Erasmus Information

Package 2013/2014

Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu

Erasmus Information

Package 2013/2014

Erasmus Information

Package 2013/2014

Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu

Erasmus Code: PL WROCLAW04www.up.wroc.pl

Wrocław, 2013

Authors Jadwiga Bolechowska

Krzysztof Kafarski

Edited byProf. Dr. hab. Alina Wieliczko, Vice-Rector

Dr. Ewa Jaworska

Designed byPaweł Wójcik

Publication of this booklet has been fully supported by the LLP Erasmus Programme.The information provided at the time of publishing is in agreement with the data col-

lected by the authors. However, the details may have changed and the authors cannot take any responsibility for any data that are out of date.

© Copyright by Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu, Wrocław 2013

ISBN 978-83-7717-

WydaWnictWo UniWersytetU Przyrodniczego We WrocłaWiUredaktor naczelny – prof. dr hab. inż. andrzej Kotecki

ul. sopocka 23, 50–344 Wrocław, tel. 71 328 12 77, e-mail: wyd@up.wroc.plNakład + 16 egz. Ark. wyd. Ark. druk.

Druk i oprawa: PRINT sp. j. Z. Przyborowski, H. Ambroży ul. Wykładowa 62, 51-520 Wrocław

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Dear Students,It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences.

I hope that this Information Package will encourage you to choose our University as the destination of your study abroad time, either within the Erasmus scheme or another exchange programme.

This booklet will provide you with all relevant information about Poland, the city of Wrocław and our University and I am sure that you will find it very helpful while organizing your study period.

Wrocław is proud to have a large number of public and non-public higher education institutions and about 140 000 students, among which is our University, the third largest in the city. Here you will be offered high quality education, accommodation, learning facilities and other student services.

Our administrative and academic staff as well as our students will take care of you throughout the entire period of your stay in Wrocław. We will all help you to adjust to new conditions that you will encounter in Poland.

I am sure that you will never regret your choice. The University staff will do the best to make your stay in Wrocław a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our University.

Prof. Dr. hab. Roman Kołacz

Rector

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Contents

About Poland 9

City of Wrocław 10

Lower Silesia – Dolny Śląsk 15

Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences 17

Other Useful Information 33

Notes 35

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Berlin 343 km

Stockholm 07 k1407 km

Riga972 km

Vilnius 790 km Minsk

945 km

Warsaw340 km

WROCŁAW

Lviv 625 km

Oslo1375 km

4 k

Londonm1327 km

Paris1282 km

Amsterdam964 km64 km

Brussels1040 km

A

S

A

Lisbon 2460 km

Madrid 1978 km

Zagreb 595 km

Aarhus 810 km

Athens1550 km

Prague 270 km

Bucharest1018 km

Budapest 595 km

mBratislava

10

mVienna

90 k3

Rome1117 km

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The Republic of Poland is a rapidly developing modern country in Central Europe which stretches between the Baltic Sea and the Tatra Mountains. With an area of 312,679 km2 and a population of over 38 million it is the ninth largest country on the continent. Warsaw, the capital of Poland, has a population of 1.7 million inhabitants. Other major cities are: Gdańsk Katowice, Kraków, Łódź, Poznań, Szczecin and Wrocław.

The weather in Poland is typical of the temperate climate with mild to warm summers and cool winters. However, recent changes caused by the global warming have also affected our country, so that heat waves and temperatures around 30°C from May to September are not unusual. Similarly, winters can be quite severe with frequent snowfalls and temperatures below 00C from November to March. It is important to be prepared and bring warm clothes and boots.

Poland was the first among the Central and Eastern European countries to re-establish democracy after 44 years of Communist rule. In 1999 Poland joined NATO and in 2004 became an EU member state. Since 1990 it has pursued a policy of economic liberalization and today stands out as a success story among transition economies. It is the only country in the European Union which has avoided recession through the current economic crisis, marking a steady GPD growth.

