About Our City
Welcome to Łódź!
Formerly the industrial capital of the country, today it’s a dynamic hub of creativity, art, and new technologies.
Łódź is a place where historic factories are transformed into modern cultural spaces, and the industrial atmosphere blends with youthful, student energy.
The city is famous for its film heritage, murals, festivals, and unique vibe. You’ll find both a lively city center and numerous parks perfect for relaxing between classes. Łódź is also very well connected — located in the heart of the country, it makes it easy to reach any corner of Poland.
Piotrkowska Street
Łódź Fabryczna Railway Station
Manufaktura Main Gate Entrance
Łódź in a Nutshell: Location, People & History
Before you pack your bags and arrive on campus, here are a few quick facts you should know about your new home!
Łódź is located right in the very center of Poland! Because it’s exactly in the middle of the country, it’s the perfect starting point for weekend trips to other Polish cities. Plus, the capital city, Warsaw, is only about 1.5 hours away by train.
With around 660,000 residents, Łódź is currently the 4th largest city in Poland. It offers all the perks of a major European city (great nightlife, culture, and food), but with a more unique, alternative vibe compared to typical tourist destinations like Kraków.
In the 19th century, Łódź exploded from a tiny village into a massive textile empire, often called the "Polish Manchester". It was built by a unique mix of four cultures: Polish, Jewish, German, and Russian. Today, you will see the remains of this history everywhere – those giant, beautiful red-brick factories have been transformed into museums, modern apartments, and university buildings!
Łódź is currently undergoing one of the largest urban revitalization processes in Europe. Beautiful 19th-century tenement houses (kamienice) and industrial spaces are being restored to their former glory. You will also notice many Woonerfs in the city center – a Dutch concept for "living streets" where cars are limited, and space is given back to pedestrians, cyclists, cafe gardens, and greenery. It’s a city that is changing and modernizing right before your eyes!
Łódź has a massive cinematic heritage. The world-famous Łódź Film School has educated Oscar-winning directors, and the city is full of cinematic murals and history. That's why you might hear people joking and calling it "HollyŁódź"!
Your Ultimate Survival Guide
We are thrilled to have you here. Moving to a new country and starting at a new university is a huge adventure, but it can also be a bit overwhelming.
First things first: how do you even say the name of the city? It looks like "Lodz", but it's actually pronounced "Woodge". Practice it a few times, and you’ll sound like a local in no time!
To help you settle in smoothly, we’ve put together this quick cheat sheet with everything you need to know about navigating UL and the city.
Finding Your Way Around (Campus & Commute)
The University of Łódź doesn't have one single, closed campus. Instead, our faculty buildings are spread across the city, though the main academic hub is located around Banacha and Matejki streets.
- The Best Transit App: Download Jakdojade right now. It is an absolute lifesaver. It works in English, finds the best tram and bus routes for you, and you can even buy your digital tickets directly in the app.
- Student Discounts: As a UŁ student, you are entitled to a 50% discount on public transport! Once you get your official Student ID card, you can buy a monthly pass called a Migawka.
- Getting to Łódź: If you arrive by train from Warsaw or the airport, try to get off at Łódź Fabryczna station. It is located right in the city center and offers excellent connections to the university area.
The Legendary "Lumumbowo" & Housing
When talking about student life at UŁ, one word will come up constantly: Lumumbowo.
- What is Lumumbowo? It is the affectionate nickname for the UŁ student campus (Osiedle Akademickie) located around Lumumby Street. It’s a massive complex of dormitories (called DS or Dom Studencki), student canteens, and local shops. It is the beating heart of UŁ student life!
- Dorms vs. Private Renting: Living in a UŁ dorm is budget-friendly and great for socializing. If you prefer to rent a private room or flat, look for local Facebook groups like "Flats for rent Łódź". The most convenient neighborhoods for UŁ students are Śródmieście (City Center) and Radiostacja.
Money Matters & Costs
Poland is incredibly modern when it comes to banking, but remember that we do not use the Euro!
- Our Currency: We use the Polish Złoty (PLN).
- Cashless City: You can pay by card, phone, or smartwatch literally everywhere – from large supermarkets to tiny bakeries. You rarely need actual cash. Services like Revolut work perfectly here.
- Everyday Prices: * Monthly student transit pass: ~ 55 PLN
- Lunch at a university canteen: ~ 20-30 PLN
- Coffee on campus: ~ 12-18 PLN
Study Hard, Play Harder
Balancing your studies with your social life is key to the perfect Erasmus or international student experience.
- BUŁ (University of Łódź Library), called also BUŁ-a: Located at Matejki 32/38, this is your ultimate study sanctuary. It offers quiet reading rooms, group work zones, and millions of resources. Plus, it's a great place to meet other students.
- Manufaktura: You absolutely cannot miss this place! Built inside a massive, beautifully revitalized 19th-century red-brick textile factory, it’s now a huge shopping and entertainment hub. It has everything you need: cinemas, restaurants, museums, an artificial beach in the summer, and a spectacular ice rink in the winter.
- Piotrkowska Street: The longest commercial street in Poland! It is packed with pubs, clubs, and restaurants. It’s where the city comes alive at night.
- OFF Piotrkowska: Located at Piotrkowska 138/140, this former cotton mill is now the most hipster spot in town, filled with indie boutiques, great food, and craft beer.
Need Help? Who to Contact at UniLodz
- The International Relations Office (IRO) is your best friend: The main office handles general university matters. They will help you with your initial documents, legalization of stay, and general advice. Incoming mobility students, if necessary, can visit the office in person!
Address: 3 Uniwersytecka Str., 90-137 Lodz, Poland (Room no. 7)
Email: iso@uni.lodz.pl
Phone: +48 42 635 4790
- Your Faculty ISO: Did you know that we have also our own Faculty International Students Office and dedicated coordinators? While the main IRO helps with general paperwork, your Faculty ISO is the place to go for faculty-specific questions, such as class schedules, exams, talking to professors, or local faculty events. Don't hesitate to visit them!
- Emergency Number: If you ever need immediate help from the police, ambulance, or fire department in Poland, dial 112.
