Poznań, the capital of the region of Wielkopolska (Great Poland) and capital of the province, is a great administrative, scientific, cultural, industrial, trade and service centre that influences more than one region. Poznań is situated in the centre of the Lowland of Wielkopolska, 52-154 m above the sea level, in an undulating terrain moulded by the Scandinavian glacier. Poznań has a population of approx. 550 thousand people (2012) and the area of 64,571 acres, including approx. 12,355 acres of woods and parks and 1380 acres of lakes and rivers. The city is located on the Warta river and its small tributaries i.e. the Cybina and Główna rivers. Poznań is situated 300 km from Warsaw (the capital of Poland), 170 km from the western border, 270 km from Berlin, 220 km from the Baltic Sea (Kołobrzeg) and 390 km away from Cracow. The history of man in the territory of today’s Poznań goes back to the middle part of the Palaeolithic era (20,000 – 10,000 BC). In the 9th century the ruler of these lands built a fortified castle in Ostrów Tumski (the Cathedral Island). In the 10th century Poznań became the capital of the country ruled by Mieszko I and the seat of bishopric (Poland was christianised in 966). In the early 13th century Poznań was converted from a fortified castle and the seat of the prince into a city – an important trade centre. In the end of the 15th century the city became a great centre of European trade.Trade and craft were the basis of the affluence of the city and its dwellers. In the 19th century Poznań was under Prussian rule. At the same time the activity of Polish cultural, industrial and religions organisations developed. Poznań became the main centre of patriotic activity in the Prussian sector of partitioned Poland. The 20th century marks the period of substantial expansion of the city. However, in February 1945, as a result of warfare, 55% of the city buildings were destroyed. A relatively short period of reconstruction was followed by wide-ranging development of Poznań.
Green areas take up a substantial part of the city. Public parks and woods account for approx. 20% of the area of Poznań. The city has around 40 parks covering the area of over 2500 acres with 270 square feet per each resident – making it the highest proportion in large cities in Poland. There are four large lakes in Poznań, two natural ones, Kierskie and Strzeszyńskie, and two man-made lakes, Rusałka and Malta, with many holiday centres and bathing beaches.
Poznań – a cultural centre
As far as culture is concerned, musical events are the most eminent forms of cultural activities in Poznań. The International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, held every 4 years, has gained world-wide importance. Poznań is also famous in the world for its choirs: Boys’ and Men’s Choir of Poznań Philharmonic Poznańskie Słowiki (“Poznań Nightingales”), Poznań Boys’ Choir and the Cathedral Choir. The Opera House – one of the leading opera theatres in the country, the Polish Dance Theatre – Poznań Ballet and the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra are well known to the public. There are three dramatic theatres, a musical theatre, animation theatre as well as 64 art galleries, 12 cinemas and 21 public and scientific libraries. The festival of contemporary music Poznańska Wiosna Muzyczna (Poznań Musical Spring) is held every year. The Museum of Musical Instruments, which is unique in Poland and only the second in Europe, has been organising concerts of early music as well as the Festival of Celtic Music. Moreover, every year the MALTA International Theatre Festival takes place. One can also listen to some jazz music – Poznań Jazz Fair is a meeting of the greatest celebrities of Polish and world jazz.
Poznań – an industrial centre
Poznań is a significant industrial centre; about 2.5% of global industrial output of the country is produced in this city. About 80,000 people are employed in the industry, which is over 30% of all the people employed in Poznań. Major industries include metal industry, automotive industry, electrotechnical engineering industry and chemical industry.
Poznań – a trade centre
Poznań is a great centre of domestic and international trade. Every year the Poznań International Fair is visited by producers, tradesmen and journalists from all over the world. There are international exhibitions, exchanges and trade fairs in the grounds of the Poznań International Fair every spring and autumn.
Poznań – a scientific centre
Poznań is one of the largest scientific centres in Poland with 7.5% of the total number of independent research workers. It has the third largest number of research institutions in Poland, after Warsaw and Cracow.
Poznań is an important academic centre in Poland with eight state higher education institutions, including five universities, and twenty non-public higher education institutions (2012), including:
• Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza (Adam Mickiewicz University)
• Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego (Poznań University of Medical Sciences)
• Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy (Poznań University of Life Sciences)
• Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny (Poznań University of Economics)
• Uniwersytet Artystyczny (University of Arts)
• Politechnika Poznańska (Poznań University of Technology)
• Akademia Muzyczna im. Ignacego Jana Paderewskiego (Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music)
• Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. Eugeniusza Piaseckiego (Poznań University of Physical Education)
In 2012 there were 135 thousand students in Poznań.
