A safe place to live while studying, what is it like?

Safety is quite a broad concept when choosing a place to live. Various factors influence this: the location of the place and what is in its surroundings, who rents the accommodation to us and where, the building itself and its systems (including the technologies used), as well as the micro-community we live in. Everyone would like to live in a safe place, and for students moving to another city, this is an important issue for their parents as well.

Location is of great importance because it determines how much time you have to spend commuting to and from university every day, as well as when handling daily tasks: shopping, hairdresser, going out for coffee with friends. The proximity of the campus and good infrastructure in the area is a huge advantage, as is good public transport connectivity. Having an SKM station nearby, as well as bus and tram stops, makes it easy to get around the city for longer distances. For shorter distances, it’s worth opting for a bike or scooter, so it’s important to take a look at how the road network in the area looks and whether there’s a safe and comfortable place to store your bicycles.

A safe neighborhood is not just a slogan – it includes well-lit streets, surveillance, and a quiet neighborhood (yes, peace during studies is also useful). As for the building itself, it is worth taking a look at the technical condition and what security measures have been implemented (fire safety, access control, surveillance/security/alarm), as well as user comfort (ventilation, heating) and operating costs (energy efficiency). There’s no denying it – old buildings will differ from new ones that have been constructed according to the latest trends. And when it comes to extras – don’t count on them if you’re renting a room or apartment from a private owner in a property that was not designed with students in mind.

It is also worth checking who we are signing the rental agreement with – whether it is a trustworthy person or entity. To avoid unpleasant surprises related to costs, flexibility, or liability, it is necessary to first analyze the content and scope of the contract. If you don’t have experience in this, it is advisable to talk to other people who can point out the most important elements and provisions.

• How is the building located (how close is it to the university)?
• What does the surrounding area look like – are there shops, bus stops, street lighting on the way from home to campus after dark
• Who is behind the building – which company built it, when, and who is the landlord/operator?
• Does the building have fire safety systems (smoke detectors, alarms, marked evacuation routes, fire extinguishers)?
• How can one access the building/room – is there access control
• Does the building have all installations functioning properly: electrical, water, gas, etc.?
• How can you contact the manager and technical support?
• Is it possible to review the content of the contract in advance, before signing it?
• Is a detailed protocol prepared when handing over the premises, outlining the technical condition of the room, equipment, and any defects?
• What is included in the rent, what are the rules for billing utilities and any additional fees?
• Is there a deposit in the contract, what are the conditions for withdrawal from the contract and early termination of the lease?
• Are the building/premises insured and what does the coverage include?
• Is there a secure internet connection in the building?
• What are the rules in the building (regarding guests, quiet hours, responsibilities)?

When it comes to Gdansk, the Wrzeszcz district definitely stands out in terms of overall impression, character, and atmosphere, as well as its diverse offerings and dynamic vibe. It is an area within reach of several universities: Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk Medical University, and the University of Tourism and Hotel Management. That’s why it is often said that Wrzeszcz is the student district of Gdańsk. Many students also live in Oliwa, Przymorze, and Żabianka, close to the University of Gdańsk and the Academy of Physical Education and Sport. The city center and the Old Town are rich in attractions, but they are also busy, crowded, and touristy areas, plus rental prices there are somewhat higher.

• Great location – very close to the Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk Medical University, and the College of Tourism and Hotel Management;
• A peaceful, villa area and good transport connections – close to the SKM Gdańsk Politechnika station, tram stops, and bus stops;
• A modern building created based on the latest solutions and technologies, certified devices, and systems;
• An experienced local developer (Torus), known for the quality of constructed buildings, who also manages the property and is its operator;
• Constant supervision (monitoring) and restricted access for unauthorized persons (access control);
• Direct contact with the manager, guarantee of quick response from technical service;
• Modern, efficient alarm and fire protection system;
• Clear rules regarding the contract and fees.