Welcome to Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce!
We are delighted to welcome you to Jan Kochanowski University (UJK) – a place of learning, growth, and new opportunities. Whether you are joining us as a student, researcher, or staff member, this guide is designed to help you feel at home and make the most of your time at UJK and in the vibrant city of Kielce.
Inside, you will find practical information about academic life, campus facilities, accommodation, local transport, social activities, and tips to help you settle in smoothly. Our goal is to ensure your transition is as easy and enjoyable as possible, so you can focus on learning, connecting with the community, and making unforgettable experiences.
Welcome to your new journey – we’re so glad you’re here!
About Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce
Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce is a public higher education institution offering a wide range of programmes in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medical and health sciences, pedagogy, arts and physical education. The University combines academic tradition with a modern approach to teaching and research, and places strong emphasis on international cooperation.
UJK campuses and facilities are mainly located close to the city centre, with good access to public transport, student dormitories, libraries, sports facilities and green areas.
University Digital Systems:
- Wirtualna Uczelnia (Virtual University): This is your main student portal. Here you can check your class schedule, grades, and financial status. You will receive your login details upon registration.
- mLegitymacja (Digital Student ID): Once you have your physical Student ID and a PESEL number, you can activate a digital version on your smartphone via the mObywatel app. It is legally equal to the physical card.
Welcome Centre UJK
The Welcome Centre UJK was established to support international members of the academic community. It offers assistance before arrival and during the entire stay in Kielce. The Welcome Centre can help with:
- university-related formalities,
- accommodation information,
- residence registration and everyday matters,
- orientation in the city and at the university,
- integration into academic and social life.
Visa and Residence Permit
International students and staff from non-EU countries may require a visa or a temporary residence permit, depending on the length and purpose of stay. Visa applications should be submitted to the appropriate Polish consulate in your home country. For longer stays, you may need to apply for a temporary residence card (Karta Pobytu) after arrival in Poland at the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki, ul. IX Wieków Kielc 3).
EU citizens do not need a visa but are required to register their stay in Poland if it exceeds 90 days.
Administrative Essentials:
- PESEL Number: This is your Polish national identification number. It is essential for opening a bank account, visiting a doctor, or using official apps.
- Residency Registration (Zameldowanie): Every foreigner staying in Poland for more than 30 days (non-EU) or 90 days (EU) must register their address. If you stay in a dormitory, the administration will help you. If you rent a flat, go to the City Hall (Urząd Miasta, ul. Strycharska 6). Completing this process automatically grants you a PESEL number.
- Opening a Bank Account: To receive scholarships or salary, you should open a Polish bank account. You usually need only your Passport and proof of UJK status.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory during your stay in Poland. EU citizens should obtain a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU citizens are required to purchase private health insurance that covers medical treatment in Poland for the entire duration of their stay.
Public Health Option (NFZ): Non-EU students can apply for voluntary health insurance with the NFZ (National Health Fund). For approx. 60 PLN/month, it provides the same access to public healthcare as Polish citizens. Visit the NFZ office at ul. Jana Pawła II 9.
Required Documents
We recommend bringing both originals and copies of the following documents:
- Passport or national ID card
- Visa or residence permit (if applicable)
- Acceptance letter or employment contract from UJK
- Proof of health insurance
- Passport-sized photos
- Important: Documents not in Polish or English may require a translation by a Sworn Translator (Tłumacz Przysięgły) to be accepted by local authorities.
What to Bring to Poland
Poland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold, while summers are generally very warm. Make sure to bring clothing suitable for different weather conditions, as well as any personal medications and important personal items. Of course, clothing stores adjust their stock to the current season, so you can easily buy everything on the spot!
Student Dormitories (Domy Studenta)
Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce provides student accommodation in five university dormitories, located close to one another near the city centre and university buildings. University dormitories are a convenient and affordable housing option and play an important role in student integration and everyday academic life.
Available Dormitories The following student dormitories operate at UJK:
- DS “Fama”
- DS “Melodia”
- DS “Asystent”
- DS “Łącznik”
- DS “Odyseja”
Room Types and Standard Dormitories offer various room types depending on the building: single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms, studio-type rooms (one-room apartments). All rooms are furnished and typically include: bed, wardrobe, table and chairs, bedding, Internet access, satellite television access. Depending on the dormitory and room type, students use shared or private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
Common Facilities Each dormitory provides access to shared facilities, including: kitchens or kitchenettes, bathrooms, laundry rooms with washing machines (free of charge), TV rooms and common areas.
Accommodation Rules and Procedure Accommodation in a student dormitory is possible only on the basis of an official decision granting a place. After receiving the accommodation decision, students are required to inform the Student Dormitory Service Section about their planned arrival date and time. Check-in takes place during dormitory office hours. During check-in, students sign a statement confirming that they:
- have read and accepted the dormitory regulations,
- agree to pay accommodation fees on time,
- agree to pay the required security deposit. After completing these formalities, students receive a room key.
