Living in Poland
Basic information about Poland
| Basic information about Poland |
Basic information about PolandPoland is one of the largest countries in Europe, a member of the European Union and NATO. It has around 40 million citizens. Poles account for 5.3 percent of all Europeans and for 0.65 percent of the world's population. Norway, whose area is nearly the same as Poland's (323,900 sq km), has 8.5 times fewer residents. The Opole province, Poland's smallest, is four times more populated than Iceland. Poland's territory accounts for 1.4 percent of Europe's total surface area, and for 0.23 percent of the world's land masses. Poland is 120 times bigger than Liechtenstein and 520 times bigger than Singapore. The Voivodeship of Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) is exactly the size of Belgium. Poland lies in the central part of the European continent, the geometrical centre of which is near Warsaw. You can fly from Warsaw to Berlin (580 km) in just 1.2 hours; to Rome (1,840 km) in 2.2 hours; Paris (1,610 km) in 2.5 hours; and to Barcelona (2,460 km) in 3.1 hours.
Source: www.poland.gov.pl
ClimateThe geographical location and surface features are the two most important factors determining the climate of Poland. The climate has transitional character between the maritime and continental climates. Winters are sometimes mild and sometimes cold, similarly the summers are cool and rainy or hot and dry. Generally, summer is usually warm and the most pleasant time to visit, but the plentiful sunshine is mixed together with rain. Spring starts in March with temperatures varying from -1 to +20 °C, until about April or May. July is the hottest month, but the rest of the summer is also quite warm with temperatures from 21 to 32 °C. Initially warm September is the beginning of Poland's autumn. Thereafter, the days become more cold until December, when winter begins and the temperature drops from a few degrees below zero to sometimes - 20 °C. Winter lasts from December to March and includes shorter or longer period of snow. In the high mountains snow lies till May. Source: www.experiencepoland.com
Costs of livingAverage costs of living in Warsaw The official Polish currency is the Polish zloty (PLN). 1 EUR = 3,50 PLN All the costs listed below are estimated only. Actual costs of living will vary depending on individual needs and lifestyle. We estimate that 1500 PLN per month is a minimum to cover housing costs, meals, city transportation and some personal expenses. 1. Housing costsAccommodation in a dormitory (limited number of places available for SWPS students) - 430 PLN The prices vary depending on location, size and living standards. 2. FoodEstimated cost - 400-600 PLN monthly SWPS offers meals at moderate prices e.g. 10-15 PLN for lunch. 3. Basic products - some example pricesLoaf of bread - 2,5 PLN 4. EntertainmentCinema - 12-22 PLN 5. City Transportation30-day city card that allows travel on all means of transport - 39 PLN (student rate) 6. TripsRailway transport: e.g. Warsaw-Krakow, Warsaw-Gdansk, Warsaw-Wroclaw - return ticket 100 - 200 PLN depending on distance and type of train
Accommodation in Warsaw
SWPS does not provide dormitories, but the Erasmus Students Network can assist foreign students in finding suitable lodging e.g. private room or flat in different parts of the city. The cost of such accommodation depends on the area and standard, and ranges from 200 to 300 Euro per month.
Public transportationFor detailed information about public transportation in Warsaw please visit the website: http://www.ztm.waw.pl/taryfa/en/inf.php |