About Poland

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City of WrocławWrocławwww.wroclaw.pl

With 640,000 inhabitants and over 140,000 students who come here for study at 11 public universities and more than 20 private higher education institutions, Wrocław is the largest city in the west of Poland. The rich and fascinating history of the city and its multicultural heritage can be seen not only in the museums, but also in the architecture of the old city. The traces of the past show that Wrocław was home to the Czech, Austrian, Jewish and German people. Totally destroyed during World War II, it has been completely reconstructed and modernized.

Youth, innovation and new technologies are the indications of today’s achievements and challenges for the future. Close vicinity to the German and Czech borders makes the city an attractive destination for both tourists and investors.

Wrocław is the only city in Poland which allocates more than 5% of its budget on activities connected with culture and the arts. A wide array of entertainment is offered throughout the year. Numerous events are held in over 100 art and cultural facilities and over 50 sports centers, including the new stadium opened

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for the European Football Championship 2012. Rynek is a square in the heart of the city with numerous pubs, clubs and discos, where you can hear many languages and meet young people from all over the world. If you need peace and quiet for a rendezvous with your partner, you definitely find it while strolling around the area of Ostrów Tumski, a small island with a Gothic Cathedral and other churches, where the street gas lamps are still lit with a long stick by a man walking around.

“It is truly a city that never sleeps! Even if you don’t waste time for eating and sleeping, it’s impossible to see it all.” (Erasmus student)

In 2016 Wrocław will hold the prestigious title of the European Capital of Culture.

In 2017 Wroclaw organizes the World Games – Olympic Games at non-Olympic sports.

Places worth seeing in Wrocław:

• Rynek – Market Square – main old city square• Ostrów Tumski – historic quarter with the Cathedral • Centennial Hall – UNESCO World Heritage Site • Panorama Racławicka – large painting showing the Battle of Racławice• Wrocław Zoo – one of the oldest in Europe• Pergola Fountain – multimedia fountain• Japanese garden• Botanical garden• City stadium – arena of EURO 2012• Aquapark – Wrocław water park• WUWA – Wohnungs-und Werkraumausstellung, Workplace and House Exhibition

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How to get to Wrocław?By planeWrocław International Airport has connections to many European cities i.e. Warsaw, Alicante, Barcelona-Girona, Bologna, Bornemouth, Bristol, Brussels, Chania, Copenhagen, Cork, Doncaster Sheffield, Dortmund, Dublin, Düsseldorf, East Midlands, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Gdansk, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Lviv, Malaga, Malmo, Malta, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Pisa, Rome, Shannon, Venice and Zadar.

More information about timetables and destinations available at: www.airport.wroclaw.pl/en/

By trainWrocław is a hub in the Polish railway network. It is linked to all main cities in Poland and also holds international connections to  Hamburg (via Berlin), Prague, Dresden, Kiev (via Lviv) and Budapest. The main railway station is situated at a 15 minutes’ walking distance from the city centre.

More information about timetables and destinations is available at: http://rozklad-pkp.pl/bin/query.exe/en?

By busInternational and domestic buses arrive and depart from the bus station which is located directly behind the main railway station. Besides, being a stop for the Eurolines international coach network, Wrocław is linked to numerous cities nation and region-wise.

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More information about timetables and international destinations available at: http://www.eurolines.com/

Trips from Wrocław If you want to spend a weekend outside Wrocław, we recommend a city break in Berlin, Dresden, Prague or Vienna. The ESN is a wonderful organizer of such trips and will present you their offer during your Erasmus time in Wrocław.

Public transport One-way ticket for public transport (tram or bus) is 1.50 PLN

In 2010 The Wroclaw Urban Card was introduced. It is a prepaid electronic card that allows the users of public transport in the city to travel without buying single tickets for each journey. Detailed information on the city transport is available on: http://www.urbancard.pl/en/index.html

Cycling – public bicycle sharing The concept of the system is to provide free access to bicycles for short-distance trips (up to 20 minutes) in the urban area as an alternative to motorized public transport or private vehicles, thereby reducing traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution.

However, the traffic and uneven roads can make cycling a challenging experience, so you must be cautious if you decide to rent a bike. Make sure you stay clear of the tram rails. Remember to return it at the nearest bike station. Never leave it unattended.

http://www.nextbike.pl/1546.html

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TAXIIn Poland the fares are cheaper when you call a taxi by phone than when you take a taxi from a taxi rink. Marked radio taxis have the telephone number and the name of the company indicated on the roof and on the side doors.

