guide for exchange students

GUIDE FOR
EXCHANGE
STUDENTS
WELCOME TO ŁÓDŹ!
The adventure of your life has already begun! We hope that this time
will be the best time ever and you will never forget it. To make it easier,
we prepared this survival guide especially for you. You can find here
important and interesting information about living, partying, travelling,
health care and many, many more.
So let’s discover what Łódź has to offer for you!
ŁÓDŹ
ABOUT THE CITY
Did you know that in polish „Łódź” (Lodz) means „a boat”? Or maybe
you have already heard of Hipsters of Polish cities? Or about HollyŁódź?
Have you already heard of Piotrkowska street? Our pride is full of art
noveau buildings from XIXth and XXth century, now used as restaurants,
clubs, shops and countless pubs. It is a center of the nightlife in the city.
Every gate keeps a secret and discovering all of them will take at least
a semester. No matter if you love tea, coffe, beer or colorful shots, if
you are the fan of pancakes, burgers, vegan, greek, mexican, italian or
maybe already polish food, Piotrkowska is the answer! Do not forget to
sit on a bench with Julian Tuwim and rub his nose – it brings luck!
Also at Piotrkowska street you can find our Walk of Fame. It won’t surprise
you if you’ll remember that Łódź, with it’s famous The Leon Schiller
National Higher School of Film, Television and Theatre where Roman
Polanski studied, is the Polish capital of cinema. Our own HollyŁódź!
Many cartoons were created in Łódź and there is a main character of
one of them - Teddy the Floppy Ear - is waiting for your hug, obviously
at Piotrkowska!
Łódź is also famous for its unique, post industrial atmosphere (so
different from other Polish cities). The kingdom of textile manufacturers
went away at the end of XXth century, but huge, red brick factories are
still here! Manufaktura is not the only old factory getting it’s second
chance but also Manufaktura, developed by Izrael Poznański – is an
arts centre, huge shopping mall, and leisure complex. You can find
IMAX cinema there, as well as countless restaurants, bowling alley and
laser tag experience. You can discover many alternative spaces in OFF
Piotrkowska and Piotrkowska 217 zones. Both attract food, art and
street festivals.
While Izrael Poznański was building his textile kingdom on the north,
Karol Scheibler created ‘city in the city’ more on the south. This industrial
and residential complex, called “Priest’s Mill’ survived
almost unaffected since the 19th century!
Did you know that CNN described street art in Łódź as “bigger than
Banksy”? There are already over 35 murals in the city and each year we
are getting more! You can check out more of them here and try to spot
them in the city: http://www.urbanforms.org/UF_Walls/en/
Łódź is the hipster of polish cities - it is not pretty in an obviously way, it
doesn’t have charming old market and any river, but this is the city that
reveals its beauty to those who are worth it. You have to dig, wander and
get lost, find local friends, try new places and participate in the events
that are happening in the city (and there are a lot!), learn how to notice
post-industrial beauty and street art and then… you will fall in love with
it. Hope you will love Łódź as much as we do!
Interesting places:
Manufaktura: http://en.manufaktura.com/
It’s a big shopping center. You can find there a lot of shops, restaurants, cinema,
bowling alley, gym, etc.
Atlas Arena: http://www.atlasarena.pl/index.php?page=home_en_EN
If you’re keen on sport, music and theatre events it’s a place for you!
Aquapark “Fala”: http://www.aquapark.lodz.pl/home.php
Relax in Spa&Wellnes or in a swimming pool.
Museum of Modern Art Ms2 http://msl.org.pl/en/
One of the greatest museum of modern art in Europe. Ms2 offers exhibitions
at highest level.
TIP: Free entrance on Thursday
Teatr Wielki http://www.operalodz.com/en/index.php
Theatre offers you cultural entertainment on the highest level- opras, ballets
and many other events.
ABOUT ESN
Erasmus Student Network is a student organization; its’ aim is to help foreign students
who decided to spend some time studying abroad. As ESN members we are aware
‚how difficult living in a foreign country may be - that is why we do our best to help
Erasmus students to get used to a new place.
