Central Europe Main Office Address
DSW University of Lower Silesia in Wrocław
Strzegomska 55 Street 53-611 Wrocław, Poland
Mailing address for students:
- Base Camp
Sienkiewicza 22 street
50-335 Wrocław, Poland - Mailing prohibitions
Overview
Flights and Travel to Wroclaw, Poland
There are two options for travel to the Central Europe program. You can choose to book independently through Student Universe, or you may make your own travel arrangements. Admitted students will receive an email detailing both options.
- Packing: Pack clothing and belongings for the semester in your large, checked bag, and your carry on should have essentials for your first few days in Wroclaw in case your luggage is delayed.
Housing
Students have private rooms in a beautifully renovated complex in the historic center of Wroclaw, which has excellent access to the city’s public transportation network. Your neighborhood is filled with cafes, galleries, and small restaurants where you can immerse yourself in city life.
The single occupancy room has a private bathroom and a kitchen annex. Shared kitchen facilities are available. Public spaces offer the possibility for joint dining and study sessions. Other amenities include wireless Internet access, 24-hour security, gym and laundry facilities.
Meals
During the traveling seminar, some group meals are provided. Students also should plan to cover the costs of some of their meals. Once in Wroclaw, students are expected to buy and/or prepare meals on their own; meals are not included in the program fee. Wroclaw is a university town with ample opportunities to buy affordable meals at many establishments in the city center. A shopping center with a large food court is within walking distance of the University.
Cell Phone Information
Students generally have two options when it comes to cell phones:
- You can bring your unlocked US cell phone to Poland and purchase a sim card upon arrival. Different data options are available. Check with your US phone service provider to see if your phone can be unlocked for global use.
- You can purchase a SIM card and phone through a provider in Poland with a plan that fits your needs.
Syracuse Central Europe staff can assist with cell phone options once students arrive in Europe. For communicating with parents and friends in the US, we recommend using apps such as Skype and WhatsApp. Be sure to check with your US cell phone service provider for international rates.
Finances and Banking
You will find that you generally use cash more frequently in Poland than in the United States. Your ATM card is the best way to get cash in Europe. ATMs are widely accessible, but check with your bank to ensure your card can be used in foreign countries. Also be sure to ask about your bank’s service fees for international transactions as well as ATM fees.
Please do not bring large sums of US cash with you, since banks will not exchange dollars and exchange windows charge high fees. You can inquire with your bank about ordering foreign currency before you depart for Europe for most of the semester you will be using Polish currency, known as the Polish Złoty PLN).
It is a good idea to have a credit card in your name. It is not essential but can come in handy in an emergency. Prior to your departure for Europe, contact your credit card provider to make sure your card can be used in foreign countries and that you have a 4-digit PIN. Again, you should inquire about any international service fees they may charge and let them know how long you will be overseas. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted all over Europe, while most businesses in Europe do not accept American Express.
Packing for the Signature Seminar
When you arrive in Poland, the weather can still be quite warm; by the time you depart in December, you can expect winter conditions. Therefore, pack for three seasons: summer, fall and winter. To save space, select clothes that can be layered to be ready for sudden changes in the weather. In terms of basics, pack a white shirt, black shirt, black jeans, one skirt. You should probably have two jackets/coats, one for mild days and one suited to cold-weather conditions. A raincoat and/or an umbrella will also be needed for wet conditions. Most important, bring comfortable shoes suited for different seasons. You will walk a lot, both as you move through Wroclaw on a daily basis, but also during the travel seminar.
Upon arrival in Wroclaw, you will be checking into the room you will be living in throughout the semester. Extra belongings not needed during the travel seminar can be left in the room. For the travel seminar and the weekend study tours, make sure you have a suitcase and hand luggage that are comfortable to carry and operate. In some cities, the bus will not be able to stop in front of our hotel, so we will need to reach the accommodation site on foot. Please be aware that many of our destinations are historic cities with uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone sidewalks. We recommend luggage with wheels that can withstand somewhat rugged conditions.
Be sure to take any medication you may need for the semester, such as inhalers, epi-pens, etc. It is recommended that you carry this medicine with you in your carry-on luggage during all travel. Please remember to pack the medicine you will need for the traveling seminar. Excess supplies needed for later in the semester can be left in your room in Wroclaw.