UW students can reach the main campus fastest from rooms in Śródmieście, Wola, and Ochota – from a few minutes on foot to 15 minutes by public transport. Single-room prices start at approximately PLN 1,350 plus a flat-rate utilities fee, while Bielany is the cheapest district to live in.
Key takeaways
- The main UW campus is located on Krakowskie Przedmieście in Śródmieście, next to the Nowy Świat-Uniwersytet metro station on the M2 line.
- Science and natural science students attend classes at the Ochota Campus near Banacha Street.
- The shortest commute is offered by Śródmieście, within walking distance, as well as Wola and Ochota, with a journey of 10–15 minutes.
- A single room in Śródmieście costs approximately PLN 1,350–1,700 per month in the Nearby offer, plus a PLN 450 flat-rate utilities fee.
- Nearby Campus offers commission-free rentals with an English-language contract that can be signed remotely, making it convenient for international students.
What is a room for a UW student?
A room for a UW student is a furnished room for rent in a district with a fast commute to the campus on Krakowskie Przedmieście or to the Ochota Campus. In the Nearby Campus offer, such a room is ready to move into from the first day and includes 300 Mbps internet.
In practice, this means one thing: you arrive with your suitcase and move in immediately. You do not need to look for furniture, buy a refrigerator, or wait for an internet connection to be installed. You can view rooms for University of Warsaw students in several districts at the same time and compare prices.
Where are the University of Warsaw campuses located?
The University of Warsaw has operated since 1816 and educates tens of thousands of students. It is one of the most international universities in Poland, with students from dozens of countries, many of whom attend English-language programmes.
The university has two main locations. Remember both of them, because your choice of district will depend on them.
The main campus is located at 26/28 Krakowskie Przedmieście in Śródmieście. It houses the faculties of humanities, social sciences, and law, as well as the Rector’s Office. The University of Warsaw Library, known as BUW, is located nearby in Powiśle. The closest metro station is Nowy Świat-Uniwersytet on the M2 line, just a few steps from the university gates.
The Ochota Campus is located around Banacha Street and Żwirki i Wigury Street. It is home to science and natural science programmes, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and geology. When your faculty is located in Ochota, choose a room closer to this part of the city.
UW’s central location offers one major convenience: you can reach the university from practically every district. The M1 and M2 metro lines, trams, buses, and urban rail services form a dense transport network in this area.
Districts with the best commute to UW
Below are the districts included in the Nearby Campus offer from which the commute to the main UW campus is fast. Journey times are calculated to Krakowskie Przedmieście.
| District | Commute to the main UW campus | Time | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Śródmieście | On foot or by tram | 5–15 min | Highest |
| Wola | M2 metro, no transfers | 10–15 min | Medium |
| Ochota | Tram via Jerozolimskie Avenue or Grójecka Street | 10–15 min | Medium–high |
| Żoliborz | M1 metro plus a short walk | 15–20 min | Medium |
| Mokotów | M1 metro | 15–20 min | High |
| Bielany | M1 metro | 20–25 min | Lowest |
A few comments on the table: Wola is located directly on the M2 line, the same line that stops next to the main campus. The journey from Rondo Daszyńskiego takes 10–15 minutes without any transfers.
Ochota borders Śródmieście to the west and is also close to the Ochota Campus, meaning that science students can attend classes just a few minutes away from their room.
Bielany offers the cheapest rooms in this group in exchange for a longer, 20–25-minute journey on the M1 metro line.
Choosing a district is a simple calculation. When you want the shortest possible commute and accept a higher rent, choose Śródmieście. When you want a lower price and convenient metro access, choose Wola or Bielany.
How much does a room near UW cost?
Prices in the Nearby Campus offer are transparent and displayed next to every listing. A single room in Śródmieście costs approximately PLN 1,350–1,700 per month. A flat-rate utilities fee of PLN 450 per month is added to this amount and covers electricity, water, heating, and internet.
This means that the total monthly cost of a room in the very centre of the city is approximately PLN 1,800–2,150. The cost is lower in less expensive districts such as Bielany. Utilities are charged as a fixed amount, so you will not receive additional charges or unexpected bills at the end of the month.
A security deposit is added to the first payment. The deposit is equivalent to 1.5 months’ rent and is returned in full after the contract ends, once the room has been formally inspected and its condition documented with photographs.
