My advice: simply wait till 2012 to attend Lodz, as they are actively pushing to be the European Capital of Culture for 2016.

Lodz European Capital of Culture 2016 - The Best Candidate

Having the European Football Championships in Poland/Ukraine in 2012, then the Euro Capital of Culture within the span of four years would see a vastly revitalized city with better infrastructure and an enriched arts/cultural scene.

Of course, that could all be a load of bull. As for the school, don't attend there; but I'm of the mindset that a situation is what one makes of it.

That said, I would decidedly not use an agent. I simply do not see the point of paying someone for something I could, without an abundance of trouble, do myself.