We are here to help you, so don’t be shy and ask about everything!
We organize parties, social events, movie nights, paintball battles, sport tournaments,
ice skating… It’s even impossible to enumerate everything.
To be sure that you won’t miss any of our event check what we do and follow us on:
ESN website
http://lodz.esn.pl/?q=en
ESN UŁ Facebook fanpage
www.facebook.com/esnul
ESN UŁ Travel fanpage
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ESN-Travel-U%C5%81/585301511495584
ESN UŁ Tandem fanpage
https://www.facebook.com/tandem.esn.ul?fref=ts
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/esn.ul/
Erasmus students group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/903361646360856/
GETTING TO ŁÓDŹ
ŁÓDŹ REYMONT AIRPORT
Airport is located on South-West of the city and it’s easily accesible by
public transport or taxi (travel to the city center may cost around 2535zł - 6-9EUR)
WARSAW MODLIN AIRPORT
Bus directly to Łódź Kaliska station: https://www.modlinbus.com/
Depending on a date from 20 to 50 PLN (5-12 EUR)
WARSAW CHOPIN AIRPORT
• Bus directly to Łódź kaliska station: https://www.modlinbus.com/
Depending on a date from 20 to 40 PLN (5-10 EUR)
• Bus to Warsaw Central Station and train to Łódź Kaliska
- Bus 175 or Night Bus N32: single ticket cost 4,40 PLN (1 EUR)
- Train from Warsaw Central Station to Łódź Kaliska (schedules:
http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en purchase online: http://intercity.pl/en/ )
• Local train to Warsaw Central Station and train to Łódź Kaliska
- S3 local train from Airport to Warszawa Centrum
- Train from Warsaw Central Station to Łódź Kaliska (schedules:
http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en purchase online: http://intercity.pl/en/ );
with EURO26 card 50% discounT
WARSAW CENTRE
• Train from Warsaw Central Station to Łódź Kaliska: schedules:
http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en purchase online: http://intercity.pl/en/ with
EURO26 card 50% discount
• Polski Bus from Metro Młociny to Łódź Kaliska: http://www.polskibus.
com/en Depending on a date from 8 to 40 PLN (2-10 EUR)
WROCŁAW AIRPORT
From the airport to city center
• By bus no. 406 (the bus leaves every 20 minutes and it stops at
Dworzec Główny PKP, it takes around 30 minutes to get there)
• By night bus no. 249 (3 times during night)
You can check online schedule for the buses here: http://komunikacja.
iwroclaw.pl/?lang=pl&language=en
From Wrocław to Łódź:
• By train http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en (around 4-4:30h)
from “WROCŁAW GŁÓWNY” to “ŁÓDŹ KALISKA” -> price 44zł-65zł
• By PolskiBus http://www.polskibus.com/en/ (around 3:30h) tickets
price vary from 15 to 40zł depending on the date (4,00-10,00€)
KRAKÓW AIRPORT
• From Cracow Aiport to the city center: by bus 208, 292 or 902 during
the night
• By PolskiBus http://www.polskibus.com/en/ (around 5h, direct)
from “Kraków” to “Łódź” -> price for the ticket now from 20zł up
OTHER
CITIES
• By PolskiBus http://www.polskibus.com/en/ you can come to Łódź
directly from: Berlin, Prague, Gdańsk, Poznań, Zakopane, Kraków,
Wrcoław, Warsaw, Rzeszów,
• By train: http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en
OTHER COUNTRIES BY BUUS
•
•
•
http://www.eurolines.pl/en/
http://www.sindbad.pl/en
http://www.polskibus.com/en/
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you want to move around the city, the cheapest way is to take a tram or a bus.
The public transport in Łódź is operated by MPK - http://mpk.lodz.pl/lang.action?lang=en
here you can find timetables for all routes, general information and ticket prices- the
website is avaliable in English.
Bus stops names and the information given on the bus are only in polish but they
are easy to follow. To feel more comfortabe you can install the application called:
„moblieMPK” to have an acces to timetables and bus stops names on your phone.
