What is the difference between public and private dormitories, and is it worth sacrificing comfort to save money by avoiding rent?
Opinions differ, and all students choose the most convenient or budget-friendly option for themselves. But what about those who are unfamiliar with the topic and need advice? For this article, I interviewed two students living in Warsaw in different conditions.
Public Dormitory Experience
Denis Bogdanovsky is a second-year student at the University of Warsaw, majoring in kierownictwo. Denis understands management and marketing well and plans to pursue a career in business. In the fall of 2023, Denis moved from Minsk and quickly settled into his new home – one of the public dormitory buildings in the Stara Ochota district. The building, a last-century construction might not be visually appealing from the outside, but offers all necessary amenities inside.
“The rooms are designed for 2-3 people and come furnished with a wardrobe, beds, tables and chairs,” says Denis. His dorm is a corridor type with shared kitchens and showers on each floor. However, some dorms have block-type apartments – with shared facilities for 2-3 rooms. The rent reflects the modest furnishings. You are guaranteed hot water and clean bed linens, and you can get used to minor inconveniences.
We asked Denis if we could visit to get a glimpse of the dorm life from the inside. He agreed and jokingly suggested calling the article “a light interview about poor Warsaw.” While the title sounded amusing, it didn’t match the reality- the student’s room looked pretty decent. It had been recently renovated: the walls were painted, windows replaced, and the furniture was new. Denis has his own desk, a comfortable bed with a mattress, a nightstand, and a lamp. He and his roommate share a wardrobe and refrigerator.
“Despite the appearance of the building, it is constantly being modernized. Just recently, they replaced our faucet for no real reason. A small thing, but nice.” Denis smiles.
The price is also quite reasonable – 520 PLN per month, which includes electricity, water, hallway cleaning and maintenance common areas. Students are responsible for keeping their own rooms clean.
“At first, my roommate kept forgetting to take out the trash, and we had many disagreements. He also used to take my food without asking. Eventually, we divided responsibilities and now we live peacefully. Having a roommate doesn’t interfere with my studies or rest. Most people on our floor are Russian speakers, but I share a room with a Pole. I chose that on purpose since I needed to practice Polish. He moved in before me and now finishing his master’s. Thanks to him, I was able to expand my vocabulary and got a better understanding of the education system and how the university works.”
Though personal space is limited, the room is cozy and clean – definitely livable.
Private Dorm and Apartment Life
We also met Dzmitry Barmuta, a student from Belarus studying programming at PJATK (Polsko-Japońska Akademia Technik Komputerowych), one of Poland’s most prestigious private universities. Non-state universities also offer dormitory spots, but only for the first year of study. Moreover, the prices can be outrageous, reaching up to 3200PLN per month (enough to rent a studio apartment). Dzmitry was lucky to get a spot for 2000PLN per month. But after his first year, he faced a huge problem: where to move next? Together with his friend, he decided to rent an apartment. Splitting costs made it more affordable and fun. However, finding the right place took the entire summer.
“As visiting students without jobs, we were often rejected right after the initial phone call. The only card that we could play was that we studied at PJATK. Some landlords joked that if we go to such prestigious university, our parents must be wealthy,” he recalls.
They finally found an apartment in the Torgówek area -not in the city center, but with metro and tram access nearby.
“Compared to dorm life, it’s a big change. I can come home after 11 p.m. without begging the guard to let me in. I no longer have to queue to do my laundry or make a schedule for using the vacuum cleaner.” He adds that the apartment is more comfortable, but you need to be prepared for expenses, especially in the first month.
“Most ads are published by agencies, so you’ll have to pay the realtor. Also, it’s better to immediately clarify the final amount with the owner, because websites often don’t specify expenses for water and electricity. And don’t forget the deposit, which is not small either and usually unlikely to be returned. The main thing is to read the contract carefully,” Dima advises.
Conclusion: What’s the best option?
Renting an apartment certainly has its advantages – comfort, freedom, and independence. However, it also comes with higher costs and responsibilities. Dorms, on the other hand, may be modest and shared, but they offer an opportunity to adapt to the city, find new friends and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real university. For many, especially at the beginning of their student journey, a dormitory is the perfect place to start.
Valeryia Kavaliova
Photo: Lisa from Pexels / Pexels