Anyone who comes to Poland to study has a few options, when it comes to finding accommodation. One of the available options is staying at a student hostel in Warsaw. This is a great way to meet new people – usually, these types of residences provide tenants with common areas to meet up and socialize. Living in a student hostel is not everyone’s cup of tea though, as both the atmosphere and the living conditions can be quite difficult, to say the least.
What is a student hostel?
It’s a type of student housing for young people from all over the world who want to travel. There’s usually an age limit, like 25, and older individuals may be denied accommodation. Other hostels open their doors to anyone. The amenities vary depending on each place, but there’re usually spaces for cooking and a shared kitchen, a shared bathroom, and a common lounge area. You also share a room. Usually, the prices that you pay cover all expenses, including Wi-Fi, so there’s no unpleasant surprise at the end of your tenancy. Additionally, there’re some rules you have to follow, like a curfew. There might also be rules about noise or having outside guests. Even though hostel life has a number of perks, it does have some drawbacks too. Let’s go through the advantages and disadvantages and find out if it’s the right option for you.
Student hostel – advantages
During your stay at a student hostel, you’ll meet many people from across the globe. They usually are some happy-go-lucky travellers who are super friendly. The social atmosphere is often pretty visible in common areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and lounges. You’ll meet some incredible fellows with whom you will share your stories, cook with and explore the city together. It’s also an amazing opportunity to make new friends worldwide and learn about other cultures, or simply develop new social skills. Such places have their own personality. Even though you’ll have to get used to some more or less strange practices, like running out of hot water or having your food stolen, you have to be aware that these places have a certain vibe, and you can either love it or hate it!
Usually, there are plenty of backpackers who simply want to find a place to crash for a night or two. The people who are also staying in the same student hostel are usually quite experienced – they can give you some helpful advice when it comes to sightseeing, a good place to eat and so forth. You can book a place in the exact location you want, no matter whether it’s the city centre or the outskirts of Warsaw. They are pretty cheap. It goes without saying that you can book a night at a good price! However, you have to remember that booking such a place for a longer period of time, such as a month or even a term, can really add up.
Student hostel – disadvantages
First of all, staying in a student hostel is usually an experience like no other. Some people may find these disadvantages slightly annoying, while others may consider them as the biggest red flags. For example, there’s a lack of privacy. Usually, you not only share a lounge, a bathroom and a kitchen, but also your room. If you’re lucky, you’ll live with great people, but you might also end up with someone with whom you will not get along. Getting used to certain restrictions may take time.
Then there’s a lack of comfort. More often than not these student hostels don’t really feel like home. You have to adapt to no privacy. It can get really tricky, especially for introverts, who like their personal space and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. There’re also security issues. When you’re renting a room in an apartment or a whole flat with others you feel much safer than with absolute strangers. Additionally, you have to keep an eye on your belongings. Then there’s a lack of cleanliness – unfortunately, places like these can often be unclean to say the least! It’s not only off-putting to some, but it can also be a health hazard. Lastly, even though staying in a hostel as a student for a few days seems like a steal, when you’re staying there for longer, the costs add up to a significant sum.
Where else can I stay?
Apart from the student hostel, you can also opt for a more private and secure option which is renting a room or even a whole apartment in Warsaw. You don’t have to have a large budget. Little Home will find you accommodation tailored to your needs! You’ll have your own room and a fully furnished kitchen and bathroom at your disposal, and, most importantly, you won’t live with dozens of strangers. You will only have a few roommates and you can even live with your friends who also travel abroad to study in Warsaw.
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