Incoming & First Year Students

It is easiest to figure out how your future schedule is going to look like by looking at this year's schedule. 

Link to schedules – Medicine

Link to schedules – Dentistry

No, groups are arranged randomly. The Dean's Office puts up the lists right before classes start. We know students are often excited to find out their group (you will spend a lot of time with your classmates), so we try to ask the Dean's Office to arrange the groups before Orientation Week starts, but that does not happen often.

Generally, you do not get to change your group unless there's is a head-to-head switch or to balance out numbers in the subsequent years, although this decision is up to the Dean's Office.

If you are wondering what groups are, each year is divided into 5-6 groups of 20-30 students each. This does not apply to Dentistry because there are usually less than 20 students in a year.

Lectures are done with the entire year as a whole. The instructor generally lectures with minimal interactions. Check with the department first, but usually they are not obligatory (attendance is not taken).

Seminars are done with your dean's group, are generally meant to be interactive, although in practice sometimes they are similar to lectures. 

Practical classes vary based on the department and subject. It may be lecture based or be practical based. For example, classes in anatomy take place in the cadaver room and in histology there are microscopic exercises.

Seminars and practical classes are obligatory.

Perhaps the number 1 question asked by non-Polish speakers coming here. It really varies on what you want to get out of your education. You can navigate the university fine with the English language and of course your schooling. You are not expected to speak Polish during patient classes in the later years, usually the doctor or Polish speaking classmates translate.

However, it must be mentioned that history taking, patient communication, and bedside manners are the most essential part to being a doctor, so knowing some Polish (either from the obligatory Polish classes or self learning) only enhances your learning and allows you to get the most out of bedside classes.

Obligatory Polish classes for medicine and dentistry take place from 1st to 3rd year (1.5-2.5 hours per week depending on year and major).

In the first year, basic Polish is introduced assuming you have zero knowledge of the language (e.g. alphabet, Dzień dobry, Nazywam się…). In second and third year, you start to move towards medical terminology and phrases with the goal of communicating with patients in the ward (whether that actually happens depends on the person's learning, language background, and whether they are sleeping during the classes). In general, students end up with basic knowledge/survival skills in Polish, but nowhere near fluency.

At the end of the third year there is an exam to pass in medicine (in dentistry just a credit) that contains an oral and a theoretical part.

Is it hard? Instructors have quite reasonable expectations and know we have other subjects to study, so as long as you show up, do your homework, put some effort, and cram before quizzes/exams, you should be fine.

There's an assessment (B2 level) with a written and oral part within the first month of classes which allows you to be exempt from first and/or second year Polish (based on the results).

In general, third year Polish exemptions are not given even if you are the very best in Polish (the only case you can be exempt is if you do the Matura in Polish).

Speak to your Polish teacher during the first class and they will give information about the location and time of the exam.

Hard to generalize, but it shouldn't differ too much from your high school studies. Most of the time we have MCQ tests, sometimes short answers. We will however mention the assessment structure of anatomy and histology, as they are more complicated and perhaps not so similar to high school.

Anatomy

• Class quizzes every class
• 2 intermediate exams (Jan, May) – with a separate theory and practical part
• At the end of the year points of intermediate exams are added and you must pass a certain threshold to be admitted to the final exam (usually 65% of theory and practical)
• If you do not have enough points – admission exam (June) is offered and you must get 65% of theory and/or practical (depending on which part you didn't have enough points) to be admitted to the exam
• If you have enough points or passed the admission – final exam (June) with a theory and practical part
• Once you pass the final exam you are done with the course!

Histology

• 3 intermediate exams (Jan, Mar, May) on basic histology, embryology, and microscopic anatomy
• A passing grade (60%) on 3 intermediates allows you to write the final
• On intermediates 1, 3, and the final there is an extra practical part – recognition of slides under the microscope
• Passing the final exam means you are done with the course!

Always asked by students, but hard to answer by us.

The short answer is it depends. The university does not flunk out a certain amount of people on purpose or is there a set number that moves to the next year. If you pass all the subjects in your first year, you move on the second year. If you do not, you are asked to withdraw from the university. The number varies a lot by year because you can't control who studies or not. In general, the passing threshold for exams are around 60-65%.

