How to Choose a Dormitory for Your First Year — A Practical Guide
Your first year at university, your first place to live — what to check, what to watch out for, which mistakes to avoid. Checklist + a comparison of your options.
The first year of university is a big change. A new city, new people, your first move away from home. The choice of where you'll live matters far more than it seems at first glance — it shapes how you study, how you rest, who you meet, and how much you spend.
In this guide we walk you through the key decisions step by step.
Three options to start with
In your first year, you'll usually be choosing between:
- University hall — the cheapest, but available only to a minority (only about 10% of Polish students get a place)
- Private dormitory (PBSA) — modern standard, an all-in fee, ready-made infrastructure
- Renting a flat or a room — full privacy, but the most paperwork
Every option has its fans. The right choice depends on your budget, your expectations, and how much you're willing to organise everyday matters on your own.
What to really look for
Most students look only at the price. That's a mistake. Price is just one of several variables — equally important are:
Location and commute. Use Google Maps to check the real commute time to campus during the morning hours (8:00–9:00). 30 minutes by public transport = 60 minutes a day = 200+ hours over an academic year.
What's included in the price. In private dormitories, "all-in" is the standard (utilities, internet, security, gym). In university halls you usually pay for utilities separately. With private renting — a deposit + utilities + internet + possibly furnishings.
Room standard. Private bathroom or shared? A kitchenette or a shared kitchen? Furniture provided, or do you have to buy it? These details determine your everyday comfort.
Community. The first year is when you build friendships. In a property with a large student community (private dormitory, university hall) it's easier to meet people than in a room rented from a private landlord.
The most common first-year mistakes
Booking too late. Popular properties close their applications in May–June. If you wait until August, all that's left is what others didn't want.
Choosing the cheapest option without checking hidden costs. A cheap private room can turn out more expensive than a private dormitory once you add utilities, internet, and a deposit.
Not verifying the contract terms. Always check the minimum rental period, the deposit, and the termination terms. Some contracts run for 12 months with no way to leave early.
Ignoring location. A room in the city centre sounds attractive, but if your university is 40 minutes away by public transport, the daily commute kills your motivation.
Checklist before you decide
- Is the property within a realistic commute to your university (up to 30 min)?
- What exactly is included in the monthly price?
- Are there extra fees (deposit, application fee)?
- What is the minimum contract period?
- What is the room standard like (bathroom, kitchen, furniture)?
- Is there security, CCTV, access control?
- Are there reviews from other students (Google, forums, FB groups)?
What's next
Pick 2–3 options that meet your criteria and compare them side by side. Don't go by price alone — work out the full monthly cost and judge where you'll live best over the coming year.
In our catalogue you'll find 34 private dormitories across 9 cities — with descriptions, prices, and locations. Every property verified with the operator.