How to get to Poznan?
Arriving by plane
Poznań Ławica Airport offers a number of traditional and low cost flights to major European airports, including Barcelona, Copenhagen, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Oslo.
The list of destinations and other information can be found on the airport website: www.airport-poznan.com.pl/en
The airport is located 7 km outside the city centre. You can get from the airport to the centre by a city bus (line 159 and express line L) which runs between the airport and the railway station. After 11 pm you can take a night bus (line 242). Tickets can be purchased in newsagents and in ticket machines. It takes around half an hour to get from the airport to the city centre.
Arriving by train
Poznań Main Railway Station is located within 15 minute walk from the University, near the city centre and next to the Poznań International Fair.
The train journey from Berlin to Poznań takes only 3 hours and the journey from Warsaw to Poznań 3.5 hours.
All trains coming to Poznań stop at the Main Railway Station (Poznań Główny). The Station includes two buildings: the Main Hall connected with the bus station and located above platforms 1, 2 and 3 and the West Station (Dworzec Zachodni). It is a part of an integrated communication centre which apart from the new railway station includes a bus terminal, car park, bicycle parking facility and a large shopping centre.
You can get to the University (AWF) by trams number 5 and 6 from Poznań Głowny tram stop.
Train timetable in English is available at: http://rozklad-pkp.pl
Arriving by car
You can get to Poznań by car on A2 toll motorway (from the west; access from the east: from Konin, Modła road junction), national routes no. 92 and 5 (east – west) and no. 11 (north – south). In the city centre you have to pay for the parking at the parking machine and display the ticket behind the windshield. The Parking Zone is marked with road signs.
Speed limits for cars in Poland:
• build up area (towns and villages) – 50 km/h
• single carriageways – 90 km/h
• dual carriageways – 100 km/h
• motorways – 130 km/h
Arriving by bus
The bus station is situated at Matyi Street and is connected with the railway station. It serves both domestic and international bus connections. A tram stop Poznań Główny is located opposite the bus station. You can get to the AWF by trams number 5, 6.
Bus and tram timetables can be found at: https://www.ztm.poznan.pl/en/
Accommodation:
Each student in the Erasmus+ programme can apply for a place in a student’s dormitory.
Address: Dom Studencki ul. Św. Rocha 9, 61-142 Poznań
email: sdsawfpoznan@interia.pl
Contact person: Mrs. Beata Cicha
Telephone: (061) 875 14 23
The dormitory building is located only 1 km from the AWF building. It is only one tram stop or a 10 minute walk to your classes.
The students’ dormitory of the AWF offers:
– single, double or three-bed rooms,
– shared bathroom facilities (one bathroom and toilet for every two rooms),
– kitchen on every floor,
– laundry on the ground floor,
– high-speed internet access.
In the ground floor there is a gym hall, a canteen, where you can eat well and quickly, a copying point and a small shop.
There are great leisure areas located within a ten minute walk from the dormitory: the Malta Lake and the Warta river.
Monthly cost of accommodation: see Information about AWF- accomodation.
Deadline for accommodation application: see application deadlines.
Cost of living
To give you an idea of the amount of money you will need as a student in Poznań we prepared a one month budget below.
The suggested amount will only cover modest expenses, but still ensures a proper standard of living during your stay.
Currency exchange rate:
EUR 1 = ca PLN 4.56 (NBP-17.08.2021)
USD 1 = ca PLN 3.87 (NBP-17.08.2021)
Standard student budget:
milk (1 l) – PLN 3-5
10 eggs – PLN 5-10
a pack of tea – PLN 5-20
potatoes – PLN 1.80-3,0/kg
a packet of coffee – PLN 5-20
meat – PLN 10-50/kg
coca-cola – PLN 3-5
vegetables – PLN 2-5/kg
a loaf of bread – PLN 3-6
fruit – PLN 3-10/kg
a packet of butter – PLN 6-8
cheese – PLN 10-30/kg
ham – PLN 15-50/kg
a drink in a pub – PLN 10-20
a beer in a pub – PLN 5-10
a cinema ticket – PLN 15-25
a theatre ticket – PLN 25-100 zł
According to the Central Statistical Office of Poland the average monthly expenditure in the Wielkopolska region in 2017 was PLN 1051.38 per person (information from the GUS website).
