Erasmus+ in Poland: A complete guide to accommodation and student life in Gdansk

When you picture life on the Baltic Sea, you might imagine windy beaches, colorful buildings, and chilly weather. But for Erasmus+ students, Gdansk offers more than postcard views. It’s a city with a pulse – historic yet modern, compact but rich in culture, and increasingly popular among international students.

Each year, hundreds of students from across Europe land in this Polish port city for a semester (or two) that ends up shaping more than their academic careers. If you’re searching for an Erasmus guide Gdansk that covers everything from living costs to social events, this is your starting point.

Gdansk combines seaside charm, academic opportunity, and vibrant student life in a way that’s distinctive among Erasmus+ destinations. With top universities actively involved in Erasmus+ projects, strong international student support networks, and a surprisingly low cost of living, Gdansk hits a sweet spot. Students benefit from a city that’s safe, well-connected, and buzzing with cultural life, yet small enough to feel like home within a few weeks.

Gdansk hosts five major universities, making it a prime destination for Erasmus+ students seeking study abroad opportunities in Poland. These Gdansk universities actively welcome international exchange students, offering a diverse range of Erasmus programs.:

For STEM students: consider Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdansk Tech) for its highly-regarded engineering programs, IT degrees, and architecture programs. This university is renowned for its strong industry connections and innovative research opportunities, making it ideal for those pursuing technical studies in Gdansk.

Remeber that at Gdańsk University of Technology (PG/ Gdansk Tech), students applying for an exchange during the winter semester must submit their application by the end of June, with results announced in late July or early August. For the summer semester, applications are due by the end of January, and results are published in February. For more info go to your welcome office Gdansk Tech.

For aspiring medical students: the Medical University of Gdańsk stands out, offering world-class facilities and English-taught medical programs. Known for its high academic standards in medicine and pharmacy, it’s a top choice from medical schools in Poland for international students. It’s good to know that the Medical University of Gdansk offers world-class medical education that meets strict European and US standards!

Remember that at Medical University of Gdańsk (GUMed), students typically know by February or March if they are going abroad in October. For more info check your welcome point MUG.

For humanities/social sciences: the University of Gdańsk provides comprehensive and diverse academic programs. Its beautiful campus in Oliwa offers an excellent environment for liberal arts degrees, social science studies, and cultural research.

For creative fields: the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk Old Town offers inspiring artistic programs. Situated in Gdansk’s most atmospheric location, it’s perfect for fine art degrees, graphic design studies, and interior design courses in a vibrant cultural setting.

For sports and health sciences students: AWFiS (University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk) provides specialized physical education programs, tourism studies, and physiotherapy courses. Students benefit from access to professional grade sports facilities and advanced health science education.

Remember: Each university has its own application process and deadlines. Early contact with your home university’s international office is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Sooner is better they say. Finding the right student accommodation in Gdansk can shape your entire student experience, so it’s worth getting the timing right. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have in terms of location, price, and comfort. But when exactly should you begin the hunt?

Start Looking 2 – 3 Months Before Arrival

The golden window for finding student housing in Gdansk is around two to three months before your planned arrival. This means if your semester starts in October, begin actively searching in July or early August. For the spring term starting in February, December is your best bet. Look if we have still free rooms in our house for students ALL.INN

Why so early?

• Student housing in Gdansk especially near universities and SKM train stations, goes fast.
• Polish student, international students and also students from Erasmus+ and full-degree programs are all looking at the same time.
• Prices tend to rise as the semester approaches, especially for private rooms and flats in Gdansk.

Planning ahead makes all the difference. Start by collecting all necessary documents three months in advance.

Here you have some document checklist and requirements:

English Proficiency Verification: All Gdansk universities require proof of English proficiency, typically B2 level minimum. Accepted certificates include IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (80+), Cambridge First Certificate, or equivalent university-issued language certificates. Start your language certification process early, as test dates can fill up quickly during peak application seasons.

Essential Document Preparation Timeline: Begin gathering required documents at least 3 months before your intended start date. This timeline accounts for potential delays in obtaining official transcripts, apostille certifications, and processing times at various institutions.

Core Documents You’ll Need:

• Academic transcripts (translated and apostilled if required)
• Motivation letter tailored to your chosen university
• Learning Agreement coordinated between home and host institutions
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU students
• International medical insurance for non-EU students
• Passport photos (4-6 copies, following Polish ID photo standards)
• Birth certificate (apostilled copy recommended)

Before leaving, it’s smart to schedule medical and dental check-ups and request any needed prescriptions. Make sure to get extra passport photos and an apostilled copy of your birth certificate if required.

Once in Gdansk, your first stop should be the international office of your university. You’ll complete enrollment, get your student ID (if necessary), and receive guidance on your schedule. EU citizens must register their stay if it’s longer than 90 days. Non-EU students should handle residence registration as soon as possible.

