Student housing prices are breaking records. How much will you pay for rent in 2025? We checked.

In Warsaw, Krakow, or Gdansk, renting a studio apartment now costs between 2,700 and 3,500 PLN per month, depending on the interior design and location. The closer to the city center, where universities are located, the higher the rent. This amount includes utilities, internet, and often the cost of renting a housing association or cooperative.

In Gdańsk, we visited an apartment in a new apartment building. The owner boasted an elevator and a gym included in the rent. The apartment had two bathrooms. The new building was located outside the city center, and the rent cost 1,600 PLN plus utilities. It wasn't expensive, but there were three other students staying in the apartment. Of course, each student would have their own room. You never know what it's like to live with a stranger under the same roof. The owners boast that the apartment is warm. In the shared kitchen, which is used by other tenants, a dishwasher and washing machine are a luxury. A clothes dryer is an added bonus. Finding something cheaper would be next to impossible.

The further from the center, the cheaper

The next apartment we saw was in the Zaspa district of Gdańsk. It had five rooms, but the rooms themselves were tiny. Living in 6 square meters with a bed and a tiny desk can be a struggle. The kitchen was also narrow. The rent was relatively cheap, at 900 złoty. Distance also factored in the price. If you're studying in the city center, you have to expect an hour-long commute to the university.

Living in the city center, or perhaps in the Old Town, is already a luxury. But luxury comes at a price. Renting a two-room apartment with lockable rooms costs around 3,900 PLN. It's worth finding someone to sublet. An apartment in an old tenement building certainly has a great atmosphere. The one we saw had soul. A washer-dryer, new furniture, and appliances in the well-equipped kitchen were a plus. Gated parking and a bicycle storage area are also important to some.

We also looked at apartments in Katowice, Silesia. You can find luxurious studio apartments for rent for 2,700 PLN + utilities, with an area of ​​up to 30 square meters. Some are more expensive. It all depends on the location and year of construction. The newest ones are the most expensive. We found the cheapest rentals in Ligota. Unfortunately, the standard may not be to everyone's liking. Furniture dating back to the communist era, narrow kitchens, and toilets with flush lines. Such rentals cost 700 PLN, but that's a matter of taste and budget.

What are students most often looking for?

Students most often look for student dorms, but there are few available spaces. The second option is renting a room in a private apartment. The more rooms there are, the lower the price. In larger cities, and of course in renovated apartment buildings, prices start at 1,300 PLN per room (e.g., in Gdańsk or Katowice), and go up to 2,000 PLN. Rooms typically include a bed or sofa, a desk, and a clothes rack. These rooms range in size from 8 to 16 square meters. Of course, there are rooms for 750 PLN, for example, in Katowice, but the interior design is reminiscent of the former communist era. So, it all depends on what you're looking for.

Those with more money are looking for nice studio or two-bedroom apartments for rent. Such apartments can sometimes cost up to 4,000 PLN (rental alone), plus utilities. Students often rent such apartments and use online groups to find a roommate to split the rent.

It is worth looking for accommodation in student dormitories

A student residence hall is still the cheapest option. A single room in a student residence hall in Katowice's Ligota district can be found for as little as 730 PLN (single), while a double room costs around 680 PLN/month. More expensive versions with a better standard cost up to 1400 PLN, but the price already includes bills. However, there aren't many places available. There are also private student residence halls. We found some very nice ones in Gdańsk. Beautifully furnished rooms with kitchenettes and bathrooms sold out like hotcakes. There, a 17-square-meter room, for example, costs around 2600 PLN per month. A larger room, 27-29 square meters, costs around 3700-3800 PLN. Utilities are included in the price, and you pay an additional fee for laundry. There's usually an on-site gym.

It's worth looking for an apartment on the outskirts of the city, but then you'll waste a lot of time commuting to the university. Unless you invest in a bike or electric scooter, it'll be faster and cheaper. Prices are much lower in the suburbs.

Before you sign the contract, read it carefully

Students are also looking for another solution. They advertise on Facebook groups that they're looking for a roommate. This way, you split the costs, but there's also the risk of whether you'll reach an agreement with that person. It's also worth signing a sublease agreement with another student and laying out everything in writing.

Before signing a contract, check every detail! Make sure the document includes information about the rent, lease term, and notice period. Landlords often want to rent their property year-round, while students are looking for rentals from October to June. It's also worth paying attention to this to avoid overpaying for vacations.

One thing is certain—students need to be patient and resourceful to find a place that won't ruin them financially. And then? They need to focus on their studies, because these days, a diploma is just the beginning of the real school of life!

Hunting for rooming houses and apartments. An expert warns against one in particular.

Rooms are like gold. Students will have to dig deeper into their pockets.