The most frequently used are:

• MINI RADIO TAXI (phone: +48 71 19626)• DOMINO TAXI (phone: +48 71 19625)• ZTP RADIO TAXI (phone: +48 71 19622)

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Lower Silesia Dolny l sk

The region is located in the south-west of Poland. It will take you no longer than two hours to get to places where you can admire spectacular views of the mountain ranges, rapid rivers and streams, huge forest areas, lakes as well as beautiful valleys boasting rare species of plants. The unique architecture of spas and health resorts will take you on an unforgettable journey to the early 19th century. You will never regret ski trips in the winter and seasonal hiking, climbing or cycling on the slopes of the Sudetes Mountains.

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Skiing resorts Czarna Góra – http://czarnagora.pl/nasz-osrodek/trasy-narciarskie/

Karpacz – http://www.karpacz.ig.pl/wyciagi.php

Szklarska Poręba – http://www.sudetylift.com.pl/en/index.php

Świeradów Zdrój – http://skisun.pl/home

Zieleniec – http://www.zieleniec.pl/wyciagi.php

Lower Silesia is also a national leader in economic development and the location of international companies such as Cargill, HP, IBM, IKEA, Kraftfoods, Siemens, Tesco, Toyota, Volvo, WABCO and others.

Places worth seeing in Lower Silesia:• Medieval Castles – the most famous is Książ Castle going back to the 13th

century• Churches of Peace – two churches (in Świdnica and Jawor) are listed on the

UNESCO World Heritage List• Sudetes Mountains – mountain range reaching 1602m above the sea level• Jelenia Góra Valley – intramontane basin of the Sudetes Mountains• Health Resorts – ancient health spas (in Duszniki, Kudowa, Lądek, Polanica,

Szczawno, Świeradów)• Kłodzko Fortress – unique fortification complex of the  Lower Silesian

Voivodeship• Project Riese – secret Nazi underground construction• Cistercian monasteries – Lubiąż and Krzeszów Abbey

http://lowersilesia.poland.com/

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Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences

• Public Higher Education Institution• Founded in 1951• enrolment on november 30th 2012• Full-time students – 8638• Part-time students – 2130• Postgraduate students – 1425• PhD students – 245• employment on april 30th 2012• Total – 1655• Academic staff – 733

The Rector, elected for a term of 4 years, is the superior and guardian of all the students and staff. Re-election can take place only once.

The Chancellor is in charge of administration.

The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for finances and accountancy.

The Dean of the Faculty is the superior and guardian of all the students at a given Faculty.

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Faculties• Biology and Animal Science• Environmental Engineering and Geodesy• Food Science• Life Science and Technology• Veterinary Medicine

The University ranks high in national rankings of higher education institutions.

The University participates in international educational programmes, such as ERASMUS, CEEPUS, TEMPUS and LEONARDO DA VINCI. Thanks to this activity it is possible for the University students and academic teachers to travel and study or conduct research abroad, and for the international students to come and study at any of the five faculties. Around 100 exchange students from international partner institutions visit us annually under the ERASMUS programme.

The University has over a dozen off-campus research and educational facilities for scientific research, field work and student training. Students with a real passion for research have a choice of 50 science clubs. The University also fosters the activity of numerous artistic groups and student clubs, such as: Salsa Dancing, the University of Folk Dance and Song Group Jedliniok, the University Choir, the Academic Dance Club Menada, the University Orchestra and the University Sports Association with a choice of 12 sport sections.

The mission of the University is to provide top quality education and promote innovative approach and openness to the surrounding world. The curricula correspond to the current labour market demands. The University staff is involved in projects connected with the development of rural areas, environmental issues, land management, animal health and welfare, animal products technologies, hydrology, food production and processing technologies.