Fees and Deposit Residents are required to:
- pay a security deposit no later than the day of check-in,
- pay monthly accommodation fees to their individual student sub-account. Monthly dormitory fees depend on the room type and dormitory.
Resignation from a Dormitory Place If a student decides to resign from their allocated dormitory place, they must immediately inform the dormitory staff by phone or email.
Applications and Official Information All application forms, deadlines, rules and current announcements regarding student dormitories are published on the official UJK website in the section: Students → Social and Living Matters → Student Dormitories. Students are strongly advised to follow official university announcements for up-to-date information.
Arrival in Kielce
Kielce is well connected with other Polish cities.
- By train: Direct and connecting trains operate from major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków and Katowice.
- By bus: Long-distance buses, including FlixBus, offer convenient connections to Kielce from many Polish cities. The main railway and bus stations are located close to the city centre and offer easy access to university campuses and dormitories.
Public Transport
Public transport in Kielce is operated by ZTM and includes buses covering the entire city.
- Monthly pass Zone I: approx. 200 PLN
- Monthly pass Zone I & II: approx. 220 PLN
Tickets and passes can be purchased online, at ticket machines and selected kiosks. In most cities, you can no longer buy paper tickets from the driver. It is best to install the Jakdojade app (to check routes and buy tickets) or SkyCash.
Cost of Living in Kielce
Accommodation
- Dormitory: approx. 500 –790 PLN per month
Food and Eating Out
- University canteen lunch: 20–30 PLN
- Lunch in the city: 40–70 PLN
- Coffee or tea: 15–30 PLN
Entertainment
- Cinema ticket: 18.90–30 PLN
- Pub or beer: 15–25 PLN
- Clubs: free entry or approx. 20 PLN
Health and Study Costs
- Gym membership: 140–200 PLN
- Private medical visit: 150–400 PLN
- Printing and study materials: approx. 20–30 PLN per month
Basic Food Prices (approx.)
- Bread: 4.50–6 PLN
- Milk: 3.80–4.50 PLN
- Eggs (10): 10–13 PLN
- Potatoes (1 kg): 2.50–4 PLN
- Apples (1 kg): 3.50–5 PLN
- Water (1.5 L): 1.50 PLN
Everyday Life in Kielce
Kielce is a medium-sized city surrounded by nature, offering a calm lifestyle, affordable living costs and friendly atmosphere. The city provides access to shopping centres, restaurants, cultural institutions, sports facilities and green areas, including the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. International students and staff often appreciate Kielce for its safety, compact size and ease of daily functioning.
The UJK Campus and Surroundings Most university life is centered around the Main Campus at Uniwersytecka Street.
- Convenience: The campus is well-connected to the city center. Nearby, you will find supermarkets like Auchan or Biedronka, which are the go-to places for affordable grocery shopping.
- Student Hubs: Between classes, students often gather in local cafes or the modern university library, which is one of the most comfortable study spaces in the region.
Getting Around the City Kielce is a “compact city,” making it very easy to navigate.
- Public Transport: Use the Jakdojade app. Lines like 8, 30, or 114 are popular for reaching the campus from different parts of the city. Remember to get a student ID (legitymacja) as soon as possible to enjoy 50% off all bus tickets.
- The Heart of the City: Sienkiewicza Street is the main pedestrian artery. It’s where you’ll find the best exchange offices (Kantor), bookstores, and cozy spots to study.
Nature and Recreation (Right next to you!) Kielce is famous for its “urban nature.”
- Zalew Kielecki: Located not far from some university buildings, this reservoir is a popular spot for walking, jogging, or outdoor summer hangouts.
- Kadzielnia Park: A stunning nature reserve in a former quarry, featuring caves and an amphitheater—perfect for a weekend stroll just 10 minutes from the city center.
- Świętokrzyskie Mountains: As a UJK student, you are at the gateway to Poland’s oldest mountains. A bus trip to Święta Katarzyna is a must for a weekend hike.
Shopping and Leisure
- Malls: Galeria Echo is located very close to the university area, making it the primary spot for shopping, cinema, and bowling. Galeria Korona is another great option closer to the city center.
- The Market Square (Rynek): This is the social heart of Kielce. It is filled with restaurants and pubs where students meet in the evenings.
Cost of Living Living in Kielce is significantly cheaper than in Warsaw or Kraków. This applies to everything from rent to a cup of coffee. As an international member of UJK, your budget will go much further here, allowing you to focus more on your studies and travel.
Getting Around: From UJK Campus to the City Key Points
The main UJK campus (Uniwersytecka Street) is well-connected to the rest of the city. Here is how to reach the most important locations as quickly as possible:
- To the Main Railway Station (Dworzec PKP) & Bus Station (Dworzec Autobusowy) If you are planning a trip to Warsaw, Kraków, or Wrocław, you will need to get to the stations located on Żelazna and Czarnowska Streets.
