If you’re considering studying medicine in Poland, one of the biggest questions you’ll have is what student life is actually like once you arrive.
Beyond university rankings and entry requirements, prospective students want to know whether they will feel safe, how much it costs to live there, whether it’s easy to make friends, and what everyday life looks like as an international student.
Drawing on the experiences of current medical students at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, this page brings together their honest reviews and practical advice for future applicants.
Why Read Reviews from Current Medical Students?
Student testimonials provide valuable insight beyond official university brochures. The experiences shared below highlight real perspectives on studying medicine in Katowice, covering everything from affordability and accommodation to safety, social life, and adapting to a new country.
Why Students Choose the Medical University of Silesia
Why Did Kavita Choose to Study Medicine Abroad?
For many aspiring doctors, studying abroad provides an opportunity to pursue medicine when competition for places in their home country is extremely high.
Kavita, who moved from London to study medicine in Poland, explained:
“Like many students, I struggled to get the grades required for the UK. Understandably, regardless of where you study, medicine is highly competitive.”
Rather than giving up on medicine, studying in Poland allowed her to continue working towards her dream while earning an internationally recognised medical degree.
Is the Medical University of Silesia Internationally Recognised?
Graduate recognition was also an important factor in Kavita’s decision.
As she shared:
“It’s an internationally recognised degree and ultimately it allows you to work in any country of your choice. This university is also GMC certified, which is what I looked for.”
Is Studying Medicine in Poland More Affordable?
Why Do Students Say Poland Offers Better Value for Money?
Cost is one of the biggest reasons students choose Poland over other destinations.
Rachel explained:
“I chose to study in Poland for financial reasons mainly because the cost of living here is much cheaper.”
Comparing her experience with family members studying in Britain, Rachel added:
“When I’m comparing to my sister, it definitely does cost a lot more for her than for me.”
From groceries to entertainment, students consistently describe Katowice as offering excellent value for money.
Rent in Katowice Compared to London
How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost in Katowice?
Accommodation is often one of the largest expenses for university students, but those studying in Katowice say they have been pleasantly surprised.
Sharing her own experience, Kavita said:
“I have an extra-large studio flat and I pay about 2,800 złoty, which is approximately £600 a month.”
How Does Rent in Katowice Compare with London?
Kavita contrasted this with renting in London:
“If I were to pay for a flat in the UK for a much smaller room, this would probably cost around £2,000.”
In fact, she estimated that a comparable room in London would cost more than all of her monthly expenses in Poland combined, including rent, food, bills, social activities, and even flights home.
For many prospective students, this demonstrates how studying abroad can be significantly more affordable than remaining in the UK.
What Is Student Life Like in Katowice?
Do International Students Feel Welcome in Poland?
For many international students, adapting to a new country can feel daunting, but those studying at the Medical University of Silesia describe a welcoming environment.
Reflecting on her experience, Nifa said:
“The thing I love most about being in Poland is the people. Everyone is so sweet and understanding and helpful and they’re really nice to foreigners, so I feel at home.”
What Do Students Enjoy Most About Living in Katowice?
Nifa also enjoys experiencing a different culture, learning a new language, and exploring everything the city has to offer.
Students particularly highlighted Katowice’s Christmas markets, affordable restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere as some of the things they enjoy most.
Things to Do Outside Medical School
What Can Medical Students Do in Their Free Time in Katowice?
Although medicine is academically demanding, students say there is plenty to do in their free time.
Popular activities include:
- Bowling
- Cinema trips
- Pool halls
- Shopping in the city centre
- Christmas markets
- Visiting local restaurants
- Exploring nearby attractions
- Shooting ranges
One student even described the local shooting range as their favourite place to visit outside university.
The variety of entertainment available helps students maintain a healthy balance between studying and social life.
Is It Easy to Make Friends?
How Quickly Do International Students Build Friendships?
Moving abroad often means leaving behind family and friends, but many students report settling in quickly.
