Study / I have a scholarship for Warsaw university and would like to know about living in Poland [13]

Hi,

Which country are you from? No one chooses the country they're born or grow up in so you shouldn't feel embarrassed about saying where you are from just because it's under-developed :)

If this is your first time in Europe, you will be in for a major shock. The people will look different than what you are used to. The smells in the air will be different than what you are used to. The weather, food, music etc etc etc will all be different. Poland is a great country and Warsaw is a beautiful city. The people in Poland are friendly for the most part and since you will be around students, you will have an easier time integrating. The food is very satisfying (though if you are Muslim you may have a hard time finding halal shops). Luckily Poland is still cheap compared to its neighbors so you will save money by not spending a lot on food or entertainment. Traveling in Europe from Poland is also very cheap and with that scholarship money you should be able to budget a short trip to Prague, Budapest, Berlin etc. I certainly don't think you would regret the experience.

I'm not great at giving general advice but if you have specific questions about student life in Poland I would be happy to answer.

Study / I have a scholarship for Warsaw university and would like to know about living in Poland [13]

Canada but I was born in Poland therefore have Polish/EU citizenship and I studied in Poland for 4 years (in Krakow).

Study / I have a scholarship for Warsaw university and would like to know about living in Poland [13]

Polish is a difficult language and you definitely wouldn't master it just being in Poland for one year, but you should make an effort to learn as much as you can! The university students should all speak English so no problems there. The older generations and those who are less educated will not speak English and for that reason you will need to learn some conversational basics. At most places where you are served you will probably be approached in English but if you're at a random mini-shop it will be unlikely the lady behind the counter will speak English so you'll have to learn how to ask for things etc but I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Study / I have a scholarship for Warsaw university and would like to know about living in Poland [13]

Summers are nice and warm with lots of sun. The nicer weather usually starts about late March and goes until September-ish. You will have days that will go to 30 C. Winters are cold with gray skies, though this is common to central Europe and not just an issue in Poland. You may not see the sun for a week or two at a time. Being from south america this may take more getting used to than the temperature to be honest. However the temperatures during winter below freezing and usually feel much colder with the wind. -10 or -20 is not uncommon. You would need to buy a warm winter jacket here.

Study / I have a scholarship for Warsaw university and would like to know about living in Poland [13]

No problem. I would suggest you apply as soon as possible for your visa as the level of pedantic bureaucracy in Poland is infamous. You may have to wait a couple months for processing. Good luck!

Love / First date in krakow [22]

If you have a car a trip out to kyrspinow may be worth it. Can have a nice relaxing walk and hang around near the lake there. It's out towards the airport so not very convenient if you have to take other transport but worth it.

Take her for a meal at Hotel Stary on the patio overlooking the rynek.
Walk along the Wisla and around Planty.
Go to Zblizenia or Le Scandale in Kazimierz for good drinks.
Go for a religious service together at Mariacki (if that's your thing)

etc etc etc. Lots to do in Krakow :)