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Campus map

Campus Grunwaldzki

• rectorate (Building a2) ul. C.K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław

• research and education centre (Building c3) Plac Grunwaldzki 24A, 50-363 Wrocław

• geodesy and cartography (Building c1) ul. Grunwaldzka 53, 50-357 Wrocław

• environmental engineering (Building c2) Plac Grunwaldzki 24, 50-363 Wrocław

Campus Biskupin

• Biology and animal science (Building e12)• ul. Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-630 Wrocław• Bioengineering (Building F5)• ul. Chełmońskiego 37/41, 51-630 Wrocław• sports centre (Building F12)• ul. Chełmońskiego 43, 51-630 Wrocław• Indoor swimming pool• Gym• Fitness Centre• Sports Hall

The students are offered free admission to all sport facilities. The timetable and the activities are announced by the International Relations Office after the students’ arrival.

In 2012 the Erasmus Team of our University participated in the Futsal Championship tournament and won the Cup.

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The Pawłowice Centreul. Pawłowicka 87/89, 51-250 Wrocław

Located in the suburbs of Wrocław, at the very heart of a beautiful park belonging to the University Arboretum, the Pawłowice Centre is a real gem in the region of Lower Silesia and a seat of the University Continuing Education Centre and the Congress Centre. The facilities are used for education and training courses, music concerts and both outdoor and indoor occasional events. The Pawłowice Centre has a hotel with 25 rooms.

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Faculties and Degree Programmes

Biology and

Animal Science

Environmental Engineering and Geodesy

Veterinary Medicine

Food Science

Life Science and

Technology

Biology Landscape Architecture

Veterinary Medicine Biotechnology Economics

Animal Husbandry

Civil Engineering

Food Technology and

Human Nutrition

Environmental Protection

Food SafetyGeodesy

and Cartography

Commodity Science Horticulture

Bioinformatics Land Management

Agriculture and Forestry Engineering

Safety Engineering

Renewable Resources and

Waste Management

Hydrology and Water

ManagementAgriculture

Production Engineering

and Management

Plant Medicine

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Each faculty offers study programmes leading to a degree of Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and a PhD. The study programmes follow the rules of the Bologna Process.

ECTS is implemented at each level of study (30 ECTS required for the accomplishment of one semester, 60 ECTS for one year). A full study programme for the Bachelor’s degree takes 180 ECTS or 210 ECTS, depending on the field of study. The Master’s degree is awarded after completion of 3 or 4 semesters (90 ECTS or 120 ECTS). A full study programme for the students of Veterinary Medicine, leading to the degree of a veterinary surgeon, takes 5.5 years (330 ECTS).

International students are offered courses taught in English provided that at least six candidates sign up for a given course. It is possible to choose courses taught at different faculties.

Updated Course Catalogue for Erasmus students is available on: http://www.up.wroc.pl/studies_and_students/

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is the only faculty that offers a full cycle fee-paying study programme taught in English. http://www.wet.up.wroc.pl/en/recruitment

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Erasmus Departmental CoordinatorsBiology and Animal ScienceDr. Barbara Król Tel. +48 71 320 5830 e-mail: barbara.krol@up.wroc.pl ul. J. Chełmońskiego 38D, 51-630 Wrocław

Veterinary MedicineDr. Robert Karczmarczyk Tel. +48 71 320 5383 e-mail: robert.karczmarczyk@up.wroc.pl, vet.studies@up.wroc.pl Pl. Grunwaldzki 45, 50-366 Wrocław

Environmental Engineering and GeodesyDr. Hanna Houszka Tel. +48 71 320 5540 e-mail: hanna.houszka@up.wroc.pl Pl. Grunwaldzki 24, 50-363 Wrocław

Food ScienceDr. Małgorzata Korzeniowska Tel. +48 71 320 7774 e-mail: malgorzata.korzeniowska@up.wroc.pl ul. J. Chełmońskiego 37/41, 51-630 Wrocław

Life Sciences and TechnologyProf. Cezary Kabała Tel. +48 71 320 1943 e-mail: cezary.kabala@up.wroc.pl ul. Grunwaldzka 53, 50-357 Wrocław

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International Relations OfficeErasmus Office staff is responsible for the organization of the study period or placement at the University. We administrate the application process and assist the students with any issues they may experience before, during and after the study period or placement.