If you study from the very start you should be fine. Pay attention to anatomy and histology, as these are the two that give people problems. And don't play with absences, having too many can cause you to fail the class (even the easy ones).

Why are you asking this, this is something you worry about much later (but since this was actually asked we will answer this). 

At MUW courses are divided into credit and exam courses. Exam courses are usually the important subjects (anatomy, histology, biochemistry, surgery) and end with an exam at the end of the course during the session. The majority of classes are credit in first year.

Only the exam courses count towards your GPA (out of 5). In first year the subjects are:
Medicine – Anatomy, Histology (exams in June)
Dentistry – Anatomy, Histology (exams in June), Social Dentistry (exam in Feb)

The Polish grade out of 5.

5.0 means very good, you're the best.

3.0 means satisfactory, you barely passed.

2.0 means failed.

The possible grades to get are: 5.0 (very good), 4.5 (more than good), 4.0 (good), 3.5 (more than satisfactory), 3.0 (satisfactory), 2.0 (unsatisfactory/failed).

There's no official conversion to percentages, every departments set their own and can vary by test. Sometimes they grade by Gaussian curve and assign grades based on a bell curve.

On the syllabus (medicine, dentistry) you can find obligatory and optional literature for each subject. It is to be mentioned for many subjects they are not actually used or they are so simple students usually just study from the class material.

It should be mentioned you are free to choose what you want to study from, no teacher “requires" you to get a book or checks if you brought it in class. In anatomy, Moore's is where the exam is based off of, but some students prefer other books. You should find which books and material you find comfortable. And of course you can use online books on your electronic device. 

The exception in Polish and Latin where they are required textbooks which you fill in every class and are assigned homework. 

Check out our textbook guide (medicine, dentistry) to help you decide which book to use!

Anatomy and histology classes take place at Anatomicum (Lindleya campus), which is in the center of Warsaw.

PE, Polish, Latin, and some other classes take place at the Banacha campus, in the Ochota district.

You'll spend the majority of the time between these two campuses.

There are also some classes that take place in Litewska street (History of Medicine/Dentistry).

Public transport in Warsaw is quite convenient and you can commute between these 3 points quite quick (within 30 minutes).

Medicine of addictions for medical students take place in Bródnowski Hospital, which is around an hour commute away from Banacha campus though, although there are only a few classes there. Medicine of addictions for dental students take place a Nowowiejska Hospital, which is around a 10 minute commute from Anatomicum.

Some helpful links:

Campus Map

Location of 1st year dentistry classes

Really varies by person… you need to find your style. There are people who seem to never study who scores better than the person who studies the whole day.

Most students find although first year is hard, there's still adequate time to socialize and relax, you don't need to be trapped in the library for 12 hours a day.

You don't really get assigned homework like high school, so most of the time is used for studying.

Everyone has a different educational background or some even have a college degree already, so it's hard to generalize.

Depending on where you have studied, the transition may not be as drastic as you think. Some people reported their workload is less than high school.

The big difference however is that you are an adult now and you are in charge of your studies. No one phones home if you skip class or reminds you to catch up if you are falling behind. You are in charge of it. Therefore, don't fall behind.

And make sure to take time off to rest, Warsaw is a very nice city with lots to do in your spare time 🙂

This question is asked every year and the frequency of this question asked perhaps suggests there are more “older" students than you think.

Not everyone is fresh out of high school, but of course there are 17/18 year olds in your class (in the rare case, even 16). Many of your classmates did a bachelor's degree or took a few years off. Some even graduated, worked some jobs, and found their calling in medicine. Some have children already. 

What results is a class that varies in age and life experience, and honestly no one really cares how old you are.

• Anki
• Kenhub, teachmeanatomy (Anatomy)
• Dr Najeeb, Ninja Nerd (Histology)
• Sketchy (Microbiology)

For the 2023/2024 school year,

Medicine – 150 seats

Dentistry – 22 seats

Optional courses (aka facultative courses, elective courses) are certain amount of hours you need to complete and you get to choose from a list of courses what to take.