Also you can use a website which helps you to find the best way to get from one place
to another: http://lodz.jakdojade.pl/?locale=en – it also has the mobile app.
Trams
The tram network consists of 19 tram lines (numbered from 1 to 16, 41, 43 and 46).
If there is a change in the schedule (e.g. because of maintenance works), the substitute
bus lines are marked with the Z letter and the number, often corresponding tram number.
Night buses
There are 9 night bus lines (numbered and marked from N1 to N9). You use ordinary
tickets on the night lines. All the night lines have a common stop at Kościuszki/Zielona
and they leave every hour starting at 22:30 on weekdays and every 30 minut.
The university campus- Piotrkowska Street
• Pomorska/Konstytucyjna stop -Plac Wolności stop (tram no. 15)
• Pomorska/Konstytucyjna stop - Piotrkowska/Narutowiczna stop (tram no. 12)
The university campus- Rektorat
• Pomorska/Konstytucyjna stop- Narutowicza/Tramwajowa stop (tram no. 12)
The university campus- Manufaktura
• Pomorska/ Konstytucyjna stop- Legionów/ Zachodnia stop (trams no.15, 7, 43)
and then to Manufaktura/ Zachodnia stop (trams no. 3, 16, 11)
TICKETS
MIGAWKA
You can buy the tickets in every streetside kiosks, at machines on the
bus (most frequently you can pay there only by credit card) or from
the driver. Everytime you use a ticket it must be validated immediately
after you get into the tram or bus by punching them into the metal
boxes (kasownik) found next to the doors. If you don’t do it, you will pay
a 70zł fine (if paid in 7 days; after it goes up to 200zł) if you’re caught
by one of the undercover ticket inspectors.
There are two ticket zones in Łódź public transport: inner city and urban
agglomeration. (with special tickets required). There are also long-term
tickets and passes: 3 day, 7 day, 14 day 30 day, 90 day and 12 month.
Current ticket prices for inner city:
• 20 minute regular ticket 2.60 PLN (1,30 PLN with student ID),
• 40 minute regular ticket 3.40 PLN (1,70 PLN),
• 60 minute regular ticket 4.40 PLN (2,20 PLN),
• 24 hour regular ticket 12.00 PLN (6,00 PLN),
The table of prices is also avaliable here: http://www.mpk.lodz.pl/
showarticleslist.action?category=1150
Attention: Till 2015 November 1st, due to the construction works in
the city, the 20 minute tickes are valid for 40 minutes and 40 minute
tickets are valid for 60 minutes.
Every timed ticket allows you to change the vehicle an unlimited number
of times within the ticket time (waiting time at the bus stop also counts,
so be careful if you have a „short” ticket and a long connection!). If using
the single ride ticket( one bought from a driver), you are not permitted
to change the vehicle.
If you use timed tickets, you can mix various ticket denominations to
obtain the ticket you want. All the reduced fare tickets (50% off the
regular price) can be used only if you have valid documentation with
yourself (e.g. a student ID) as it will be requested during
the ticket control.
If you stay in Łódź and
you are planning to
commute every day
to the University, the
best option for you
is to buy a long-term
ticket called MIGAWKA
- it’s cheaper and
more comfortable for
everyday use alowing for unlimited public transport travels (trams, buses
and night buses).
You can get it via on-line shop at http://www.migawka.lodz.pl/ - the
website is only in polish - or you can go to the one of MPK office to buy it.
First you have to complete an application: on-line (tutorial how
to fill the form available here: http://www.migawka.lodz.pl/
article/jak-zlozyc-elektroniczny-wniosek-o-wydanie-migawki)
or at the office: with your personal data, you have to attach your regular
photo, like that one usually used for ID. On the application form you can
choose a place, where you will pick up your MIGAWKA.
Every place where you can buy or recharge your ticket and opening hours
are on the list here: http://www.migawka.lodz.pl/sales-points. You can
also recharge online via their website.
After 5 working days (from Monday to Friday) you will get an e-mail that
your card is ready and then you can go for your MIGAWKA.
