Naturally, the cost of living varies from student to student. The daily necessities like food and clothing are still relatively inexpensive by western standards.

Polish currency (PLN) is counted in złoty (zł.) and grosz (gr.).

100 groszy = 1 złoty
The coins are issued in 10 gr., 20 gr., 50 gr., 1 zł., 2 zł. and 5 zł.
The bank notes are issued in 10 zł., 20 zł., 50 zł., 100 zł. and 200 zł.

The value of złoty for April 2012 is as follows:
1 USD = 3,22 PLN; 1 GBP = 5,11 PLN; 1 DKK = 0,56 PLN;
1 SEK = 0,47 PLN; 1 EUR = 4,20 PLN; 1 NOK = 0,50 PLN

To give some idea of the cost of living in Lodz here are some expenses:

• accommodation in a hall of residence (double room) 300 PLN per month
• private accommodation (bedsitter) 800 PLN per month
• lunch in a student canteen  8 PLN
• lunch outside Campus 15-30 PLN

It is rather expensive to have dinner à la carte in a restaurant. Meals at small bars / fastfood are less expensive.

Sample prices of some goods:

• milk 3.5 PLN/1l
• bread 2 PLN/loaf
• butter 3 PLN/200g
• cheese 20-25 PLN/kg
• meat 15-30 PLN/kg
• eggs 0.50 PLN/each
• pasta 4 PLN/0,5kg
• rice 4 PLN/0,5kg
• apples 3 PLN/kg
• chocolate 3 PLN/bar
• mineral water 2PLN/1,5l
• beer 3-10 PLN/0,5l 
• single bus or tram ticket 1,20 PLN/30-minute-ride
• cinema 20 PLN/ticket

Food prices may differ from one store to another as well as the season. Fruits and vegetables are cheaper in summer than in winter. We suggest that one checks which store in area offers the most reasonable prices.

Most grocery stores are open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday to Friday. On Saturday they close early afternoon. Some local shops are open on Sundays as well.

Supermarkets are open seven days a week, often till late. There are also shops open 24 hours a day.