Looking back on her first few weeks, Kavita admitted:
“For the first couple of weeks, I was quite apprehensive.”
However, things changed rapidly.
“Within a few weeks, I made quite a lot of friends.”
Can British Students Find a Community in Katowice?
Kavita explained that she had formed friendships not only with classmates but also with students from different years and different universities across the city.
As a British student herself, she also appreciated finding other students from the UK who helped her settle into life in Poland before branching out and meeting people from many different backgrounds.
Accommodation Tips for New Students
Should You Research Student Accommodation Before Moving?
Current students strongly recommend researching accommodation options before arriving in Poland.
Kavita advises prospective students to plan ahead and, where possible, visit accommodation options with a trusted family member or guardian before making a decision.
What Types of Student Accommodation Are Available in Katowice?
Available choices include:
- University dormitories
- Modern student residences
- Private apartments
She notes that dormitories offer convenience because they are close to campus, while private apartments provide a more modern and independent living experience.
Speaking about student accommodation in Katowice, Kavita also explained that modern residences such as Basecamp offer reasonable pricing compared with private rentals and can be an excellent option for international students.
Is Katowice Safe for International Students?
Do Students Feel Safe Living in Katowice?
Safety is understandably a major concern for students moving abroad.
Based on her personal experience, Kavita describes Katowice as a welcoming and secure city.
She explained:
“Personally I haven’t had problems. No one has come up to me or shown any racial harm or any intent to do harm to me.”
How Does Safety in Katowice Compare with London?
Comparing her experience with life back home, Kavita added:
“When I first came here, I thought, well, it can’t be as dangerous as London. And I was correct.”
She also praised the friendliness of local residents and the inclusive atmosphere among international students.
As she put it:
“You’re always going to find your group of people and the international student community is very accepting of everybody.”
Can Muslim Students Easily Find Halal Food in Katowice?
Are Halal Restaurants and Shops Available in Katowice?
For Muslim students considering studying abroad, access to halal food is often an important consideration.
According to Kavita, finding halal options in Katowice has been much easier than expected.
She explained:
“Cultural and religious products have been very easy to find, which I was quite shocked by.”
Students mention a variety of halal restaurants, dedicated halal butchers, and international grocery stores located close to the city centre.
These facilities make it much easier for Muslim students to maintain their dietary requirements while living in Poland.
Advice for Future Medical Students
How Can New Students Settle Into Life in Poland More Easily?
Reflecting on their own journeys, the students shared several valuable pieces of advice.
Rachel encourages future applicants to stay organised and regularly check university communications:
“You definitely have to keep on your emails.”
Meanwhile, Kavita believes students should embrace independence from day one:
“Be more independent.”
She also encourages newcomers to build relationships with both local and international students:
“Meet as many new people as possible, especially integrate with the local Polish population.”
What Mindset Should Students Have When Moving Abroad?
Finally, Nifa offers perhaps the most reassuring advice of all:
“Don’t be harsh on yourself. There are going to be things that you fail and there are going to be things that you pass with ease. It’s a new country. It’s a new environment and it does take time to get used to.”
For many students, adapting to a new country is part of the journey, and giving yourself time to adjust can make all the difference.
Final Verdict: Is the Medical University of Silesia Worth Considering?
What Do Current Students Think About Studying Medicine in Katowice?
The experiences shared by current students paint a consistently positive picture of life at the Medical University of Silesia.
From significantly lower living costs and affordable accommodation to welcoming local communities, accessible halal food options, and a supportive international student environment, many feel that studying medicine in Katowice has exceeded their expectations.
How Do Students Describe Life in Katowice?
Perhaps the best summary comes from the words students themselves used to describe the city:
- Diverse
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Happy
- Quiet
- Charming
- Welcoming
For prospective students looking to study medicine abroad, these firsthand experiences suggest that the Medical University of Silesia offers not only a respected medical education but also an affordable, friendly, and rewarding place to live throughout your degree.