Once you get a card, you have to buy a ticket which will be encoded on
your card. You choose the best tarif for you, pay at the sales point and
after that you can enjoy the cheapest way of moving around the city.
Don’t forget to have it with you while using public transport. It should be
presented with your student card in case of the ticket
control.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
HOW TO GET
ACOMMODATION
STUDENT DORMS
ALTERNATIVES
Check the map
If you’re not really into students dorms and you’d rather live on your own
you can rent a flat or a single room in the city. It’s more expensive but
you get better conditions and it feels more comfortable. Mainly price
for a single room is about 500-800 zł, frequently landlords also ask for
deposits which equals a rent for one month.
If you want to look for a flat for your own here are two most common
websites to start:
www.olx.pl
www.gumtree.pl
Although it’s very hard to find something if you don’t speak polish and this
is why you got a mentor from us! You can also find a flatmate on our ESN
UŁ facebook forum: [ESN UŁ] Erasmus in Łódź. A piece of advice: don’t
sign an agreement with a landlord if you don’t understand the document.
Ask either for an English version or turn to your mentor for help. There
are also private students dormitories, there are not so many exchange
students but the standard is a bit higher than in a campus. There you pay
about 400 zł for a room shared with another person.
www.akademiki.org
www.zakwlodzi.pl
If you came to Łódź by the time you are allowed to move in to your room
or when you just have arrived to the city and you don’t really where are
you going to live you can stay in a hostel for a couple of days.
In Łódź there many hostels, you can start searching something for a
night from those sites:
www.lagranda.pl
www.cynamonhostel.pl
www.lodz.flamingo-hostel.com
Mainly exchange students decide to live in students dorms. It’s a good
opportunity to meet some new people, it’s also near to several faculties
and you will never complain for boredom. Mostly you get a roommate
from your country. What is more students dormitories are extremely
cheap. A room for three persons costs 270 zł, if you want a room for
just two people you need to pay 50 zł more. Don’t forget about 700 zł
for the deposit! In case of a decent party this sum will cover costs of
damages.
http://roa.uni.lodz.pl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=15
Visit the campus online
http://cos.uni.lodz.pl/wp-content/ULspacery/ULosiedle/index.html
HEALTH CARE
When you need to see a doctor, always remember about taking your
health insurance and documents with you. Here’s a list of places where
you can go with your problems. You may also ask your Mentor for support
in getting to the doctor and translating.
GENERAL HELP
Situated on the university campus
Lumumby 14,
91-404 Łódź-Śródmieście
Opening hours: 8 -20
Registration : 42-632-81-80; 42-632-81-81; 42-633-04-16
DENTIST
Tomasz Żurawski - dentist’s office (with ESNcard 20% discount)
http://www.dentzur.com.pl/ - Dentist speaks English
OPHTHALMOLOGIST/OPTICIAN
Próchnika 1 ( Corner of Piotrkowska Street)
90-408 Łódź
Registration: 42 633 58 98
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10-18, Saturday 10- 15
how to get there?
Buses: 86. 96 Trams: 4,7,9,12, 13, 14
HOSPITALS
University Teaching Hospital
Street: Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153 Łódź-Śródmieście
Departments: Pulmonology, Cardiology, Surgery, Ophthalmology,
Neurology ect.
how to get there?
Buses: 58,70A, 70B, 70C, 85, 96 Trams: 4,7,9,12,13,14
Opening hours: 24/7
University Teaching Hospital
Departments: Dermatology, Cardiology, Neurology ect.
ul.Sterlinga 1/3, 91-425 Łódź-Śródmieście
how to get there? trams:15,46 buses: 57
PHARMACIES
MALVA Pharmacy
ul. Lumumby 3 /5
IDEA Pharmacy
ul. Narutowicza 55 24/7
DBAM O ZDROWIE Pharmacy
Plac Wolności 2, 91-415 Łódź-Śródmieście
MALINOWA Pharmacy
ul.Kilińskiego 21, 90-205 Łódź-Śródmieście
MELISSA Pharmacy (OPEN 24h)
ul.Narutowicza 42, 90-135 Łódź-Śródmieście
ESNcard
THE BEST DISCOUNTS FOR YOU!