International Relations Officeul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 42, room 201 50-375 Wrocław PL tel. (+48) 71 3205 478, fax (+48) 71 3205 115 Office hours for incoming students: Tuesday to Friday 9.00 – 14.00

Erasmus Institutional Coordinator Jadwiga Bolechowska e-mail: jadwiga.bolechowska@up.wroc.pl tel. +48 71 320 5478, fax: +48 713205115

International Relations Officer Krzysztof Kafarski e-mail: krzysztof.kafarski@up.wroc.pl   tel. +48 71 320 5287, fax: +48 713205115

Accommodation Jadwiga Bolechowska updated info on: http://www.up.wroc.pl/studies_and_students/9869/housing.html e-mail: jadwiga.bolechowska@up.wroc.pl tel. +48 71 320 5478, fax: +48 713205115

Erasmus Student Network President Jola suszek e-mail: president.upwroclaw@esn.pl

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Erasmus application procedureAcademic Calendar Generally, the academic year starts on 1st October and finishes in the mid June. The first semester finishes around 20th January. The exam session is held until the mid February. The second semester usually starts around 20th February and finishes in the mid June. The exam session is held until the end of June. Re-sitting is possible in September, the date depends on the agreement between the lecturer and the student.

http://www.up.wroc.pl/studies_and_students

all applicants must go successfully through the on-line registration (description below).

Deadlines for submission:

• 1st semester and full academic year: • 1st July• 2nd semester: • 15th december

Documents for submission:

• Application Form• Learning Agreement• Photo• Proof of English certificate• Photocopy of the passport

The scanned documents (Student Application Form and Learning Agreement) duly signed and stamped by the home institution should be submitted on-line. After the acceptance, the LA is sent back (as a scanned copy or the original if requested by the sending institution) to the home institution of the candidate student.

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The form “changes to Learning agreement” has to be completed by the student not later than 30 days after arrival. It has to be signed by the student, the departmental coordinator and the institutional coordinator at the host institution. The institutional coordinator sends a scanned document (or the original if requested by the sending institution) for approval to the sending institution, which should be sent back (scan via e-mail) duly signed by the respective coordinator(s) of the sending institution.

The command of English The student should submit an adequate certificate issued by the home institution certifying, that the student is able to communicate, read literature and follow lectures taught in the English language (level B2 – CEFR).

Medical InsuranceIt is necessary for all the Erasmus students to have a valid Health Insurance Card issued in their home country. Non-EU students have to purchase in their home country the Health Insurance (valid for EU countries for the entire period of study in Poland). The insurance must cover medical assistance and hospitalisation, including repatriation that will cover the expenses incurred abroad. The students should have the Insurance Policy accessible at any time during the entire exchange period.

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Accommodationhttp://www.up.wroc.pl/studies_and_students/9869/housing.html

Jadwiga Bolechowska updated info on: http://www.up.wroc.pl/studies_and_students/9869/housing.html e-mail: jadwiga.bolechowska@up.wroc.pl tel. +48 71 320 5478, fax: +48 713205115

There are three dormitories available for exchange students:

ARKA The rooms in the dormitory are arranged in modules. This means that the residents of more than one room share a toilet and a shower. The rooms in the modules are for a maximum number of 8 or 10 persons (4 double rooms to share a toilet and a shower or 2 triples and 2 doubles).

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There is one kitchen to be shared by all the residents on each floor.

You will need your own kitchen utensils (plates, cups, pots, pans, etc.).

Duvets, pillows and bed linen are included and changed by the dormitory services every month.

Washing machines (payable) are available.

Other facilities: TV room, photocopiers, a workout room, a small shop downstairs.

RAJ The rooms in RAJ are of higher standard than those in ARKA, therefore the prices are higher. They are arranged in modules for 2 or 4 persons to share a kitchen and a bathroom (2 single rooms or 2 double rooms in a module).

You will need your own kitchen utensils (plates, cups, pots, pans, etc.).

Duvets, pillows and bed linen are included and changed by the dormitory services every month.

Washing machines (payable) are available.

