Student Housing in Poland: Options, Costs and Contracts

Dormitories: the cheapest option

Most Polish universities run their own dormitories (domy studenckie), and they cost far less than private rentals. According to Study in Poland , a shared dormitory room costs EUR 60-80 a month, while a single room runs EUR 100-150 a month. Quality and facilities vary between institutions and even between buildings at the same university, so check reviews and photos from current students before you commit to one over another.

Apply for a dormitory place directly through your university's student housing office, not through any national booking system, since none exists. Universities generally give priority to students who live furthest from campus and to international students who apply early, so submit your housing request as soon as you accept your place.

Private rentals: more choice, higher cost

If dormitory space runs out or you want more independence, private renting is the alternative. A shared room in a private apartment costs EUR 150-200 a month, and a full one-bedroom apartment starts from around EUR 300 a month in Warsaw, per Study in Poland's figures. Prices in Warsaw sit at the higher end nationally, so expect lower rents in cities like Lodz, Katowice or Lublin for a comparable apartment.

Sharing an apartment with Polish tenants or other international students keeps costs down and gives you a faster way into the local community than living alone. Search through university noticeboards, Facebook housing groups for your city, and general rental portals, and view a listing in person or over video call before sending any money.

Deposits and contracts

Landlords in Poland typically ask for a security deposit equal to one month's rent, paid before you move in and refunded at the end of your tenancy if the apartment is in the condition you received it. Get a written rental agreement (umowa najmu) that states the monthly rent, deposit amount, notice period and what counts as normal wear versus damage.

Read the contract before signing, ideally with help from a Polish speaker or your university's international office if your Polish is not strong enough to catch every clause. Keep a copy of the signed agreement and any payment receipts. Visa applications, residence registration and bank account setup often require proof of address.

Registering your address

If you stay in Poland longer than a few months, you typically need to register your address (zameldowanie) with local authorities, a step your landlord or dormitory office usually helps you complete. Non-EU/EEA students combine this with their residence permit paperwork, so keep your signed lease or dormitory confirmation on hand when you visit the relevant office.

Choosing between dorm and private rental

Pick a dormitory if budget matters most and you are comfortable with shared facilities and a lively student environment. Pick private renting if you want more space, more control over who you live with, or a location outside your university's dormitory network. Many students start in a dormitory during their first semester, then move to a private rental once they know the city and have a group of friends to share costs with.