Erasmus+ scholarship amounts depend on your home country. Some students receive €300 per month; others, closer to €500. Payment is usually split into two installments: the first after arrival and registration, the second after completing your exchange. Talk to your home university’s Erasmus+ coordinator for exact details.

After arriving in Gdansk, open a local bank account for easy access to your funds, and you can also use Revolut. Most banks accept just a passport to open a student account. Santander and mBank are international student-friendly and offer services in English.

Maximize Your Student Benefits: Your student status in Gdansk unlocks significant savings across the city and beyond.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC): The ISIC card provides access to over 150,000 global offers and is officially recognized by ZTM (Gdańsk public transport) for 51% fare reductions on buses, trams, and trains. Check more info at ISIC website.

University-Specific Student ID Benefits:

• University of Gdansk and Gdansk Tech IDs: 50% entry reduction at major attractions including WWII Museum, European Solidarity Centre, and National Museum
• All university IDs: Discounts at cinemas, theaters, restaurants, and entertainment venues
• Thursday discounts: Many establishments offer enhanced student discounts on Thursdays. Phone and Internet Setup

Mobile Phone Service: Polish law requires phone number registration with a valid ID. Popular providers offering student-friendly packages include:

• Play: Competitive prepaid options
• Orange: Excellent coverage in Gdansk area
• T-Mobile: Good international roaming rates
• Plus: Strong data packages for students

Internet Access: Most accommodation options include Wi-Fi. Universities provide free campus internet, and many participate in the eduroam network, allowing seamless connection using your home university credentials.

The diversity of academic offerings across these five institutions means virtually any field of study can find a suitable match in Gdansk, making it one of Poland’s most comprehensive Erasmus+ destinations.

Where you live matters. When planning your student adventure, securing student housing in Gdansk is often a top priority. Where you choose to live significantly impacts your student experience. These are the most popular areas for students, offering a range of accommodation in Gdansk from student dormitories to private student flats:

Wrzeszcz Górny: Close to Gdansk Tech and packed with student bars, budget food spots, and easy SKM access, this area is social and well-connected. Here – it’s us! You will find our student housing All.inn

Wrzeszcz Dolny: A quieter alternative, still close to everything but with a more residential feel. It’s ideal for students looking for a balance of community and calm (closer to the beach).

Zaspa is more affordable and residential. Zaspa offers big apartments for less money. The commute is longer, but the savings can be worth it.

Śródmieście (Old Town): Living in the historic center means culture at your doorstep – and possibly tourists too. Rents are higher, but the vibe is unmatched.

Gdansk’s public transport is student-friendly, reliable, and inexpensive. The ZTM system covers buses and trams, while SKM trains link Gdansk with Sopot and Gdynia making travel between these cities fast and easy. For Erasmus+ students, SKM is a game changer. These urban trains run frequently and offer a direct way to explore the entire Tri-City area without worrying about traffic.

That’s why it’s smart to find student accommodation close to an SKM station. Whether you’re heading to class, meeting friends in Sopot, or exploring Gdynia’s beaches and museums, living near the train means you can move freely and spontaneously.

Public Transport in Gdansk: The ZTM system covers buses, trams, and regional trains throughout the Tri-City metropolitan area (Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot).

Student Transport Options:

• Single tickets: €0.50-0.80 with student discount
• Monthly passes: €8-13 with student discount
• Semester tickets: Significant savings for longer stays
• SKM trains: Connect all major universities and city districts

Most universities are reachable within 15- 30 minutes from any major neighborhood.

While your classes might be what brought you here, the social life is what makes your Erasmus experience unforgettable.

ESN Gdansk is your go to for events, meetups, and trips. They organize everything from pierogi workshops to weekend getaways in the Tatra Mountains, helping you connect with both fellow internationals and local students.

Nightlife in Gdansk is vibrant but manageable. From cozy pubs in Wrzeszcz to beach parties in Sopot, there’s something for every vibe. Thursdays are unofficial student nights all over the city – expect packed venues, student discounts, and last trains full of people still energized from karaoke or club nights.

And then there’s Elektryków Street and 100cznia in the Shipyard area! A must experience part of student life in Gdabsk. What used to be part of the old shipyards is now the creative and cultural heart of the city. In the summer, this industrial space turns into a hub of open-air concerts, art installations, and spontaneous parties. It’s raw, edgy, and very Instagrammable.

If you’re into live music or chill hangs, head to Kameralna, a student-favorite pub known for its relaxed atmosphere, budget-friendly drinks, and live performances. It’s the kind of place where you can show up not knowing anyone and leave with three new friends and a plan for the weekend.

Your university will likely offer buddy programs, Polish language exchanges, and welcome weeks to help you settle in but Gdansk’s social scene will keep you coming back out.

Remember

Gdańsk is more than a place to study – it’s a launchpad for friendships, growth, and unexpected adventures. Whether you’re drawn by the sea breeze, the low cost of living, or the strong Erasmus+ community, this city delivers. With a little planning and an open mind, your months in Gdansk could easily become the highlight of your student years.