- Bus lines: The best options are lines 8 or 114 (departing from stops near the campus). The journey takes about 15–20 minutes.
- Taxi/Bolt: A ride from the campus to the station usually costs between 15–25 PLN.
- To the City Center (Sienkiewicza Street & Rynek) Sienkiewicza Street is the heart of social life, filled with cafes and restaurants.
- Bus lines: Lines 30, 46, or 50 will take you directly to the city center area (stops: IX Wieków Kielc or Warszawska).
- On foot: A walk from the Uniwersytecka campus to the strict center takes about 25–30 minutes – it is a great route through the city’s green areas.
- To Shopping Centres (Galeria Echo & Galeria Korona)
- Galeria Echo: Located very close to the UJK campus. You can walk there in 10–15 minutes or take a one-stop bus ride toward al. Solidarności (e.g., lines 13 or 114).
- Galeria Korona: Located closer to the city center. You can get there by taking lines 30, 34, or 46.
- To the Rector’s Office (ul. Żeromskiego) Some administrative matters may require a visit to the Rectorate at Żeromskiego Street (near the city center).
- Connection: From the Uniwersytecka campus, it is best to take line 13 or enjoy a 20-minute walk.
Practical Transport Tips for UJK Students:
- Student Discount: Your Student ID (Legitymacja studencka) entitles you to a 50% discount on public transport (ZTM Kielce) and national trains within Poland. Always keep it with you!
- Tickets: You can buy tickets at ticket machines at bus stops, in selected kiosks, or most conveniently via mobile apps: Jakdojade, moBILET, or SkyCash.
- Night Buses: If you stay in the center late in the evening, check the night lines (marked with the letter N), which run on weekends and connect the center with major residential areas.
Useful Tips
- Always carry a valid student or employee ID.
- Register your place of residence (Zameldowanie) at the City Hall to receive your PESEL number.
- Keep copies of important documents and translations.
- Official letters are sent via Poczta Polska. If you get an Awizo (yellow slip), pick up your mail at the post office within 14 days.
- Register your Polish SIM card with your passport at a provider’s store.
- Ask the Welcome Centre UJK for help whenever needed.
Practical Tips and Local Customs
Poland is a country that offers many modern solutions to make daily life easier – from innovative payments to a dense network of parcel pickup points. Here is what you need to know to feel right at home.
Deliveries and Shopping
- InPost and Paczkomaty: This is one of the most convenient delivery methods. These automated parcel lockers are available 24/7. Using the InPost app, you can open your locker remotely with a single click. Remember: size is limited!
- Żabka Stores: Characteristic green stores on every corner. They are convenience stores for groceries, parcel pickup (DPD), and are usually open on non-trading Sundays.
- Non-trading Sundays: Most large supermarkets and shopping malls are closed on Sundays. Plan ahead!
Payments: The BLIK System Poland has one of the most modern mobile payment systems in the world – BLIK. It works directly within your banking app.
- Instead of using a card, you generate a 6-digit code, enter it at a terminal, and confirm on your phone.
- BLIK also allows for instant transfers to a phone number.
Traffic and Pedestrians In Poland, pedestrians have the right of way at crossings. Drivers are required to stop as soon as someone approaches the crossing.
- Local Savoir-vivre: Avoid being a “sacred cow” (forcing entry). It’s polite to make eye contact and give a small wave of thanks to the driver when they stop.
City Transport and Micro-mobility Apps like Uber and Bolt are very popular in Polish cities.
- Bolt App: A true “all-in-one” tool. You can order a taxi, rent an electric bike, or an electric scooter.
- The app shows the location and battery level on a map.
Taste of Poland: Must-Try Dishes
- Pierogi: Famous dumplings with various fillings (try Pierogi Ruskie with cheese and potato).
- Żurek: A sour rye soup with sausage and egg.
- Kotlet Schabowy: A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel.
- Bigos: A traditional hunter’s stew with cabbage and meat.
- Zapiekanka: A popular toasted open-faced baguette with mushrooms and cheese.
Useful Polish Phrases
(Read the pronunciation in brackets as if it were English text)
- Dzień dobry (Jen DOB-ry) – Good morning / afternoon
- Dobry wieczór (DOB-ry VYEH-choor) – Good evening
- Cześć (Cheshch) – Hi / Bye (informal)
- Dziękuję (Jen-KOO-yeh) – Thank you
- Proszę (PRO-sheh) – Please / Here you go
- Przepraszam (Psheh-PRASH-am) – Excuse me / I’m sorry
- Tak / Nie (Tahk / Nyeh) – Yes / No
- Smacznego! (Smach-NEH-go) – Enjoy your meal!
- Ile to kosztuje? (EE-leh toh kosh-TOO-yeh?) – How much is it?
- Na zdrowie! (Nah ZDRO-vyeh!) – Cheers! / Bless you
- Do widzenia (Doh vee-DZEN-yah) – Goodbye
We wish you a pleasant stay and a successful academic experience at Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce!