Living in Central Europe

sophie in poland
Photo: S. Creager-Roberts; View of Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw, Poland, will be your base in Central Europe. With 640,000 people, Wroclaw is the fourth-largest city in Poland, located very close to the borders with Germany and the Czech Republic. The city also has a huge student population (over 130,000).

  • Wroclaw is still undergoing significant urban revitalization in some sections of the city, as it was heavily bombed during the Second World War. It’s recognized as a growing business center in Europe.
  • Wroclaw was named the European Capital of Culture in 2016 and is famous for its dynamic cultural life (concerts, operas, music clubs, galleries, museums, theaters, and alternative art scenes). Polish theater is widely respected throughout all of Europe and you can obtain tickets inexpensively at any of Wroclaw’s theaters (performances include English subtitles for non-Polish speaking audiences).
  • Wroclaw’s Market Square is at the heart of the city. It features outdoor cafes, restaurants, fountains, sculptures, and outdoor entertainment, as well as ornate government buildings, cathedrals, and university buildings. The square dates from medieval times and is one of the largest market squares in Europe.
  • Wroclaw is beautiful. The Oder River meanders through the city, peppered with small, colorful bridges. The city is completely walkable. Several miles of the riverfront have recently been restored and have great running/walking views of the surrounding city. Wroclaw has an inexpensive and efficient system of public bicycle rentals, which you can use to get around the city or to enjoy free time in one of Wroclaw’s many public parks.

Housing

  • All students will be living in the newly opened BaseCamp Wroclaw. The dorm is a 30-minute commute to the University of Lower Silesia via public transportation and within walking distance to great restaurants, parks, and shops. The facility offers comfortable rooms, creative study spaces, and, very importantly, great cooking and laundry facilities.
  • Students will each have a single room with a private bathroom at BaseCamp for the duration of the semester.
  • Few things to keep in mind:
    • No meals are provided. Students must plan and budget accordingly.
    • BaseCamp does not have air conditioning
    • 24/7 gym, laundry facilities, and security
    • Regular social events are planned for residents

Independent Housing Policy

Syracuse University’s policy requires all students to reside in program housing unless they meet specific criteria and are granted a waiver through a petition process.  Our independent housing petition process is limited to students who meet one of the following criteria: religious reasons, disability disclosure that cannot be accommodated by program housing, or family member resides in the city of program.

The deadline for submitting the independent housing petition form waiver is May 1 (for fall semester) and October 1 (for spring semester). View Independent Housing Policy for more information.


Students requesting disability-related housing accommodations should indicate this while completing their post-decision questionnaire “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities” due within 10 days of acceptance. Visit Disability Accommodations Abroad to learn more.