A student apartment in Warsaw should combine a good location, a reasonable price and rental conditions adapted to a short Erasmus stay. Below you will find specific selection criteria, a comparison of property types and tips that will help you avoid overpaying.
Key takeaways
- A student apartment in Warsaw should be within 15 minutes of the university — every extra minute of commuting is a real time cost throughout the semester.
- A studio apartment gives full privacy, but with an Erasmus budget it is rarely cost-effective — a two-room apartment with one flatmate is usually a better compromise.
- Renting through a specialised student accommodation operator eliminates the language barrier and gives you the security of a contract whose terms you understand before signing.
- You look for an apartment effectively only if you start early enough — the Warsaw market moves fast, and good offers remain available for a very short time.
- Privacy in the place where you live affects learning efficiency — a room with a lockable door and quiet evenings is not a luxury, but a basic requirement for a student with an intensive class schedule.
What is a good student apartment?
A student apartment is a place that meets four conditions at the same time: proximity to the university, full equipment, a flexible rental contract and a price that fits within the budget covered by the Erasmus scholarship. The absence of even one of these elements creates problems — either financial or logistical.
Are you coming to Poland for Erasmus? Looking for an affordable student room in Warsaw with no hidden fees? Check our offer!
What types of apartments are available in Warsaw?
Warsaw offers students several different accommodation options. Each has different advantages and different pitfalls.
Rooms in a shared apartment
Rooms rented in an apartment with other tenants are the most popular form of accommodation for Erasmus students. The cost is usually 1,800–2,800 PLN per month. You share the kitchen and bathroom, but you have your own room and full access to the apartment’s infrastructure.
Studio apartment
A studio apartment is a separate unit with a kitchenette — you have full privacy, but you pay more. Prices start from 2,800 PLN per month in districts far from the centre, and near main campuses they reach 4,000–4,500 PLN. For students coming for one semester, this option is rarely financially justified.
Two-room apartment with a flatmate
A two-room apartment rented with one other person is a compromise between price and privacy. Each person has their own room, and the costs are split between two people. With the whole apartment costing 3,500–4,500 PLN, each tenant pays 1,750–2,250 PLN — less than for a studio, with significantly more privacy than in an apartment shared with four people.
| Type of apartment | Average monthly price | Privacy | For Erasmus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room in an apartment, 3–4 people | 1,800–2,800 PLN | Low | Yes |
| Room in an apartment, 2 people | 2,000–2,800 PLN | Medium | Yes |
| Two-room apartment, with 1 person | 1,750–2,250 PLN/person | High | Yes |
| Studio apartment | 2,800–4,500 PLN | Full | Rarely |
| Student dormitory | 600–1,200 PLN | Low | Limited places |
Location — where to look for an apartment in Warsaw?
If you are looking for an apartment as an Erasmus student, location is the number one criterion. Warsaw is large — a distance of 10 km between campus and apartment may mean 40–50 minutes of commuting every day.
Districts with the best access to universities:
- Mokotów — close to SGH, AWF and several University of Warsaw faculties; well connected by metro
- Ochota and Śródmieście — central location, close access to Warsaw University of Technology and the University of Warsaw
- Żoliborz and Bielany — good connections to UKSW and AWF, quieter atmosphere
- Praga-Południe — lower prices, good tram and metro connections to the centre
Check the travel time to your university before signing the contract. Google Maps or Jakdojade.pl apps will show you realistic public transport travel times.
Renting a student apartment — what should you pay attention to?
Renting in Warsaw as a foreigner involves several specific risks. Most problems can be avoided if you know what to look for.
Rental contract
The contract should be available in English. If you rent from a private landlord who offers only a Polish version — ask for a translation or choose another landlord. Signing a document you do not understand is a serious risk.
Furnishing and standard
A student apartment should be ready to move into from day one: bed, desk, bed linen, dishes, washing machine, internet access. Carefully check the equipment before signing the contract — the list of missing items may surprise you.
Deposit and additional fees
The standard deposit is the equivalent of 1–2 months’ rent. Check what is included in the rental price: whether utilities are included or charged separately. Electricity, heating and water may add 300–600 PLN to monthly costs.
Contract flexibility
An Erasmus rental lasts 3–6 months. Most private landlords prefer annual contracts. Look for operators who offer rental periods close to the length of your stay — without penalties for early termination.
Where do you look for an apartment — popular sources and their disadvantages
Erasmus students use different sources when searching for accommodation. Each has limitations that are worth knowing before you start looking.
