision whether, as a student, to choose life in a student dorm with other students, or to opt for renting an apartment with more privacy and quiet. The choice affects your comfort of living, study effectiveness, integration, and of course – your wallet.
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Student Accommodation in Poland – What Location Options Do You Have?
If you’re coming to Poland as part of the Erasmus program, the most important organizational decision awaits you: where to live? There are three main options:
- Dormitory (student residence) – affordable accommodation in university-owned facilities.
- Room in a private apartment – most often with other students.
- Studio apartment or entire apartment – for students with a higher budget or greater privacy requirements.
Dormitory – Low Price and many Friends, but Little Peace
A dormitory is a classic solution for international students, offering low rent, a good location close to the university, and an intense social life.
Advantages of a Dormitory:
- Low fees – on average 500–800 PLN per month (110–180 EUR).
- Proximity to other students – easy to meet people and integrate.
- Close to campus – often a few minutes’ walk to classes.
- Amenities – room, furniture, kitchen, laundry, Internet.
Disadvantages of a Dormitory:
- Lack of privacy – double rooms, shared bathrooms, kitchens.
- Noise – parties, loud conversations, inability to focus.
- Quality – often lower than in private apartments.
Rented Apartment – more Comfort and Privacy, but at a Higher Price
Renting an apartment or a room in an apartment is a popular alternative to a dormitory. Especially in large cities like Warsaw, Krakow, or Wroclaw, Erasmus students often opt for this solution.
Advantages of Renting an Apartment:
- Privacy – own room, often access to a private bathroom.
- Peace and quiet – ideal for studying.
- Ability to choose flatmates – e.g., friends from the Erasmus program.
Disadvantages of Renting:
- Higher costs – a room in an apartment is usually 1200–1800 PLN (260–400 EUR), a studio apartment even 2500 PLN (550 EUR).
- Responsibilities – fees, cleaning, contact with the landlord.
- Cultural differences and flatmates’ lifestyles – possible conflicts.
Comparison – Dormitory vs. Apartment Rental
| Criterion | Dormitory | Apartment rental |
| Price (rent) | 500–800 PLN / 110–180 EUR | 1200–2500 PLN / 260–550 EUR |
| Location | Usually very close to the university | Varies – depending on the apartment |
| Standard | Average (shared bathrooms, kitchens) | Higher – possibility of choice |
| Privacy | Low | High |
| Community | Large, intense | Smaller, more controlled |
| Flexibility | Limited (regulations) | Greater (agreement with landlord) |
| Noise | High | Low (depends on flatmates) |
What to Consider when Choosing Accommodation for Erasmus?
- Location – preferably within a 15-minute walk from the university.
- Room type – private or shared.
- Kitchen and bathroom availability – shared or individual.
- Contract terms – clear, translated, possible to sign remotely.
- Price and additional fees – utilities, internet, deposit.
- Furnishing standard – desk, bed, wardrobe, electronics/home appliances.
Final Decision – Dormitory or Apartment?
The final choice depends on your priorities as an Erasmus student:
- If you care about lower price, student life, and proximity to the university – choose a dormitory.
- If you value privacy, comfort, and the ability to focus on studying – opt for a room in an apartment or a studio apartment.
Tip: The choice doesn’t have to be for your entire studies. In the first semester, you can live in a dormitory, and later rent an apartment with friends from the program.
Summary – Erasmus is more than just studies. It’s also about where you live.
Dormitory or apartment? The choice of accommodation affects your experience, relationships, and daily life in Poland. With the help of Nearby, regardless of your decision, you can have:
- safe and verified accommodation,
- a location close to the university,
- a contract in English,
- support from day one,
- access to an international community.
Remember that if you’re starting studies in Poland, in Warsaw, and looking for good accommodation, you’ll find a student room in Nearby’s offer.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s better to choose – an apartment or a dormitory?
The choice of residence depends on your priorities – a dormitory offers low costs and an intense social life, while an apartment provides more privacy and comfort. It’s best to analyze the pros and cons of each solution before the academic year begins.
2. When is the best time to decide on a dormitory?
If you care about low rent, a good location, and want to quickly integrate with other students – it’s worth living in a dormitory. Student dorms are well-connected and usually located very close to the university.
3. How does a dormitory room differ from a room in a student apartment?
A dormitory room is usually a shared space with another student, with access to a shared bathroom and kitchen. A room in a student apartment can be single and offers more privacy, but often comes with higher costs.
4. Can you live with friends during your studies?
Yes, the possibility of living with friends is one of the main advantages of renting an apartment. In the case of dormitories, such situations depend on availability and the decision of the administration allocating dormitory places.
5. What are the living costs for a student in a dormitory and in an apartment?
Dormitory accommodation usually costs 500–800 PLN per month, often without additional utility fees. Renting an apartment (even just a room) involves an expense of 1200–2500 PLN per month, plus utility fees and a deposit.
6. What is a ‘stancja’ and how does it differ from a student apartment?
A ‘stancja’ is a form of renting a room in a private apartment, often with an elderly person or the owner with whom the space is shared. A student apartment is an entire dwelling rented by a group of students, which provides more freedom and independence.
7. What are the typical difficulties when renting an apartment during studies?
The most common problems are high costs, difficulty finding accommodation at the last minute, and differences in flatmates’ habits and behaviors. It’s advisable to sign a clear rental agreement and agree on cohabitation rules before moving in.
8. When should you start looking for an apartment or dormitory?
It’s best to start looking for an apartment or dormitory accommodation several months before the academic year begins, especially if you’re moving to a new city. The best offers quickly disappear, especially in large academic cities.
