How do you find the cost of living in Krakow, compared to other places in Europe?
Well Krakow is a fairly affordable city. I am from the USA, and compared to many other cities I visited, I find Krakow very "cheap". Cost of living is cheaper thn for instance a apartment in Chicagoland area. A average apartment, can run as low as 1000PLN (about 400USD/CAD) upwards of 2000PLN a month, depending on the size, location, etc. One thing that people do is rent real close to the town center, forgetting the excellent tram/bus connection in Krakow. For instance I live (own apartment) about 1.5km from Kopernika St (most of the basic classes are there) and where I am at compared of getting a apartment on Kopernika can be as much as 500+PLN/month difference. I got 4 trams which go every 5 min by my apartment and it takes me 5-8min by tram to get to the stop near Kopernika. then a 3min walk (I got it all timed down for those early mornings ) A monthly student tram pass is 48PLN for all lines incl night and weekends.
Food wise, actually I find it more expensive shopping than USA. I'm used to Costco/Sams Club for those bulk purchases. Food wise, you can of course cook yourself, or there are many student cafes for dinner around town from good home cooked dinners averaging about 12PLN (5USD) for soup, main with side, and a drink.
Its hard in other cities to come by prices so low including with the euro and how crappy the US dollar is doing.
Dinner wise also there are fine restaurants where you can have a gourmet dinner for about 30USD.
Alcohol wise, Poland is affordable. There are tons of clubs and pubs in the city and all have many student discounts. There are other tricks of the trade, but you'll figure that out when you get here.


Is the winter weather dismal? Krakow looks like a beautiful city, I have to say, and I'm excited to see it up close.
Its hard to say. Krakow in the city center is beautiful no matter what time of the year it is. Outside the city though, we still have many of those "communism" style buildings so when its cold, and slush, its not very good. Then again no city is. But it depends on the weather. Like the other day it was sunny and 45F. A very nice day, including for Jan!

Do you know if Jag will let me interview in person if I am going to be in the city, rather than over the phone? I will only have a couple of days there because I am visiting some other schools, as well, but Jag is my top choice.
You can of course email the school. Their email is on the school website medschool.cm-uj.krakow.pl I'm sure something can always be arranged. And if you ask, you might get a tour of campus.
School office is closed on weekends. I think Mon-Fri 9-4PM