Climate
Poznań is located in the area of moderate climate, affected mainly by the maritime climate (mild and humid) and to a smaller extent by continental climate (frosty winters and hot summers). The rainfall in Poznań is one of the lowest in Poland and usually distinct four seasons occur.
The temperatures range from -15°C to 5°C in the winter and from 15°C to 35°C in the summer.
Everyday life in Poznan
Emergency phone numbers
112 – is the emergency number used in the landline network in the European Union and in the mobile network all over the world. 112 should be dialled when two emergency services are needed. If the emergency situation requires calling only one service, dial the specific emergency phone number.
Ambulance service: 999
Fire brigade: 998
Police: 997
Emergency road service: 981
Public transport
Buses and trams in Poznań are usually punctual and timetables are displayed at bus and tram stops. Time tickets are valid for trams and buses. There are a number of various long-term, single line and whole networks tickets available. Fares information can be found at:
Tram and bus timetables can be found on the website of MPK (the City Public Transport Company):https://www.ztm.poznan.pl/en/cennik
Post Offices
Most post offices are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.
Banks
Poznań is a large banking centre, the second most important centre in the country. The city is the seat of many banks, head offices and branches, including several foreign banks. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. The main banks in Poznań are listed below:
• Santander Bank Polska SA, Pl. Wolności 15, 60-967 Poznań, phone +48 61 856 49 02
• Narodowy Bank Polski – Oddział Okręgowy w Poznaniu, Al. Marcinkowskiego 12, 60-967 Poznań,
phone +48 61 851 42 00
• Powszechna Kasa Oszczędności BP S.A. – I Oddział Centrum, Pl. Wolności 3, 60-914 Poznań, phone +48 61 855
50 00, 61 855 51 01, 61 855 52 25
In most Poznań’s main streets you can find cash machines accepting a variety of credit cards including VISA, EUROCARD, MASTERCARD.
Currency
Polish currency unit – 1 złoty (zł, PLN) = 100 groszy (gr)
Notes: PLN 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
Coins: PLN 1, 2, 5 and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groszy.
Money can be exchanged in banks, hotels and exchange offices (called “kantors”).
Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards.
Sport facilities
In Poznań there are 20 stadiums and sports fields, a car racing track, a kayaking and rowing race course, a horse race course, an Arena sports and concert hall. There is also Malta Ski Centre, open year round, with the artificial surface of a slope as well as a hockey pitch with an artificial grass surface. Those who like swimming can spend time in one of indoor or outdoor pools:
– Termy Maltańskie – ul. Termalna 1,
– Poznań Centre of Sports and Recreation – ul. Chwiałkowskiego 34,
– Olimpia – ul. Warmińska 1,
– Posnania – ul. Słowiańska 78,
– Atlantis – Os. Stefana Batorego 101.
You can also visit one of the gyms, fitness clubs and bowling centres.
Pubs & clubs
Here are some recommended addresses:
– Trops – our university club, ul. Rocha 9
– Cicibór – in a student’s dormitory called Jagienka, ul. Obornicka 18
– Eskulap – very popular with students, the venue of many concerts, ul. Przybyszewskiego 39
– The Dubliner – al. Niepodległości 19, a good traditional Irish pub
– Blue Note Jazz Club – CK Zamek, ul Kościuszki 79
– Cuba Libre – ul. Wrocławska 21
Gardens
The Botanical Gardens – ul. Dąbrowskiego 165, open from May to October. Founded in 1925, are home to approx. 7000 species of plants.The Poznan Palm House – ul. Matejki 18.
Visit the Palm House and you will find yourself in a tropical climate without leaving Poznań. Surrounded by exotic plants you will also see some exotic animals and aquaria with 170 species of fish.
www.palmiarnia.poznan.pl
The Old ZOO – ul. Zwierzyniecka 19, situated in the city centre. The zoo was opened in 1874 and is very popular with the residents of Poznań. A new pavilion for reptiles, amphibians and fish was opened in 2012.
The New ZOO – ul. Krańcowa 53, opened in 1974. It is one of the largest zoological gardens in Poland. Set in 280 acres of woodland, it is home to 2000 animals representing 150 species.
www.zoo.poznan.pl
Culture & entertainment
Cinemas
There are many cinemas with a very diverse repertoire.