Nearby Campus expert tip: Before you arrive, prepare your initial budget: the first month’s rent, the PLN 450 flat-rate utilities fee, and a deposit equal to 1.5 months’ rent. For a room costing PLN 1,500, the total initial payment is approximately PLN 4,200.
Reserve a room for October as early as June or July. The best rooms in Śródmieście and Wola are rented first. Sign the contract remotely before your flight so that you can collect the keys and move in on the same day you arrive.
What will you find in a Nearby Campus room?
Every room is furnished and ready for your arrival. The standard is consistent across all properties, so you know what to expect before signing the contract.
The room includes a bed with a mattress, a desk, a chair, and a wardrobe. The kitchen has a refrigerator, a cooker, and a microwave. A washing machine is available in the property, and 300 Mbps internet is included in the rent. The bathroom is private in a studio apartment or shared in a multi-room apartment. The properties also have capsule coffee machines.
The offer includes three types of rooms. A single room provides privacy and a quiet place to study. A room in a shared apartment is less expensive and immediately introduces you to a community of flatmates, many of whom may attend the same university. Rooms with balconies are mainly available in Bielany, Praga, and Mokotów.
A welcome pack containing bed linen and a towel is available for an additional fee. Cleaning of the shared areas can be selected as part of a package:
- Chill Basic: twice a month;
- Clean Flex: four times a month;
- All-In: four times a month, including the replacement of bed linen and towels.
Commission-free rental and an English-language contract
Nearby Campus is an operator, not a real estate agency. You sign the rental agreement directly with the company. You pay the rent and the security deposit, without any commission or intermediary.
For an international student, three things are particularly important and are not normally provided by a typical property portal listing. The contract is available in English and can be signed remotely before you arrive in Poland. English-language support is available throughout the entire rental period. A consultant can also help with student-related matters, from obtaining a PESEL number to purchasing a SIM card.
Many UW students are living independently for the first time and renting a room abroad for the first time. Support in a language they understand and a transparent contract remove much of the stress from the process.
Check the available rooms near the UW campus and contact the team before you arrive. They will help you choose a district that matches your budget.
How to rent a room step by step
The process consists of five steps, and most of it can be completed online.
- Choose a listing. Browse rooms in your preferred district and filter them by size, price, and room type.
- Contact the team. Send a message or call. You will receive a quick response, including in English.
- View the room. See it in person or by video, including the bathroom, kitchen, washing machine, and shared areas.
- Sign the contract remotely. The contract is available in Polish and English, with no commission.
- Move into a ready-to-use room. You collect the keys and welcome pack, and your internet works from the first day.
Are you looking for a room in Warsaw for the new academic year?
At Nearby, we have collected verified offers in two convenient directories: rooms for rent organised by district and student rooms located close to universities. Choose your district or university and check what is currently available.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to live as a UW student?
Śródmieście, Wola, and Ochota offer the shortest commute to the main campus, ranging from a few minutes on foot to 15 minutes by public transport. When you study a science subject at the Ochota Campus, choose a room closer to Banacha Street.
How much does a room near the University of Warsaw cost?
A single room in Śródmieście costs approximately PLN 1,350–1,700 per month plus a PLN 450 flat-rate utilities fee. The cost is lower in less expensive districts such as Bielany.
Can I sign the contract before arriving in Poland?
Yes. You can sign the rental agreement remotely in Polish or English. You only need internet access and a valid identity document.
How much is the security deposit?
The security deposit is equivalent to 1.5 months’ rent. It is returned in full after the contract ends and the room has been formally inspected.
Are utilities included in the rent?
Utilities are charged as a fixed fee of PLN 450 per month and cover electricity, water, heating, and internet. There are no additional charges at the end of the month.
How far are Nearby rooms from the UW campus?
From Wola, you can reach the main campus on the M2 metro line in 10–15 minutes. The tram journey from Ochota takes a similar amount of time. From Żoliborz and Mokotów, the journey on the M1 metro takes 15–20 minutes, while the journey from Bielany takes approximately 20–25 minutes.
Are the rooms fully furnished?
Yes. Every room includes a bed, desk, and wardrobe, as well as access to an equipped kitchen, washing machine, and 300 Mbps internet included in the price. A detailed list of equipment is provided with every listing.
Does Nearby Campus charge a commission?
No. Nearby is an operator, not an intermediary. You only pay the rent and the security deposit.
