Poland .. Everyday matters, logistics, etc.

[Rotten]

Hello, everybody. I'm heading over to Jagiellonian Univ. in about a month for the four year program. Perhaps someone who has "been there, done that" could give me some counsel of the following things:

1) Bank accounts .. what is the easiest bank to use in Krakow in terms of accessibility, user-friendliness, etc. Does a multinational bank exist that I could use in both Poland and the USA?

2) Communication issues, specifically mobile phones. What is the best plan to get on when I arrive. How much does it typically cost?

I've also decided to stay in the dorms for at least a couple months. Regarding this, can someone give me an idea of what to expect? I'm not really concerned with the living conditions being too spartan .. I've stayed in the worst of the worst of dorms here in the US, as well as numerous "low, low, low budget" hostels abroad. Comfort should not be an issue. I'm more concerned with whether there are laundry facilities available, kitchen facilities, proximity to class .. things more along those lines.

If anyone can spare the time to shed some light on these issues, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks so much. :)

[NitrousOx2009]

The most straight forward bank to open and account is the Millenium Bank. They'll give a debit card right away.

I'll continue later, have to run now...

[NitrousOx2009]

The cell phones are mostly the prepaid kind as far as I know. Anyways I had one of these. You buy the phone and then buy the cards. It works great because you have absolute control of the units, no monthly payment for the "account"

There are no "pay-phones" per se: you must buy cards for these too. Every time you make a call you must insert the card in the unit.

Transportation: Tram and bus system is flawless. Taxis are VERY affordable (at least they were when I was there) Great for those cold mornings or if you have to go to the Peds hospital which is kind of far. You should be able to find an apartment within walking distance to the different med school departments.

Food: It's everywhere. All sorts of price range. Supermarket: I liked TESCO, they have everything although is not the cheapest.

Specific questions welcome...

[Narcan]

Pretty much the same here in Poznan. We have P&P and Tesco for supermarkets. But I use the little local ones they seem to be cheaper.

[joshua_ch]

To build on this thread, I'm starting in Poznan this fall. I'm an older student and don't want to live in the dorms long term, so I am planning on getting an apartment ASAP. How does one go about setting up utilities (elec/gas/water), and how long does it take? I gather that heat is usually included.

This forum has been a huge resource for me, btw. Thanks for all the info!

[onewithhope]

hey what are the gpa cut offs for poznan?
i have a 2.3 gpa bachelor of sci, major in anatomy & cell bio

[NitrousOx2009]

Quote from joshua_ch: "To build on this thread, I'm starting in Poznan this fall. I'm an older student and don't want to live in the dorms long term, so I am planning on getting an apartment ASAP. How does one go about setting up utilities (elec/gas/water), and how long does it take? I gather that heat is usually included."

Hi there! If you don't speak Polish make sure the realtor who finds you the apartment makes it clear to the landlord, that she has to come with you to arrange for those services. Both my landladies went with me to hook up the phone, gas, internet etc. Cable you can do on your own since they usually have english speaking employees. If your rent includes utilities then everything will be up and running in the apartment when you move in.

[Narcan]

Hey, Getting an apartment in Poznan can be a little complicated. But do-able. I am older too and hated the dorm also. Found an English speaking realtor and was able to find two different apartments now. The gas is a little tricky, they require a PESL #, a Polish soc sec number really. I used the landlords for the first place and my girlfriends for the second. The cable is easy to get, but each section of the city is covered by a different company. Took a bunch of calls to figure it out. Nothing happens quickly here. Took about a month to get cable, internet and phone at each place. You may have to have a phone for internet like my first apartment. Or now I am on internet off the cable and have a TV which is nice. And skip the phone.

As far as the GPA question. No one can answer that. But mine was pretty low. I worked as a Paramedic/Firefighter and then as a College Professor, so I think that helped. There are people in my class without 4 year degrees and/or low GPA's. Just apply if you are interested.

[joshua_ch]

Thanks guys! That clears up a lot remaining grey areas for me.

The place I've found that I like the most is in a building that charges a flat rate for gas and water (and also includes on-site security, and a garage space which I will have no use for), so I've only to hook up elec. and cable for internet use. I'll probably get a new chip for my cell phone, since it's the appropriate type.

I will ask them about someone from the landlord or building administration coming with me to set up what is left. I never would have considered that initially w/o your comments. Probably would have been some dark evenings.

Speaking to the GPA issue, I had a not-so-spectacular undergrad, and then worked as an artist for about six years. I did have two years after undergrad of a solid 4.0. But as long as you're interested and they have room, you're probably good.