The best cinemas are:
• Kinepolis (ul. B. Krzywoustego 72)
• Multikino (ul. Królowej Jadwigi 51)
• Multikino Stary Browar (ul. Półwiejska)
• Cinema City and Imax (Poznań Plaza)
• Muza (ul. Św. Marcin 30)
Museums
The most interesting museums in Poznań include the National Museum (Gallery of Painting and Sculpture), Museum of the History of Poznań, Museum of Musical Instruments and Poznań Archaeological Museum.
Theatres and concert halls
There are many theatres in Poznań: Teatr Polski, Teatr Nowy, Teatr Animacji, Teatr Ósmego Dnia, Musical Theatre, Polish Dance Theatre and Stanisław Moniuszko Opera House as well as concert halls: Arena – a sports and concert hall (ul. Wyspiańskiego 33), Aula Uniwersytetu Adama Mickiewicza, (ul. Wieniawskiego 1), Sala Ziemi MTP, (ul Głogowska 14).
Restaurants
If you want to eat out in Poznań, you will find something for every taste and budget. You will be able to try Polish and international cuisine. There are also many fast-food restaurants e.g. McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC etc.
Libraries
The Adam Mickiewicz University Library (ul. Ratajczaka 38/40) is the largest library in the city. Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 am – 8 pm, Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm. There are also twelve scientific libraries with a total collection of 7 million books. They usually belong to particular colleges.
Other libraries:
– The British Council Library – Biblioteka Brytyjska Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza, ul. Międzychodzka 5
Telephone +48 61 829 27 25, email: poznan@librarynet.pl
Opening hours: Mon. – Fri. 10am – 6 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
– The Austrian reading room – ul. Zwierzyniecka 7
Opening hours: Mon. – Fri. 9.30 am – 4.30 pm, Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm
Bookshops & newsagents
There are a number of bookshops selling foreign-language books, newspapers and magazines.
– Akapit – ul. Dąbrowskiego 64,
– American English Society Ltd Bookshop – ul. Grunwaldzka 11,
– EMPIK bookshop chain with sections selling foreign books, magazines, music and films ( Empik Megastore, ul.Ratajczaka 44, Empik Poznan Plaza, ul. Drużbickiego 2, Empik King Cross, ul. Bukowska 156),
– Polanglo ul. Kościuszki 71/73
CONSULAR AGENCIES
• Consulate of the French Republic
ul. Św. Marcin 80/82 (CK Zamek, room 247), 61-809 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 851 94 90
Fax +48 61 851 94 90
• Consulate of the Czech Republic
ul. Żegiestowska 11/13, 60-466 Poznań
Telephone +48 697 388 186
• Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany
ul. Gołębia 3/1, 61-834 Poznań
Telephone +48 668 134 395
Fax +48 61 64 68 750
• Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania
ul. Szyperska 14 room P-6, 61-754 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 671 16 60
• Consulate of the Slovak Republic
ul. Św. Marcin 80/82 (CK Zamek, room 203), 61-809 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 853 70 85
Fax +48 61 853 70 85
• Consulate of the Republic of Turkey
Stary Rynek 78/79 – Pałac Działyńskich, 61-772 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 852 48 44, +48 61 852 89 29
Fax +48 61 851 70 96
• Consulate of Hungary
ul. Gniewska 87, 60-454 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 841 01 40
Fax +48 61 841 01 40
• Consulate of Romania
ul. Maciejewskiego 20/2, 61-606 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 825 78 66, +48 501 56 90 33
Fax +48 61 825 78 66
• Consulate of the United Kingdom
ul. Święty Marcin 80/82, 60-844 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 665 88 50
• Consulate of the Kingdom Denmark
ul. Strusia 10, 60-711 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 866 26 28
Fax +48 61 865 82 56
• Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium
ul. Kmicica 2, 60-177 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 436 79 69
Fax +48 61 436 74 83
• Consulate of Ukraine
ul. Grobla 27 A/6, 61-858 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 622 74 01
Fax +48 61 855 34 53
ul. Zeylanda 3 flat 4, 60-808 Poznań
Telephone +48 61 278 57 10, 512 388 824
• Honorary Consulate of Finland
ul. Wawrzyniaka 10, 60-505 Poznań
Telephone 601 917 492