Real Estate / Tips wanted: renting apartment in Poland - student is looking for a flat [4]

Hello,

I will be studying in Krakow from October 2016. I figured it will be the tie where a lot of students are looking for a flat, so I am hoping you could give me some tips.

I am looking for a single room in a shared apartment, furnished and equipped with all necessities. Prefarably close to the center or in an area from where it's easy to get there.

So I have following questions for you:
1) How much do you think I should prepare to spend?
2) I dont speak enough polish yet to negotiate or even speak with an owner. Will it be possible to find a flat only in english language or should I take some polish friends to help me with translation?

3) Is it better to rent through an agency or directly from the owner?
4) How do contracts usually work in shared apartments, are all people who are renting equal and have the contract directly with the owner or is it usual (like in germany) that there is one main tenant and the others have to figure out the ocntract with them?

5) When is it a good time to start looking for apartments, when I need it in September?
6) any other must-knows or must-considers that I should be aware of?

Thank you very much for your help, I appreciate it a lot!