Other facilities: TV room, photocopiers, a workout room, a small shop downstairs.

LABIRYNT The rooms in the dormitory are arranged in modules for 5 persons (1 double + 1 triple room) to share a kitchen and a bathroom.

You will need your own kitchen utensils (plates, cups, pots, pans, etc.).

Duvets, pillows and bed linen are included and changed by the dormitory services once a month.

Washing machines (payable) are available in the dormitory.

Other facilities: TV room, photocopiers, a workout room, volleyball and basketball courts, a small shop downstairs.

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1. ARKA – (4 rooms) single 12 m2 PLN 537.00 /person/month

2. ARKA – (4 rooms) double 18 m2 PLN 447.00 /person/month

3. ARKA – (14 rooms) double 12 m2 PLN 360.00 / person/month

4. ARKA – (1 room) triple 18 m2 PLN 354.00 / person/month

5. RAJ – (4 rooms) single 12 m2 PLN 552.00 /person/month

6. RAJ – (10 rooms) double 21 m2 PLN 492.00 /person/month

7. LABIRYNT – (1 room) double 12 m2 for women PLN 366.00 /person/month

8. LABIRYNT – (1 room) triple 18 m2 for women PLN 357.00 /person/month

9. Internet connection 10 PLN/person/month

Note: the prices are subject to change, but the difference shall not be higher than the inflation rate for the given year

Important: A deposit of PLN 400.00 must be paid upon arrival (in no case later than one week after arrival)

Internet connection The Application Form for the Internet connection is available at each dormitory. It has to be completed and signed by the student upon registration in the dormitory.

ElectricityElectricity used in Poland is 220 Volts, its frequency is 50 Hz and the plugs have two male contact points (as in Germany, France, Russia etc.).

Upon arrival RegistrationUpon arrival the students are registered at the International Relations Office (Institutional Coordinator) and at the Faculty (Departmental Coordinator).

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An electronic Student ID is issued for each student. It entitles to discounted tickets for public transport, museums and cinemas.

Welcome Day International Relations Office together with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organize a welcome day in order to establish good relations with the incoming students. The Erasmus students receive a Welcome Pack containing the materials with all relevant information regarding studying at the University and a mobile phone SIM card.

In case of encountering any problems in the new environment, the incoming students may turn to the Erasmus Student Network, which organizes social activities (such as: welcome days, excursions and cultural events) that help exchange students integrate in the academic life in Wrocław. Each Erasmus student will have individual contact with a Polish student (buddy) who will help the students with solving their problems and give assistance in case of emergency.

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Polish Language Course Polish Language Course starts in the mid October. The students are informed about the timetable via e-mail.

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Other Useful Information

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS• New Year’s Day 1st January • Epiphany 6th January • Easter Monday Following Easter Sunday• Labor Day 1st May • Constitution Day 3rd May • Corpus Christi 9th Thursday after Easter • Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 15th August• All Saints Day 1st November• Independence Day 11th November• Christmas Day 25th December• Second Day of Christmas 26th December

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS• Emergency alert 112• Police 997• Fire Brigade 998• Ambulance 999• Road Assistance 981

The international code for Poland is +48. The area code for Wrocław is 71.

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Currency The currency in Poland is Zloty (PLN). EURO and other foreign currency can be easily exchanged at banks, “kantors/exchange” and ATMs at the airport, railway station, in shopping centers and other places.

atMs (automatic cash Machines). In Poland look for a “BANKOMAT” sign. All major credit cards are accepted and these machines are fast and safe. However, please remember standard safety practices for collecting money in public places.

credit cards are commonly accepted.

Zloty (PLN) is the Polish currency unit (~0.25 EUR), but the exchange rates are changing. It is advisable to check them on the Internet before arrival.

It is good to have Polish money on arrival.

Costs of living The cost of living depends on the student’s lifestyle.

Accommodation and food prices are about 30% lower than in other EU countries. Shopping for food can be done in local shops or in supermarkets which offer lower prices.

Lunch in a student canteen is about 12 PLN (about 3 EUR). Other dishes, coffee, tea and soft drinks are served in a student cafeteria.

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Notes