Student Warsaw − a guide for first-year students

Before you head into the city − discover the student Warsaw of years past

Fifty years ago, student social life revolved around just a few clubs − there was simply less choice. One of the most important venues was Stodoła, which opened in 1956 in a wooden barracks on Emilii Plater Street that had previously housed the builders of the Palace of Culture and Science. It is still going today, although mainly as a concert venue and at a new location − 10 Batorego Street. If you go to concerts, sooner or later you’re bound to end up there. A similar legend surrounds Hybrydy (since 1977 located at 7/9 Złota Street, where it still operates today as the Academic Cultural Centre of the University of Warsaw). It was once a legendary student, jazz and theatre club that launched the careers of artists such as Wojciech Młynarski and Urszula Dudziak. Today, University of Warsaw students can carry on this tradition at the UW Hybrydy Student Theatre, which draws on the original club’s legacy and remains a vibrant fixture on Warsaw’s student and cultural landscape. Hybrydy also once hosted a Film Discussion Club, where Roman Gutek and Stefan Laudyn − the founders of today’s Warsaw Film Festival − began their journey into cinema. Why is this worth mentioning? Because it’s a festival you’re sure to attend in autumn. So it’s worth knowing that its roots go back to a student film club from forty years ago.

Studying and student life have changed dramatically over the last few decades. One of the biggest differences between ‘then’ and ‘now’ is that, in the past, social life mostly centred around halls of residence and student clubs on campus. Today, the university is often just a starting point, while most of student life takes place ‘on the town’. So let’s take a look at a few places and events that will help you find your way around student life in Warsaw.

Student events and culture

If you’re into film, you’ll soon realise that in Warsaw, watching a movie doesn’t always mean a trip to a multiplex in a shopping mall. The capital is home to over a dozen arthouse cinemas − intimate, independent venues where, on top of great films, you can enjoy meetings with filmmakers, discussions, themed screening series, and atmospheric cafés. Among the most popular are Kino Muranów, Kinoteka, Kino Wisła and Iluzjon Filmoteki Narodowej. If you’re living in the Praga district, be sure to check out Kino Praha − a cosy neighbourhood cinema screening several films a day. On ‘Cheap Wednesdays’, tickets cost just PLN 10, so it’s a great option for a student night out. A favourite cinema among Warsaw students is Kino Amondo (20 Żurawia Street). This is the place for all those looking for a truly alternative movie theatre − instead of large auditoriums, you’ll find intimate spaces seating just 20–30 people. An absolutely essential place to visit at least once while studying in Warsaw!

If you’re looking for somewhere that combines culture, art and an urban atmosphere, be sure to visit the Jazdów Estate (Jazdów Street). This is an extraordinary enclave in the very heart of the city that is particularly vibrant during the warmer months, but also has a lot to offer in autumn and winter. Its almost century-old Finnish wooden houses are home to artistic collectives, student groups − including some from the Academy of Fine Arts − and cultural institutions. It’s worth keeping an eye on what’s happening at the Jazdów Estate, as exhibitions, workshops, theatre performances, and concerts are regularly held here. And even if you don’t come across any interesting events, take an autumn stroll among the wooden houses. This is one of those Warsaw activities that is definitely worth ticking off your student ‘to-do’ list.

If you’re studying at the University of Warsaw, you must visit the Powiśle district nearby the campus, where you’ll find the legendary Młodsza Siostra (Younger Sister, 14/16 Dobra Street). Tucked away in a courtyard, this cafe-club has a rebellious, anarchic vibe, tables packed with students from a wide array of colleges and courses, and an extensive vegetarian menu. Keep an eye on Młodsza Siostra’s social media − there’s something going on almost every week, from gigs and discussions to clothes and vinyl record swaps, and fairs showcasing new artists. This is one of those places where you can pop in to eat and stay the whole evening.

