Poland is an increasingly popular Erasmus destination, offering a unique mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and affordable living. The country is home to top-ranking universities, a growing international student community, and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Among the many cities in Poland, Gdynia stands out as a fantastic choice for Erasmus students. Located on the Baltic coast, Gdynia is a modern, dynamic city known for its seaside views, parks, and lively arts scene. It boasts a strong academic reputation, especially in fields such as business, engineering, and maritime studies.
Gdynia’s public transport connections and proximity to Gdańsk and Sopot also make it an ideal base for exploring the region. The combination of student life, cultural events and natural surroundings make it an attractive destination for international students.
The cost of living for an international student in Gdynia is relatively affordable compared to larger Polish cities. On average, an international student can expect to spend between 2,500 to 3,500 PLN (550 to 770 EUR) per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Rent for a shared apartment or student dormitory typically ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 PLN (265 to 440 EUR) per month.
Food expenses, including groceries and dining out, can range from 800 to 1,200 PLN (175 to 265 EUR) monthly
Public transportation costs around 100-130 PLN (22 to 30 EUR) for a monthly pass.
Additionally, students may spend around 200-400 PLN (45 to 90 EUR) for personal expenses, entertainment, and other miscellaneous costs.
Overall, Gdynia offers a reasonable cost of living for students, with a good balance of affordability and quality of life.
Traveling around Poland on a student budget is quite easy and affordable. Tourist Information Offices in major cities provide free maps, guides, and recommendations, with staff often speaking multiple languages. These offices are typically located at airports, railway stations, and central areas. Public transportation is budget-friendly, and student discounts make traveling within cities or across regions even cheaper. Poland offers plenty of low-cost travel options for students to explore its cities and attractions.
Dormitory
The University has no student dormitories. Arriving students can usually rent a room at the dormitories of the neighboring Gdynia Maritime University. Prices vary from 450 to 700 PLN per month.
Living on your own
Living in dormitories has many advantages. Nevertheless, if you value comfort, peace, and quiet you can look for a room or a flat to rent.
Remember: it is better to rent a flat together with a couple of friends so that you share the rent.
There are sources where you can find information about lodgings for students. There is a special announcement board in the University that “mediates” between the owners of rooms/flats and students. During the whole academic year, and especially at its beginning, the room owners place their announcements on this board.
You can search for accommodation here:
http://ogloszenia.trojmiasto.pl/nieruchomosci/
- room in a flat: rental 800-1000 PLN + charges* around 300-400 PLN
- single room flat: rental 1000-1500 PLN + charges* around 400-600 PLN
- double room flat: rental 1800-2800 PLN + charges* around 400-600 PLN
- three room flat: rental 2800-3500 PLN + charges* around 500-700 PLN
* energy, water, gas, heating, communal services etc.
Hotels
One night in a single room costs about 150-500 PLN. Some hotels apply a special discount for students and a discount for whole weekend renting.
Erasmus Play is an accommodation platform for international students. It allows you to easily compare available options in various countries. With listings from verified platforms, you can book with confidence. Find and secure your student apartment in just 3 simple steps:
- Choose your location and dates
- Compare available options
- Book securely with one click
Every student is responsible for his or her own medical insurance. If you forget about this formality, you will have to cover all the costs of possible medical treatment, which unfortunately are relatively high.
For EU/EEA citizens:
Poland has the health care system based on general health insurance. Persons covered by the general health insurance are entitled to free health services in the territory of Poland at the health care providers who have concluded contracts with the National Health Fund (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia. The National Health Fund is the institution which is responsible for assuring health services for insured persons and members of their families).
During a temporary stay in Poland, a person entitled to health care under EEA rules can receive health services in the following areas:
– primary health care
– specialist out-patient care
– hospital treatment
– dental treatment
– rescue services and ambulance transport.
In case of necessity of providing medical care, a student from a member country staying temporarily in the territory of Poland is entitled to free health care on the basis of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or in particular cases on the
basis of a special certificate. The student is obliged to present one of these documents (it is advisable to have also a copy) together with an identity document directly to the public health care provider.
The student will receive free health services at health care providers who have concluded a relevant contract with NFZ. In case of lack of the European Health Insurance Card or equivalent document, the patient will be obliged to cover costs of
treatment by himself. The same obligation arises in case of treatment provided by a health care unit which has no contract with NFZ.
If there is a need of hospital treatment, a doctor’s referral is required. In case of sudden illness, accident, injury, intoxication,
life threat, a patient receives necessary medical benefits without referral.
A patient, who presented the European Health Insurance Card or a certificate, receives free hospital treatment within the
general health care system.
For non-EU/EEA citizens:
The students from non-EU/EEA countries should purchase health insurance in their home country, before departure. In case of the ISIC or Euro<26, insurance is included in the card and the student does not need to buy another one unless he/she
wants to increase its scope or value. Erasmus students (having so called legitymacja studencka – student’s card – issued by the host university) are usually allowed to consult doctors at academic medical care centres. Anyway, according to state
health regulations foreigners (except the EU/EEA citizens, see above) have to pay for a medical consultation. The cost is then reimbursed by the health insurance company.
Apart from academic and public medical care system there is also a well-developed private sector.
Every student who starts studying in Poland has to fulfill formalities listed below. It is advisable to do it as quickly as possible to avoid unpleasant surprises.
For EU/EEA citizens:
An EU citizen can enter Poland with his/her ID document (a valid travel document e.g. passport, or another document certifying his/her identity and citizenship).
For stay up to 3 months no legalisation of stay will be necessary. For stays exceeding 3 months, an EU citizen will have to obtain a temporary residence permit.
This document will be issued by the Department of Citizens Affairs of the City Hall in Gdynia.
Documents that have to be submitted by the student to the City Hall in Gdynia in order to obtain the residence permit:
– copy of the travel document (passport or other ID document)
– health insurance document
– official letter of acceptance from the Polish University (with information about the planned period of study)
– Application form (Wniosek o zezwolenie na pobyt, in Polish)
Institutional Erasmus Coordinator at UBA will help students to obtain the residence permit.
For non-EU/EEA citizens:
A citizen of a non-EU/EEA country can enter the territory of Poland on the basis of a valid travel document (passport) and a visa (if required). A citizen of a non-EU country has to obtain the visa from the consulate of Poland in his/her country of
residence. The short-term visa entitles to stay in Poland up to 3 months, the long-term visa – up to 1 year. The prolongation of visa in Poland is only possible in case of a force majeure or situation impossible to foresee while applying for the visa in
the consulate. The visa can be prolonged only once.
It is therefore necessary to apply for a visa in a consulate for the whole planned period of stay in Poland.
Persons who have received a visa for the whole period of stay in Poland are not obliged to apply for a residence permit for
their stay in Poland.