NO LATE ARRIVALS
Please be aware that you must arrive at UL by October 1st. If you need to arrive a few days later, make sure you have approval through the admission message box. Late arrivals after the date set by the Admission Officer will not be accepted. Since all classes are in-person, your presence from the beginning is essential.
Inform the University of Lodz about your visa status and arrival date as soon as possible. We suggest arriving in Łódź a week before the academic year begins to participate in welcome activities and settle in comfortably.
REMEMBER ABOUT ALL DOCUMENTS
CHECK WHAT YOU NEED TO COLLECT!
Welcome to the University of Lodz! To complete your conditional admission, you need to submit all required documents in person to the International Relations Office (IRO) at UL.
This section doesn't apply to exchange students (Erasmus+, bilateral agreement, etc.)!
Before leaving your home country, make sure you have:
The original certificate, stamped with an Apostille or legalized at the Polish Embassy in your home country. Without this, you won’t be able to start your studies.
The original transcript (grades sheet), stamped with an Apostille or legalized at the Polish Embassy, with translations into Polish or English.
The original statement confirming that your certificate/diploma allows you to study at the university level or continue to a Master’s degree in your home country. This must be stamped by Higher Education Authorities or legalized by the Polish Embassy.
The printed application form and other statements sent to you by UL.
A valid passport with a student visa.
Proof of health insurance that covers basic medical care in Poland (make sure You check the emergency phone number).
The printed acceptance letter from UL, which may be needed at the airport.
Printed confirmation of accommodation, whether it’s a dormitory or private housing.
Additionally, speak with your bank about how your card will work abroad, or consider setting up a new account. Polish banks also offer accounts for international students, which might be worth exploring.
Remember to visit the IRO in person with all ORIGINAL documents between 16th September and 1st October. The office is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. The address is Uniwersytecka 3 (room 1, ground floor) [Google Maps link - https://goo.gl/maps/PtCDa24f1Q6yonRZ6]
Make sure to visit the IRO before going to your Faculty – your documents will remain at the IRO until everything is finalized.
For any questions, use the admission system message box instead of email. Only Admission Officers in the admission system handle your recruitment; please do not contact other university departments.
ARRIVE IN WARSAW
You can fly into one of the following airports:
CHOPIN AIRPORT
www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/en/index.html
MODLIN AIRPORT
https://en.modlinairport.pl/
From Warsaw, you can travel to Łódź by:
🚆 Train: Direct trains to Łódź are available from Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna). This is a reliable and convenient method.
🚌 Bus: Several bus lines offer direct services from Warsaw to Łódź. Check the timetables and purchase tickets in advance.
🚗 Car: You may also rent a car at the airport and drive to Łódź. The trip generally takes between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Ensure you plan your journey in advance for a hassle-free arrival in Łódź.
Recommended route:
🚌 Bus line nr. 175 / 🚆 train S2 to WARSAW CENTRAL STATION
From Warsaw Central Station take the train to Łódź. You can check departures to plan your further journey at: https://rozklad-pkp.pl/en
The best option would be to use Flixbus which is the most popular bus company in Poland. You can get directly from Modlin to Łódź using bus services. You can find more information at: https://www.flixbus.co.uk/
With a taxi, you need to call the taxi company or find a taxi rank. You can find a taxi rank easily at each airport.
Taxi can be ordered through an app as well. Here are some app examples:
To plan your journey effectively, consider using apps that find the most convenient routes within and between Polish cities. Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps) or the “Jakdojade” (https://jakdojade.pl/lodz/trasa/) app for iOS or Android are reliable choices. Jakdojade operates in both English and Polish, based on your phone’s language settings. For full functionality, ensure your device has location services and internet connectivity. By using this app You can also buy tickets for local transport.
Remember to buy the right tickets: Warsaw city transport (incl. trams, buses, and city rail) uses unified tickets. Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding. Note that you have to buy regular-priced tickets for the time being. Only after you collect your Polish university student ID card will you be able to buy discount tickets.
In Poland, currency exchange offices are known as KANTORs. It’s recommended to avoid exchanging money at airports or train/bus stations due to potentially unfavorable rates. Instead, consider exchanging currency at Warsaw Central or Łódź. Furthermore, credit/debit cards and contactless payment methods (e.g., NFC payments with your phone or watch) are widely accepted throughout the country.
PLEASE NOTE: THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF POLAND IS POLISH
While you may encounter English versions of leaflets, websites, and sightseeing posters, they are not always available. Place-names will be displayed in Polish (e.g., Łódź, rather than Lodz).
The list of useful words and sentences in Polish:
“The place is cool, but not cold enough for polar bears” 😉 In Łódź, January is usually the coldest month, with an average temperature of -2.5°C, sometimes dropping to -15°C. July is typically the warmest month, averaging around +18°C but occasionally reaching up to +30°C.
Winter provides great weather for skiing in the mountains, while summer brings a mix of heatwaves and occasional showers. October, when courses commence, generally calls for a light coat and a compact umbrella.
Regarding mobile phones and SIM cards: pre-paid services are highly popular. Ensure your phone is unlocked before use. To activate your SIM card, complete a registration form and present your ID or passport at a network store or an authorized partner location (such as Żabka or network agent stands – refer to the network’s website for a full list).
As a parent, you probably have many questions and doubts about your child's studies. Please read carefully the topics below to know more.
According to the 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), University staff cannot disclose any information about prospective, current, or existing students to third parties, including parents or legal guardians, without the student's consent, unless the student is under 18 years old. In Poland, individuals are considered adults and assume legal responsibility for their affairs upon reaching 18 years of age. The University of Lodz (UL) does not have a specific authorization document that students can sign to grant family access to their records.