Eat like young Varsovians do

A student budget doesn’t have to mean boring food! Bistro Chochelka (2 Rektorska Street, next to the Warsaw University of Technology/Politechnika Warszawska) is a university canteen popular not only with students of the Warsaw University of Technology. The food here is good and inexpensive, and you will easily find something to your tastes, including vegetarian options − there’s a really wide choice of meals. If you’re looking for something strictly vegan in the vicinity of the University of Technology, check out Veganda (5 Plac Zbawiciela, approx. 10 minutes’ walk from the University of Technology). The menu here changes every two weeks, so even if you visit several times, you can try something new each time. And since there’s no shortage of plant-based eateries in Warsaw, you’re sure to find other places worth exploring in no time. On the other side of the square is Pałaszowanie (12 Mokotowska Street) − a quick and crunchy lunch alternative in the form of zapiekankas (toasted baguettes with various toppings). This place is particularly busy in the evenings, when it becomes a popular stop on student (and non-student) nights out.

For lunch between classes in the Old Town area, Syrena Irena (4/6 Krakowskie Przedmieście), right by the University of Warsaw, is a great choice. This is a modern eatery inspired by old-fashioned milk bars, but with a more extensive menu and a design that definitely deserves at least one Instagram Story. It’s worth asking about student discounts − by showing your ID card, you can enjoy their delicious homemade pierogi (stuffed dumplings), and much more, a bit cheaper. If you want to stick with Polish cuisine, and explore the Old Town area at the same time, pop in for lunch at Pyzy Flaki Gorące (6 Podwale Street). It offers a wide range of Polish dumplings with various side dishes at reasonable prices and served in jars − a very eco-friendly, ready-to-take-away packaging option. Alternatively, if you’re studying closer to the Mokotów district, at the Warsaw School of Economics for instance, Bar Thien Ly (22 Śniadeckich Street) is a must. It’s no accident that this place, beloved by students, is known colloquially as ‘turkey, butter, garlic’ − a literal tip on what to order to understand what this place is all about.

Evening: from steps to techno

Every university, faculty, and even student group, has its favourite venues and hangouts. But there are some places that students from all over Warsaw frequent − and they are worth knowing, especially if you are just starting your adventure in the city. The steps on the Vistula Boulevards are one of the most iconic meeting points. As soon as the evenings get warmer, the left bank of the Vistula comes alive with students hanging out here until late into the night. This is one of the city’s most democratic get-togethers: all you need is a blanket, fair weather, and good company. It is here that many students start or end their evening. The steps are also one of the few places in Warsaw where you can legally drink alcohol outdoors − but only in the designated area between the river and the cycle path.

The default evening hangout for students from the Academy of Dramatic Art and the Academy of Fine Arts is Resort at 1 Bielańska Street. It’s a spacious, rather hipster venue that often holds improv and stand-up shows. A ‘pitch your single friend’-type event has also recently gained popularity here, in which participants take to the stage to showcase single friends who are looking for a partner. It’s a fun alternative to dating apps and a chance to meet new people a bit less virtually.

If you’re looking for a dancing venue with an underground vibe, K-Bar Powiśle (Al. 3 Maja) is a club housed within the turrets of Poniatowski Bridge. The atmosphere is straight out of Boiler Room, and techno and house music rule. The club is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. If you’re looking for more fun in a larger group, head to Cybermachina (52/56 Nowy Świat Street), famous for its wide selection of board games, or to the popular Zagrajka (4A Nowy Świat Street). Among the attractions on offer are mini-golf, beer pong, karaoke rooms, and arcade machines − everything you need to socialise with people from your year.

Keep your ear to the ground − student life in Warsaw never stands still

This list is a good start, but don’t take it as gospel. Places that are hot today may not even exist a year from now − and vice versa. The best source of up-to-date information will always be student groups at your faculty or university. This is where you’ll find the latest tips, warnings, and invitations to events that you won’t find in any guidebook. Nonetheless, it’s well worth keeping a few regular spots from this list on your radar as these are the places where it’s easiest to meet people from different universities and faculties, as well as people from outside the academic community.