Introduction: Why Wrocław?
When it comes to studying in Poland, Wrocław is one of the most attractive cities for international students. It’s culturally rich, student-friendly, and filled with academic opportunities. But there’s one thing every student must face—accommodation. Whether you’re moving to Wrocław for the first time or looking to switch living arrangements, navigating the different housing options can feel overwhelming.
This blog post will guide you through the student accommodation in Wrocław, based entirely on first-hand experience. From university dormitories to private student halls and renting rooms or apartments—we’ll cover what you need to know to make the right decision.
Understanding Apartment Terminology in Poland
Before diving into the actual options, let’s clarify something important—how apartments are labeled in Poland.
In many countries, housing is described by the number of bedrooms plus a living space. For example, in Turkey, a “2+1” means two bedrooms and one living room. But in Poland, things are simpler—they just count the total number of rooms. So a “3-room apartment” (trzypokojowe mieszkanie) might include two bedrooms and a living room. A studio is sometimes labeled “1+0” in Turkish terms but referred to simply as “kawalerka” or a one-room flat in Poland.
This is important to understand when browsing listings or speaking with landlords.
Option 1: Public and University Dormitories
The most affordable option for student accommodation in Wrocław is, unsurprisingly, public or university dormitories. These dorms are typically operated by universities themselves or local government institutions. But, as expected, the lower cost comes with trade-offs.
In 2022, I stayed in one of these public dormitories for a short period. The price? Only 540 PLN per month. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: the facilities were, let’s say, very basic. There were over 100 students sharing just three shower heads and a single kitchen with only two stovetops. Cleanliness wasn’t ideal, and it didn’t feel very private or comfortable.
On the other hand, university-owned dormitories are slightly more expensive but significantly more organized. A few of my friends were lucky enough to get accepted into one of the university halls. Their dorm was cleaner, had slightly better infrastructure, and generally felt more “livable.” The monthly cost in 2022 was around 840 PLN. As of 2025, I would expect it to have increased by at least 100–150 PLN, but this is just a rough guess.
Keep in mind: availability is limited, and competition for spots is high. Early application is a must.
Option 2: Private Student Dormitories in Wrocław
Now, if you’re looking for more comfort, privacy, and modern facilities—and you’re willing to pay a bit more—private student dormitories are an excellent alternative.
🏢 Student Depot
Let’s start with the most budget-friendly private dorm: Student Depot. All rooms are single-person and come with a private space that includes a desk, bed, and bathroom. It’s located slightly outside the city center, but the tram stop right across the street makes it well-connected.
It’s not luxurious, but it’s practical and affordable—ideal for students who want their own space without overspending. Definitely one of the more accessible options when it comes to private student accommodation in Wrocław.
🏢 Milestone Fabryczna
The next one on the list is Milestone, which actually operates two separate dorms in Wrocław: Fabryczna and Ołbin.
Let’s start with Milestone Fabryczna.
It offers several types of rooms:
- Single rooms (most standard)
- Double rooms (with personal bedroom space, shared kitchen and bathroom)
- Eight-person shared units (with individual rooms, personal bathrooms, and a shared, spacious kitchen)
The eight-person setup might sound intimidating, but don’t worry—each student still has their own private room and shower. The shared kitchen is very modern, beautifully designed, and has a large panoramic window with great views. The common areas are a big plus here.
There’s also a terrace with sunset views, a music room with instruments, a gym, study rooms, parking, and even a projector room where you can gather with others to watch football or movies.
The downside? The surrounding neighborhood lacks nearby grocery stores, except for a Żabka (which, as I mention in another blog, is not great for full grocery shopping due to high prices). You’ll need to travel by tram or bus to do your shopping.
🏢 Milestone Ołbin
Compared to Fabryczna, Milestone Ołbin is in a much better location. It’s closer to the city center, better connected by public transportation, and surrounded by more supermarkets, cafes, and daily needs. But naturally, this better location comes with a higher price.