The GDPR provides extensive privacy protection to all student education records, including grade reports, transcripts, disciplinary files, and personal contact information, maintained by the University. Parental access rights from elementary and secondary school settings are transferred to students once they turn 18.
In emergencies, University staff may contact a student's next of kin without their permission if advised by medical personnel or in sensitive or urgent cases. Upon arrival in Łódź, UL students are required to designate an emergency contact person.
If an emergency involving a UL student occurs off-campus, the University will attempt to notify the student's parents according to emergency notification policies. Hospitals and police agencies follow their own notification protocols, and medical treatment for students aged 18 and older is confidential unless they choose to release information.
Parents of minors retain the right to access their children's medical information.
If your child is under the age of 18, you have the right to access information regarding their academic matters. University staff may request personal details to verify your eligibility for such information. It is recommended that only those family members who have signed a declaration of parental or legal guardianship consent contact us. Please note, once your child turns 18, direct information access is no longer granted.
During the application process, information about a student’s progress can only be discussed directly with the student. If your child wishes to discuss their application, they should contact us directly through the admission platform.
To obtain information about your child, regular direct contact with them is necessary. Communication with young adults can be challenging, but it's a time of growth and maturation. As students gain confidence and responsibility, they tend to share more information. However, we cannot disclose attendance or academic results.
Students living off-campus have greater autonomy than those in university dormitories. Off-campus housing arrangements are governed by individual lease agreements rather than by the university. In emergencies concerning health or safety in UL’s dormitories, our staff are required to inform university management promptly. If life-threatening situations arise and parents haven't been contacted, every effort will be made to notify them.
Roommate Conflicts: conflicts among roommates can occur regardless of their familiarity. Most issues are resolved through dialogue, but sometimes assistance is required. Parents' involvement in roommate disputes is discouraged. Instead, students should approach the dormitory manager for resolution, as they are experienced in handling such matters.
Starting university marks significant changes for students and their relationships. It involves shifts in beliefs, behaviours, and attitudes. Parents and family support play a crucial role during this transition. Understanding and adapting to these changes is a rewarding challenge for both students and parents. Parents can mentor, advise, and provide stability while fostering independence and responsibility.
From managing academic workload to navigating social pressures, students may experience stress and anxiety. To prepare your child, discuss expectations in advance and encourage them to practise necessary skills. The more prepared they feel, the smoother their transition to university life will be.
Doing Your Own Groceries, Meals, or Laundry
Make sure your child knows how to operate household machines, cook simple meals, and handle laundry. Practicing these tasks at home is helpful.
Sharing a Room
Teach your child to respect their roommate's space and belongings. Show them how to communicate effectively and ask for help if needed.
Scheduling Health Appointments/Managing Prescriptions
Encourage your child to make health appointments and take responsibility for their well-being. Ensure they know their health history and health insurance information. Remind them to register with a health centre upon arrival in Poland.
Using Public Transportation
Help your child practice using public transport. Teach them to read schedules, use transport apps, and arrange travel. They will receive a guide on local transport rules in Poland.
Communicating with University Staff and Faculty
Encourage your child to handle university matters themselves. Guide them on which departments to contact and support their independence.
Living Within a Budget
Help your child set a weekly or monthly budget. Teach them to manage regular and unexpected expenses. Make sure they know how to balance a bank account. Discuss whether they should use a debit or credit card, and teach them to compare financial services and manage debt responsibly.
General Safety
Help your child understand your expectations about safety, alcohol, and drugs. Discuss family values regarding these issues and inform them about Polish national and campus rules. Alcohol is easily available in Poland, but drinking in public spaces or on the university campus is prohibited. Make sure your child knows that drug use is illegal and can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years. Teach them how to secure their property, such as locking doors, bikes, and laptops, and emphasize that personal and property safety is their responsibility.
Don't forget to take care of yourself! This transition is also challenging for you as a parent. Experiencing mixed emotions of joy, sorrow, pride, and loss is normal. Family dynamics may shift, especially if there are younger siblings. It's a great time to refocus on your hobbies and interests. Remember, your child still needs and loves you, even if they don't always show it.
New students are adapting to new roommates, relationships, freedom, and responsibilities. The first six weeks are a significant adjustment period. They may feel excited but also homesick. Starting life at UL is thrilling, but they may feel insecure about fitting in, their academic abilities, or navigating new surroundings. They are learning to manage their time in a less structured environment and understanding UL's academic expectations. Freshmen often realize that university work requires more effort than high school, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
After Christmas, the time until final exams is short. Term papers and projects are due, requiring significant research and effort. Students may sleep less, neglect good nutrition and exercise, and feel stressed about final exams. When they receive their winter semester grades, they will have a clearer understanding of UL's academic requirements, whether they feel disappointed or delighted.
Help your child by setting realistic expectations about academics, financial responsibilities, and social life. Discuss these expectations in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Keep communication open, and encourage your child to be independent and responsible. Be an empathetic listener but resist the urge to solve their problems for them. Show your trust in their abilities and encourage them to get involved in the academic community and university events. Offer reassurance and remind them that their feelings and adjustments are normal.
Be ready for late-night calls where your child needs to express their frustrations. They will feel better after talking, even if it makes you worried. Celebrate their successes and help them see disappointments in perspective, like not getting the highest grade or making a best friend immediately. Keep communication open on an adult-to-adult level and avoid being judgmental.
Understand that exam periods are very stressful for your child. Encourage healthy habits to reduce stress, which will also help prevent illness. Minimize family expectations during this time. Your child will be very stressed in January. While you can’t eliminate academic stress, you can reduce the pressure to participate in family activities, which adds to their busy schedule.
