Choosing between a dorm or a private apartment is one of the most important decisions for students starting their lives in Krakow. Each option has its pros and cons – from costs and comfort to formalities and location. Check out what you need to know before making a decision.
Student residences in Krakow – advantages, disadvantages and current availability
Krakow universities offer dormitories, where allocation depends on income, distance from home, and life situation, among other things. The cost of accommodation is usually PLN 500–900, including utilities.
Modern student residences offer laundry, coworking, security, and shared kitchens. However, dorms and limited privacy still dominate. There are usually no vacancies in September, so it is worth acting in advance.
There are also dormitories for people with disabilities: https://nextdoor-housing.pl/akademiki-krakow-rozwiazania-dla-studentow-z-niepelnosprawnosciami/
Private apartment for a student – convenience or challenge?
Having your own apartment gives you more independence, the ability to choose your tenants, and a higher quality of life. However, it also means more expenses, responsibility, and the need to take care of formalities. In the short term, a dormitory is more profitable, but in the long term, an apartment may be more beneficial.
Check out more at: https://nextdoor-housing.pl/akademik-krakow/
Full cost of living: rent, utilities, deposits and hidden fees
A private apartment costs at least PLN 1,300 per room, plus utilities (PLN 200–400), a deposit, and a possible agency commission. Student residences offer a fixed monthly fee with most costs included in the price. In both cases, it is worth considering inflation and possible increases in utilities.
Location and access to the university – what is worth knowing?
Dormitories are usually well located near campuses. Private housing allows you to choose a district (e.g. Grzegórzki, Dębniki, Krowodrza), but requires analysis of transport and travel time to the university.
Comfort and privacy – a comparison of the standard of an apartment and a dormitory
Modern apartments offer higher standards, more privacy and comfort. Dormitories make up for it with atmosphere, integration and lower costs. The choice depends on individual preferences – whether you value peace or proximity to people and student life.
Read more about private dormitories: https://nextdoor-housing.pl/gdzie-mieskac-podczas-studiow-w-krakowie/
Formalities and contracts – how to avoid making mistakes at the start
Dormitory is a simple procedure – application and decision of the university. Apartment requires caution when signing the contract: checking the lease period, terms of termination, provisions on the deposit and the condition of the premises. You can negotiate the terms of the lease, and using a real estate agency makes sense only with full transparency of the offer.
See more at: https://nextdoor-housing.pl/mieszkanie-dla-studenta-w-krakowie/
How to Make the Best Decision? A Practical Checklist
- Set your budget and privacy preferences
- Check location relative to university
- Analyze the rental conditions and additional fees
- Compare availability and standard of accommodation
- Take into account the time you can spend on formalities and organization
FAQ
Is it difficult to get a place in a dormitory? Yes – especially after the recruitment results are announced.
What to watch out for when signing a lease agreement? On the deposit, utilities, notice period, the condition of the apartment.
Are there hidden costs in dorms? There are fees for laundry, parking or additional equipment.
Can you live with a partner? Sometimes yes – depends on the dormitory policy.
