Posts by Einsiedler

Einsiedler

18 Jun 2016

Work / A PhD Moving to Kraków, Poland! Salary, housing, spendings, nightlife, English knowledge. [14]

Hi everyone,

I recently got an offer for a PhD position in Krakow and the fact that I really don't know much about this city and Poland in general brought me here, seeking for your help. This PhD is a great opportunity but I'd like to know a little bit more about Krakow before taking a final decision.

First of all, what is city like? I've heard many great things about its cultural aspects and nightlife but I'd like to hear more from someone actually living there.

Can you easily walk or bike to go anywhere you want? What's the general atmosphere like? Do people speak a little English? I'm going to try to learn the basics of Polish but it might take me few months before the waiter understands that I want a beer ahah!

I'm also a fierce hiker and I was wondering if there were any great wild areas out of the city to go on long treks or just enjoy nature.

Regarding the housing, I believe my salary will be around 3000 pln, which I believe isn't much (I was thinking about giving private French lessons to make extra money. Is that something people look for?). Is that enough to rent a single bedroom apartment and have a decent life? Do you recommend any specific area where I could start looking at?

Finally, how much money would I need for groceries, utilities and all these monthly spending?

Thank you for all the answers you will be willing to give me :)

Einsiedler

18 Jun 2016

Work / A PhD Moving to Kraków, Poland! Salary, housing, spendings, nightlife, English knowledge. [14]

If the salary 3K is gross, it is NOT enough to have a 'decent' life. What exactly is 'decent' to you.

I believe it is a NET income. What I mean by decent is renting a small apartment of my own including all utilities, being able to pay for food/public transportation, and go out at least once a week. I'll be very busy with work so I am not very demanding on that last point.

However, bear in mind that the market is saturated with others seeking a limited number of clients.

Being from Paris, I know the struggle but you hopefully I can manage that.

Learning Polish will be a challenge, but you can pick up basics in a few days

Ahah I know that. Just trying to read the player's names of the National football team is challenging! Too many consonants in a row!

Thank you for your responses guys, I appreciate!

Einsiedler

20 Jun 2016

Work / A PhD Moving to Kraków, Poland! Salary, housing, spendings, nightlife, English knowledge. [14]

Thank you very much Paulina for your very detailed response, it has been extremely heplful :)

By "easily walk/ride", I am trying to figure out if one can go shopping, do groceries, have a drink without necessarily having to take a taxi. I know it mostly depends on where you live but having an idea of the shop/café/malls density wouldn't hurt :)

Decent is very subjective indeed, but if I can save some money at the end of the month, that's great :) the link you gave me about the cost of living is resourceful, thank you!

And thank you for the links, the apartments look quite affordable, that's vey good news!

I am indeed into astrophysics, I will be working at the Institute for Nuclear Physics. I am always looking for people who share the same interests as mine and who are willing to wander in nature :)

Thank you again!!!

Bagguley, thank for the info, I will check that out :)

Einsiedler

21 Jun 2016

Work / A PhD Moving to Kraków, Poland! Salary, housing, spendings, nightlife, English knowledge. [14]

Wow Paulina, thank you for all these informations... again ! When I started this thread, I really didn't expect people to be that helpful ^^ If I end up in Krakow and you happen to be in the neighbourhood, remind me to get you a drink or something :D

A studio is actually more like something I am looking for. I am going live there alone for four years, I don't need a huge place. I just don't want a shared apartment, my work will demand too much concentration to live with somebody else. It actually turns out that the net salary will be 2500 pln but will go up to 4500 pln in 2017. I might have to pick nuts and berries on my first winter ahah !

Thank you for all these tips Atch, it will probably take me few years to adjust to the Pole's way of life but I'm sure it will be a fascinating adventure!