Look what is happening in Lublin at the very moment!

Currency

The official Polish currency is Złoty (PLN or zł). 1 złoty equals to 100 groszy (gr).

The coins are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 gr and 1, 2, 5 zł denominations. The banknotes are issued in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zł denominations.

Money can be exchanged in banks or at exchange offices (in Polish "kantor"). Exchange offices are usually open from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays and till 2 pm on Saturdays. They are usually to be found in the city centres or at the shopping malls. For current exchange rates of foreign currencies in zlotys visit National Bank of Poland website.

Poland does not belong to Euro currency system. However, many places such as hotels and restaurants accept Euro. Neverheless, it is better to check with the staff first.

Banks

The list of banks operating in Poland is published on the National Bank of Poland website.

Opening hours

Usual opening hours are from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays, some branches are open till 6 or 7 pm. In smaller towns and villages, banks may be open from 8 am to 3 pm.

ATMs

The network of ATMs (in Polish "bankomat") in Poland is well-developed. Many cash machines operate 24/7 and they are easily accessible in cities and larger towns. ATMs are usually located near places such as banks, shopping malls, railway and bus stations or universities.

Opening a bank account

Foreigners may open a bank account in Poland in most of the banks. The list of required documents depends on a foreigner’s citizenship, status and the bank chosen. In order to open a bank account, you will usually need a passport (ID for EU citizens) and a residence permit. Some other documents which may be required include a LUT student ID card or a scholarship statement. The bank will usually issue a debit card.

In comparison with other European or Polish cities, Lublin is a fairly inexpensive place to live. The cost of living depends on your lifestyle. However, it may be roughly estimated that an international student may require approximately 2000 PLN (500 Euro). Please find below a SAMPLE budget and prices below.

Sample budget

Asking former exchange or full degree LUT students is a very good method of estimating the approximate cost of living in Lublin.
 

Prices - some examples 

• Shops

• Restaurants, bars and hotels

• Other

There is a great variety of different types of places where you can do your shopping.

• Shopping malls are usually open from 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week (excluding public holidays, a few Sundays) and besides doing your shopping there you may also visit a restaurant, a gym or go to the cinema.
• Some hypermarkets operate 24/6 while other are open from 7-8 am till 10 pm. Usual opening hours of supermarkets are from 6-8 am to 9 pm. They offer a fair range of food products from all over the world.
• Opening hours of local shops vary considerably - some may be closed at 6 pm while other as late as 11 pm. Some local shops are open on Sundays and on public holidays. They usually offer groceries.
• Boutiqes are located in the city centre and usually open at 10 am.
• Markets are very popular in Poland - they are usually open from early morning hours. They offer fresh fruit, vegetables and a variety of other goods, including clothes. There are several markets in Lublin, e.g. at Wileńska Street and Ruska Street.
• Kiosks are small shops located near bus stops and on the corners of the streets. They offer a wide range of products including newspapers, refreshments and stationery. You can buy tickets for the public transport and upload the phone cards there. Usual opening hours are from 6 am to 6 pm.
• Petrol stations are often open 24/7. If you need to buy some basic products at night or on public holidays, a petrol station may be the best option.

There are several local shops, supermarkets, pharmacies within walking distance of the university campus. Since LUT campus is located in the city centre hypermarkets and shopping malls are also easily accessible on foot or by bus.

Whether you choose to stay at LUT's Halls of Residence, other dormitories in Lublin or in privately rented accommodation, you will probably have access to a kitchen. Therefore, you will be able to cook for yourself.

However, if you prefer to eat out, Lublin offers a wide variety of options:

• Lanczomania - a self-service reastaurant located in the very centre of the campus (canteen building, 1st floor). The restaurant operates a pay by weight system and is reasonably priced (2,80 PLN per 100 gr). It offers a variety of dishes, including two soups and two vegetarian and three non-vegetarian dishes a day. Lanczomania is open 7 days a week.
• Cafeterias - there are a few cafeterias located on the campus, e.g. at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering or at the Faculty of Management. They are relatively low priced and offer quick service enabling you to meet other students and staff.
• Bars, restaurants and takeaways close to the campus - there are many inexpensive places to eat within walking distance of the university campus. They offer Polish cuisine, Chinese food, pizza or kebab, to mention but a few of the most popular options.
• Restaurants, cafes and bars in the city centre - in the city centre, it is easy to find a good place to eat offering Polish, Italian, American, Turkish, Indian, Japanese, Chinese or Thai cuisine. The prices vary depending on the location and menu. However, a typical good quality lunch costs around 20-30 PLN per person. Some websites enable you to find restaurants in your neighbourhood.

Lublin has a good and efficient public transportation system. Buses and trolleybuses enable residents and visitors to get around the city quite easily.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought at several places:

• some bus stops (by using the ticket machines)
• several kiosks and shops (newsagents or paper shops) usually located near the bus stops
• on some buses there are ticket machines - some accept payment with the bank card, some coins.

The complete list of ticket sales points is available here.

The fares depend on the type of a ticket (e.g. a single-ride ticket, a 30-minute ticket, a 60-minute ticket, a 30-day ticket). A 30-minute ticket costs 3,20 PLN (1,60 PLN with a student discount).

In order to be entitled to using tickets with a student discont, you must hold a valid student ID card issued by LUT. Travelling without a valid ticket carries a maximum fine of 160 PLN.

Please find the information on Electronic Ticket Card here. For details concerning the tickets please follow the link.

Routes and timetables

There are buses and trolleybuses operating in zones marked as Zone 1 and Zone 2. They have different prices for a ride.

The timetable is available here. For public transport journey planner please follow the link.

Bicycles

Cycling is becoming more and more popular in Lublin. The city has a well-developed cycling infrastructure. There are more and more bike paths without necessity of sharing it with pedestrians and/or cars.

City bikes

Lubelski Rower Miejski was launched in 2014. It is a system of self-service city bikes rental locations which provides an alternative form of transport. The network consists of 43 stations and 430 bikes. In order to start using city bikes, you must register online and pay the initial fee (20 PLN). The prices depend on the rental period. For details please follow the link.

Buying a bicycle

It is also possible to buy a new or a second-hand bike. New bikes may be bought at some hypermarkets, specialized bike shops or online. A second-hand bike may be bought from a fellow student or at a flea market. You may also look up advertisements in local newspapers or on the information boards on campus.

 Taxi/Bolt cars

Ordering a taxi is far more expensive than using public transport or bikes. However, in some situations it may be a convenient means of transport. The taxi fare varies between companies and it also depends on a day and an hour of service. Many taxis accept debit cards but it is better to check with the driver before the start of a ride. It may be also safer and cheaper to book a taxi by telephone than to take it from a taxi rank.

From doing sports to clubbing and sunbathing on a beach, Lublin offers a wide range of possibilities to relax actively or simply chill out. There is a great variety of sport clubs, swimming pools, green and recreational zones, game rooms, workshops, pubs, nightclubs and numerous other institutions and facilities which will help you never get bored in Lublin.