ESNcard is an international ESN project and the membership card at the same
time. It allows you to enjoy lots of discounts offered by our Partners.
You can use ESNcard if you’re:
• an international exchange student (not only Erasmus Programme),
• an ESN member or ex-member,
• an ESN follower.
Every day you can enjoy discounts in clubs, restaurants, gyms, beauty centers,
etc., and events organized by ESN. The card pays off after a
With this card you have an access to a lot of discounts not only in Łódź or Poland
but in many cities all over Europe where ESN works.
The ESNcard costs is just 30zł and you can get it from ESN during our events.
We will also announce the sales on the facebook fanpage.
More info is available on www.esncard.org
Sylwia Tokarczyk card.uni.lodz@esn.pl
ESNcard discounts
Pub Biblioteka
https://www.facebook.com/pubbiblioteka
-10% for all
Magic Bar&Grill
Jaga Cafe
10% discount for coffee, tea and
chocolate with ESNcard
Pewex Music Club
Cinema Charlie
http://www.charlie.pl
special ticket price: 12zł
Grakula Bowling Alley
https://www.facebook.com/KlubPewex
1zł discount on beer and drinks
With ESNcard one game costs 6 zł Mon-Fri
10-18, - 50% for bowling and billiards on
every Monday for whole day
Taxi Dwa-Dwa
Granda cafeclub
Atelier Beauty & Hairdresser
-10% for service
1 pln discount on beer and drinks
-10% for services (not medical)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/magicbar/196764347031795
-10% for tap beer and food
http://www.96-22.pl
http://klubokawiarnia-granda.pl/en/
The Mexican - restaurant
Daleko Blisko travel cafe
Lordi’s Club
1zł discount on beer and drinks
drinks voucher to use at the bar
http://www.mexican.pl/nasze-restauracje/
lodz-ul-piotrkowska-67.html
-20% for dishes - hot meal
https://www.facebook.com/dalekoblisko.cafe
Hostel La Granda
Klinika Bistro Bar
-10% for all rooms
20% discount for beer and 1 PLN less for
shots and cocktails with price from 9 PLN
http://lagranda.pl/en/
https://www.facebook.com/KlinikaBistroBar/
Szafa club & bar
Shisha Club Sahara
-15% off for a lunch, -10% for whiskey
and coctails, from Sunday to Thursday
beer and shot 4 zl
-15% for all shisha
http://klubszafa.pl
https://www.facebook.com/ShishaClubSahara
Bedroom Club
https://www.facebook.com/klubbedroom
2 zl discount on Sex on the Beach and Mojito
http://www.salonatelier.pl
https://www.facebook.com/LordisClub
Czekolada Club
https://www.facebook.com/czekoladalodz
10% for all and free entrance
Furia Pub
https://www.facebook.com/furia.klub/
15% discount (the discount does not
include beers in bottles, whiskey and
tequila)
Boffe Butik
https://www.facebook.com/boffebutik/
-15% for all shoes
HOLIDAYS IN POLAND
There are some days during the year when shops, offices, banks, etc. are closed.
Remember about it and do your things a day before or wait. Alternatively you can
do small shopping on gas stations and privately owned little grocery stores, but it
is always better to be prepared.
Holidays (free days):
05.04. Easter Day
06.04. Easter Monday
01.05. Labour Day
03.05. Constitution Day
24.05. Whit Sunday
04.06. Corpus Cristi
Other important dates:
2.04 - 7.04 - spring holidays (Easter) (free days)
25.05 - Rectory Day (free day)
8.06 - 28.06 - exams period (it’s not a holiday but you cannot forget about it!)
Do not forget about an annual student’s holiday, Juwenalia, that is traditionally
celebrated in late May, before the summer exams (you will know about the date well
in advance). The joyous celebration, which usually starts with a festive student’s
march, includes sports events, open air concerts but most importantly, partying till
the morning! Keep calm and wait for the student’s feast!
ENJOY YOUR TIME IN ŁÓDŹ!