OLX and Otodom — the largest portals with private listings. Problem: listings are in Polish, contact requires language knowledge, and there is a high risk of finding outdated offers or intermediaries charging commission.
Facebook groups — fast contact, but no verification of advertisers. Scams happen, especially when deposits are paid before viewing the apartment.
University dormitories — cheap, but with a very limited number of places for international students. Usually, you need to apply through the host university well in advance.
Specialised student accommodation operators — the most convenient option for international students. Contracts in English, full equipment and support with formalities.
Advice from a Nearby Campus specialist
“International students often do not realise how difficult renting on the Polish market can be without knowing the language. At Nearby Campus, we solve this problem from the ground up — contracts are fully in English and you sign them remotely before you even board the plane. All our apartments are fully equipped and located no more than 15 minutes on foot from campus. You do not need to buy anything or arrange anything — the room is ready and waiting. On top of that, we provide a concierge who helps during the first weeks: PESEL, bank account, SIM card. We are the first contact a student can call when something does not work.”
At Nearby, we help international students find student rooms in Warsaw prepared especially for people coming for an academic semester or a full academic year.
Why is Nearby Campus a good choice for an Erasmus student?
At Nearby Campus, we specialise in accommodation for international students in Poland. The offer is tailored to the specific needs of a person coming from another country for several months.
All apartments are within 15 minutes on foot from campus — without the need to use public transport for daily commuting. 300 Mb/s internet, full furniture and household appliances are standard, not paid extras.
Available packages:
- Chill Basic — room + cleaning of common areas twice a month
- Clean Flex — room + cleaning four times a month
- All-In — room + cleaning four times a month + bed linen and towels
All communication with Nearby Campus takes place in English. You sign the rental contract remotely — without the need to come to Warsaw earlier. This means you can close the accommodation issue weeks before your flight.
Nearby Campus also creates a community of students from all over the world. We organise integration and support students during their first weeks in Poland — from registration at the office to recommending a good place for lunch near the university.
The most common mistakes when renting a student apartment
Looking too late
Good offers disappear quickly. If you are looking for an apartment two weeks before arrival, you are left with either expensive units or those with compromises in location or technical condition. Start no later than 2–3 months before your departure date.
Not verifying the landlord
Check whether the advertiser is actually the owner or an authorised property manager. Ask for the land and mortgage register number, KW, or another confirmation of the right to dispose of the property.
Paying a deposit without a contract
Never pay a deposit or advance payment before signing the rental contract. This is the most common scam scheme targeting international students.
Ignoring the technical condition
Before signing the contract, take photos of the entire apartment — walls, appliances, floors. This documentation protects you when settling the deposit at the end of the rental period.
FAQ — frequently asked questions
How much does a student apartment in Warsaw cost in 2025?
A room in a shared apartment costs from 1,800 to 2,800 PLN per month, depending on the district and standard. A studio apartment costs from 2,800 PLN upwards — much more in a good location.
As an Erasmus student, can I rent a place without a Polish PESEL number?
Private landlords often require a PESEL number to sign the contract, which can be a problem for new students. At Nearby Campus, we offer contracts without this requirement and additionally help you obtain a PESEL after arrival.
What is the best location for Erasmus students in Warsaw?
It depends on the university. Mokotów and Ochota are close to the University of Warsaw and SGH, while Śródmieście is close to Warsaw University of Technology. Check the travel time to your faculty before deciding on a specific district.
Is renting rooms through a student operator more expensive than private rental?
Prices are comparable, but an operator’s offer includes full equipment, an English-language contract and support — elements that you pay for separately or organise yourself when renting privately.
How long does the rental procedure through Nearby Campus take?
The whole process — from choosing a room to signing the contract — can be completed remotely within a few days. The contract is in English and does not require physical presence in Warsaw.
Is privacy possible when renting in Warsaw at a reasonable price?
Yes — a two-room apartment with one flatmate gives you a separate room with a lockable entrance at a cost similar to renting a studio in a worse location.
What should be included in the price of student apartment rental?
At minimum: rent, internet access, basic furniture and household appliances. Check whether utilities are included — electricity and heating can significantly increase the monthly cost if billed separately.
Can I sign the rental contract before arriving in Warsaw?
When renting from a private landlord, this is rare. At Nearby, we enable remote signing of a fully legal contract — without the need to come just to sign it.
