Gdańsk.

ESN sections exist at both universities and are the fastest way into Gdańsk's exchange scene. ESN Gdańsk, based in the Misiówka building on the Gdańsk University of Technology campus, organises parties, trips and unique projects such as the Baltic Operation sailing trip. ESN UG runs a parallel programme for University of Gdańsk exchange and Polish students, mixing local and international crowds. Both sections rely on volunteers and coordinators, so events, sign ups and announcements move mainly through Facebook and Instagram, alongside each university's own welcome week activities.

• Join ESN Gdańsk at Misiówka on the technical university's campus.
• Try ESN UG for a mixed Polish and international social calendar.
• Follow both sections on social media for trips and party announcements.

Gdańsk costs less than Warsaw, but housing still eats the biggest share of a student budget. A studio or kawalerka up to 35 square metres averages around 2,400 PLN a month, ranging from about 2,000 to 2,800 PLN depending on the district. Stare Miasto, Oliwa and Brzeźno run more expensive, while Chełm and Przymorze stay more budget friendly. On top of rent, expect roughly 400 to 700 PLN for utilities each month. Public transport helps balance things out: a monthly ticket cost 109 PLN at the 2022 tariff change, half price only with a Polish student ID.

• Budget close to 2,400 PLN a month for a small studio flat.
• Look toward Chełm or Przymorze for cheaper rent than the centre.
• Budget about 109 PLN for a monthly transport ticket.

Exchange students at the University of Gdańsk get dormitory places through an online booking system that opens once your Erasmus nomination is confirmed, with move in around late September and monthly rent near 900 PLN plus a refundable deposit due on arrival. Gdańsk University of Technology books its dormitory rooms on a strict first come, first served basis, so register the moment your acceptance package arrives. Most exchange students from both universities end up housed in or near Wrzeszcz. If you search privately instead, never send money before viewing the room and meeting the landlord in person.

• Book your dormitory the moment the online booking system opens.
• Budget around 900 PLN a month plus a refundable deposit.
• Never pay for a private room before viewing it in person.

Buses and trams cover the city, with a normal single ticket at 4.80 PLN and a monthly pass at 109 PLN since the 2022 tariff, with student discounts tied to a Polish student ID. From Lech Wałęsa Airport, PKM trains reach Gdańsk Główny in about 35 minutes for roughly 5.50 PLN, sometimes with a change at Wrzeszcz, while bus 210 covers the same route in 30 to 40 minutes for 4.80 PLN, running at least hourly. Once in the city, the SKM commuter train links Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia every few minutes, so day trips within the Tricity need no car at all.

• Get the discounted monthly ticket for unlimited buses, trams and SKM.
• Take the PKM train or bus 210 between the airport and Gdańsk Główny.
• Use the frequent SKM trains to reach Sopot or Gdynia without a car.

Both universities take exchange students only after a nomination from your home institution. At the University of Gdańsk, nominations for a winter semester or full year are due by 15 May, with your own online application due by 15 June, backed by a B2 language certificate and a Learning Agreement signed by both universities. At Gdańsk University of Technology, the process runs in five steps: nomination, an information package, an online registration with your documents, mailing signed originals, then arrival, with a B1 level in English or Polish accepted. Deadlines are strict at both, so start as soon as your home coordinator nominates you.

• University of Gdańsk needs nominations by 15 May, applications by 15 June.
• Gdańsk University of Technology accepts a B1 level in English or Polish.
• Start your Learning Agreement early, both universities must sign it.

It depends on your nationality. EU, EEA, and Swiss students need no visa and just register their stay if it runs beyond three months. Non-EU students staying over 90 days generally need a national (type D) student visa from a Polish consulate before arrival, and then register for a temporary residence card if staying a full year.

Start early: consular processing can be slow and you'll need proof of enrolment, funds, accommodation, and health insurance. Once in Poland, you may need to register your address (meldunek) locally. Keep copies of everything, as Polish offices are paperwork-heavy and appointments can be scarce in the big cities.

• EU/EEA/Swiss, no visa; register if staying over 3 months
• Non-EU over 90 days, type D student visa before arrival
• You may need to register your address (meldunek) locally
• Bring proof of funds, insurance, and enrolment

Milk bars, bary mleczne, are the cheapest way to eat in Gdańsk, serving homestyle Polish food such as pierogi and kotlet mielony at prices tourist restaurants cannot match. Bar Akademicki on Aleja Grunwaldzka in Wrzeszcz has fed generations of students with lunches around 8 to 12 PLN, while Bar Neptun on ulica Długa in the old town gives a 10 percent student discount. Expect simple canteen style service, cash friendly prices and a menu built on soups, dumplings and stews rather than anything fancy, and be ready for a short queue around midday.

• Eat at Bar Akademicki in Wrzeszcz for lunch around 8 to 12 PLN.
• Show your student card at Bar Neptun for a 10 percent discount.
• Expect queues at milk bars around midday, so go a little earlier.

Wrzeszcz is the city's real student hub: Gdańsk University of Technology sits right in it, dormitories cluster nearby, and the Garnizon complex plus the Galeria Bałtycka mall keep bars, cafes and shops within walking distance. It splits into Wrzeszcz Górny and Wrzeszcz Dolny along the railway line, about 4 kilometres north of the old town along Aleja Zwycięstwa. The rebuilt Główne Miasto old town stays the sightseeing and evening out centre, dense with restaurants and bars along the Motława river. For something quieter, look toward Oliwa, closer to the University of Gdańsk's other faculties and a short ride from the beach at Brzeźno.

• Base yourself in Wrzeszcz for dormitories, bars and the tech university.
• Head to Główne Miasto old town for evenings out by the river.
• Consider Oliwa for a quieter base near university faculties and the beach.

The Tricity itself makes weekend travel easy: SKM commuter trains reach Sopot in about 20 minutes and Gdynia in around 33, running frequently enough that you rarely wait long. Sopot's pier and beach suit a half day, while Gdynia's modernist centre and waterfront fill an afternoon. Further out, Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in the world, sits about 50 minutes away by train from Gdańsk according to the castle's own museum, and makes a full day trip on its own. None of these destinations need a car, just an SKM or regional train ticket.

• Ride the SKM to Sopot in about 20 minutes for the beach and pier.
• Take the SKM to Gdynia, around 33 minutes, for its modernist centre.
• Visit Malbork Castle, roughly 50 minutes away by train, for a full day.

Move fast on two things: your dormitory booking, since both universities allocate rooms first come first served or in a short online window, and your discounted transport ticket, which needs your student card to activate. Join ESN Gdańsk or ESN UG early, since welcome events and trips fill up and are the easiest way to meet other exchange students in the first weeks. If you end up searching privately for a room, view it in person and never transfer a deposit beforehand. Keep some cash on hand too, since milk bars and smaller shops are not always set up for cards.

• Book your dormitory the moment applications open, spots fill fast.
• Join ESN Gdańsk or ESN UG early for welcome events and trips.
• Carry some cash, milk bars and small shops do not always take cards.