Student Dorm Cost Calculator 2026

The fee for a place in a dormitory in Poland in 2026 is roughly PLN 400–900 per month in a shared room and PLN 700–1,400 in a single or studio room. Prices depend on the city, the standard of the dormitory and the number of people per room. The most expensive dorms are in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw.

Yes, a dorm is usually much cheaper than renting a room on the private market. A room in a student flat in a large city currently costs PLN 1,200–2,500 per month, while a place in a dorm is PLN 400–900. A dorm usually also includes utilities in the price, further reducing the cost compared to renting.

To get a place in a dorm you need to submit an accommodation application in the university system, usually in spring or summer before the academic year begins. Priority is often given to students in difficult financial situations and those living far from the university. Once a place is granted you sign a contract and pay a deposit.

The deposit in a dorm is usually PLN 300–800, most often roughly equivalent to one monthly fee. The deposit is refundable — the university returns it after your stay ends, provided the room is not damaged. Costs of repairs or outstanding fees may be deducted from the deposit.

The cost of a student’s food in Poland in 2026 is roughly PLN 600–1,000 per month when cooking independently and PLN 1,000–1,500 when frequently eating out or in a canteen. Dorms usually have shared kitchens, which significantly lowers food spending compared with eating out.

A standard dorm contract usually covers the academic year, i.e. about 9–10 months (October–June). You usually do not pay for the holiday months (July–September) unless you want to keep your place over the summer — then a separate, often higher daily or monthly rate applies.

Yes, non-stationary students can also apply for a place in a dorm, but priority is usually given to full-time students. For those coming only for weekend sessions, some dorms offer short-term accommodation for single nights, which can be cheaper than a hotel.

Beyond the monthly fee and deposit you should account for: cleaning supplies, bedding, small room equipment, possible laundry fees, internet (sometimes charged extra) and commuting costs to the university if the dorm is far from campus. These costs are small, however, compared with the accommodation itself.

Yes. A social scholarship, granted to students with low incomes, can be used among other things to cover the cost of accommodation in a dorm. Students in difficult situations can also apply for an increased social scholarship for living away from their permanent residence.

The calculator estimates the annual and monthly cost of a dorm stay based on the monthly fee, number of months, food and a one-off deposit. It does not include: cleaning supplies, room equipment, laundry fees, commuting or personal expenses. Treat the result as an indicative budget for student accommodation.