Surviving First Year Medicine
Surviving First Year Dentistry
Life Essentials
This guide will go over the things you will want to have prepared within the first week:
Accomodation
Non-Affiliated Dormitories
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We recommend Student Depot (a private dormitory) for students. It is modern, well upkept and has good localisation in regards to main campus.
Student Dormitory
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The University has a dormitory available to English Division students and Erasmus. Priority is given to first year students who apply and there is an option for a shared-room or a single room. Prices vary, and accommodation has been diminished due to the pandemic and ongoing war in Ukraine. Information about registration is posted on the MUW website (medicine, dentistry) in August.
Dorm virtual tour can be found here
MUW dorm address: Karolkowa 84
How to get to Banacha campus?. Tram 1
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Starting in the 2022/2023 school year, MUW also cooperates with a private company - Student Depot Warsaw. It is also situated close to the Banacha campus.
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Student depot address: Suwak 13
How to get to Banacha campus? Bus 136
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Renting
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Some students would prefer to rent an apartment, thus, the following websites may prove useful. Remember to activate Google Translate if you are not a Polish speaker.
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To Know:
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Ideal Location: Downtown or “ÅšródmieÅ›cie”
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1 year lease: This is usually the minimum
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1st month deposit fee: You will have to pay both the 1st months rent AND the deposit (equal to the first month’s rent).
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Agent fee: Sometimes you can filter out apartments that are shown by agents, however, if you do happen to like one that an agent shows you, be prepared to pay the agent 1 month’s rent. Look for 0% commission “0% prowizji”.
SO…. your total expenses up front may turn out to be…. 3 X 1 MONTH RENT
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Phone and Internet
There are various companies available to provide phone and internet services within Poland. Two popular choices are Orange, Play, Lycamobile and T-mobile. Some of the companies offer roaming services across Europe.
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TIP: By law you are required to bring your passport or European ID to purchase any sim card.
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Often they don't speak English in the store, so try to request someone that speaks English.
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If you require internet in your apartment, Multimedia, Netia, and UPC are great options.
Banking
Banking
It is a good idea to open up an account with a Polish bank to transfer your fees and living expenses to. Most banks have English speaking personnel and you may be able to avoid fees if you mention that you’re a student. Banks include: Santender, ING, Millennium and MBank. But there’s many more.
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You will need your passport, proof of address, either your WUM acceptance letter or student ID. Some banks may require a TRC (temporary residence card) - let them know you don't have one as of now.​
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Transfers
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Talking about transferring money. Transferwise is your best option for transferring to a different currency. They have much much lower fees than your bank can offer and provide the closest possible exchange rate.
Transportation
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
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The public transport system functions well in Warsaw. The city has Buses, Trams, and the underground Metro Lines - all of which are accessible using the ZTM card. It is advisable to apply for a Warsaw City Card to pick up upon arrival to Warsaw. However, until you receive your student ID, you may not be able to use the reduced fare (this may take a few weeks).
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The Warsaw Public Transport page gives a pretty good
guide on how to use the system. Don't worry, by the time
you finish first year you will be pro at taking public transport.
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Prices (detailed information):
1-month (Zone 1 only*, reduced): 55zł
3-months (Zone 1 only*, reduced): 140zł
*other tickets are available (20 min, 75 min, 24 hour) but these are your best options
TIP: Do not risk travel around Warsaw without a validated ticket as the ticket men are always on the prowl and will gladly give you a fine.
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*If you only intend to travel within Warsaw, get a Zone 1 only pass. Most of you will never end up in Zone 2, given the size of Warsaw. However, it is worth mentioning that Ikea Janki is situated in Zone 2 (don't get the wrong ticket otherwise you can be fined). Ikea Targowek, however, is in Zone 1. Detailed
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CITY BIKES
Veturilo is one of the largest urban bike systems
in Europe. Alternative means of transport,
allowing quick navigation of the city. The are over
360 stations and over 5000 bicycles available,
including electric bikes. Be sure to download their
app to use this service.
Not available in the winter (only from March 1 to
Novvember 30).
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TAXI
There are several options for taxis in Warsaw. Generally though, UBER, BOLT and FREENOW are cheaper and more convenient options for international students
NAVIGATION
Besides google maps, Jakdojade is the most accurate app for navigating public transport within Poland. It offers near precise timings for buses, trams and the metro and the quickest possible routes.