Ołbin offers:
- Single rooms (two types: standard and loft-style with a high ceiling and staircase separating the bedroom)
- Double and triple rooms (with private sleeping space but shared kitchen and bathroom)
- “2-in-1” setups, where two people share one larger unit but still have a bit more personal space than a typical shared room
While Fabryczna shines with its facilities, such as the terrace, music room, and large common projector area, Ołbin’s strength lies in its convenience and surroundings. If location matters to you more than extras like a rooftop terrace, Ołbin is a solid pick.
Fabryczna vs. Ołbin: Which One?
Let me help you decide.
Choose Fabryczna if you:
- Want more social spaces (terrace, projector room, music room)
- Are okay with commuting a bit for groceries
- Prefer slightly lower prices
Choose Ołbin if you:
- Want to live in a central location with easy access to everything
- Don’t mind paying a bit more
- Value proximity over facilities
Both offer high-quality student accommodation in Wrocław, and Milestone’s early reservation campaigns (usually in April) can help you secure a better price if you plan ahead!
🏢 BaseCamp
And now for the luxury option: BaseCamp.
This is the most expensive of all the student dorms in Wrocław. Every room is private by default, but you can opt to share your unit with a roommate for the same cost. Some units come with a personal kitchen, while others rely on large, shared kitchens—usually two per floor.
Facilities? Absolutely top-tier.
- Huge shared kitchens
- Private movie room (reservable)
- Gaming zones (ping pong, foosball, board games)
- Designer common areas
- 2-floor professional gym (free for residents)
- Indoor bicycle and car parking
- Large study rooms and quiet zones
It’s basically a mini-city for students. But again—the price tag reflects all this. In fact, some BaseCamp rooms cost almost as much as renting a brand-new 2-bedroom apartment in Wrocław.
Option 3: Renting a Room or Apartment
If none of the dorms work for you—or you just want more freedom—you can always rent a room or apartment.
Prices vary a lot depending on:
- Location
- Age of the building
- Furnishing
- Roommates
- Demand season
In general, monthly rent for a shared room ranges between 900 PLN and 1500 PLN. For a private room in a shared apartment, expect 1200–1800 PLN. If you want your own apartment, especially something new, prices start from 2200 PLN and go up quickly.
Most apartments are furnished, which is a huge plus. You’ll rarely need to buy anything beyond maybe a blanket or some kitchenware. Wrocław is a student-friendly city, so the rental market is filled with student-oriented listings.
My personal go-to platform is otodom.pl – it’s the most intuitive and reliable listing site in Poland. You can filter by location, room type, price, building age, and more. There’s even a map view so you can see what’s available near your university or tram line.
Just a quick note: Poland defines properties by room count, not like Turkey’s “2+1” system. So when you see a “3-room apartment,” it might not mean three bedrooms—it includes the living room. Keep that in mind when browsing listings.
🎓 Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Student Accommodation in Wrocław?
Finding the right student accommodation in Wrocław depends on your personal preferences, priorities, and of course, your budget. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- University Dorms: Cheapest option, but expect basic conditions and limited comfort. Apply early, as spots are limited and competition is high.
- Private Dorms (Student Depot, Milestone, BaseCamp):
- Student Depot: Simple, functional, decent price.
- Milestone Fabryczna: Excellent facilities, far from center, but cheaper.
- Milestone Ołbin: Great location, slightly more expensive.
- BaseCamp: Luxury dorm with everything you can imagine—but you’ll pay for it.
- Renting a Room/Flat: Best for privacy and independence. Use Otodom.pl and apply filters to find something perfect for your needs.
🕒 Pro Tip: No matter what you choose, try to book early—ideally around April or May—especially if you’re coming for the fall semester. Last-minute searching can be stressful and more expensive. And remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
📬 If you have any questions or need more help with student accommodation in Wrocław, feel free to contact me. I’ve been through this process myself, and I’m always happy to help new students make the right choice!
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