More information about optional courses – medicine, dentistry

Medicine – You are obliged to obtain credits in two optional courses (60 hours) per academic year during 1st – 5th year of studies.

Dentistry – Your class votes for 1 of 3 optional courses taken in the summer semester of 1st year (History, Philosophy, Psychology). In the 2nd to 5th year you need 60 hours of optional courses in total. Because of the small number of students in dentistry the course with the most votes will open (instead of everyone choosing their own).

It's best to wait until Orientation Week where you will get detailed information and recommendations where to buy them.

But in general you need an anatomy lab coat/cap (not a normal doctor's coat, look more like a butcher's uniform) and coloring pencils for histology (We are not kidding). If you are in dentistry, you need a white coat for preclinical dentistry classes.

To get anatomy coats we recommend – Ordynator on ul. Oleandrów 6. 

You do not need scrubs until your clinical years (from 3rd and beyond).

Yes, as long as it satisfies all the learning requirements and someone can stamp the documents. 

More information – medicine, dentistry

Find the division of the academic year here (it doesn't differ if regardless of year or program).

Classes generally start the first Monday after October 1st (of course it depends if your group has classes).

In the winter semester there is a 2-week Christmas break. 

How long you have between semesters depends on what exams you have. The first week is the winter session, second week is the break, and third week is the retake winter session (if you didn't pass). In first year medicine there are no exams during the winter examination session. In first year dentistry there is social dentistry. 

In the summer semester there is a week off in May and week off in June to prepare for the summer exam session. The summer exam session takes place late June to early July, but you are free after your last exam. In September there is the retake summer session for people who didn't pass exams.

Contact the admission officers, they are the ones who will make arrangements and tell you what you can do (we can't help). Also, it will be helpful to contact your teachers (once classes start) and ask what to do to make up lost work.

As long as you contact early and the admission office knows your situation, you should be fine.

Depends. On average dentistry students get it within a week of classes start, and medicine within a month. It has been a bit faster in the recent years because the Dean's Office knows students need them.

Yes, you can pay it in 2 or 4 installments after application to the Dean's Office (Contact the admission office or financial officer about required forms – we can't help). The total amount paid will be a bit more than if you pay in 1 installment.

Don't miss class (if you can). Check the regulations of the course on how many absences you are allowed, and whether they are excused or unexcused absences. Excused absences means if you bring a sick note.

Please don't play with absences, every year we get messages from students realizing they had too many absences and are not allowed to write the exams. We can't help in these situations, we aren't magical workers. Think twice before you skip classes, yes, even classes like PE.

Yes, it's an optional event. Highly recommend you don't miss it though 😉 But we know sometimes there are unforeseen events (mainly visa issues) that prohibit you from joining us.

Banacha Campus:

• Cafe and canteen in the Didactic Center
• Canteen in the Pediatric Hospital and Banacha Hospital
• La Vittoria restaurant in the Sports Center
• Carrefour on Księcia Trojdena street
• Vietnamese restaurant on Banacha street (across from the hospital)

Lindleya Campus:

• Złoty Tarasy mall connected with the Central Train Station that has almost everything

There's a common room created by ED students that's situated in Room 80 (1st floor) of the ZIAM building (Banacha campus). There's a TV, xbox, sofa, microwave, fridge, silent area, and books donated by upper years. It's a very nice space, so do your best to maintain the space. You'll be there during the campus tour.

The library on the Banacha campus has a reading room on the 2nd floor containing a lot of medical books, computers, and desks for silent studying. You can also reserve an individual studying room (ask the reception).

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.00 – 20.00, Saturday 8.00 – 14.00, Sunday – Closed. Sometimes during the exam session it opens longer.

More information on the library here.

There's also a much smaller library at Anatomicum on the 2nd floor.

Every club has different rules. To know what clubs there are – we organize an information fair during Orientation Week for each club to come and talk about what they do, they also have a large social media presence that advertises when the next event is. We are working to have a list of English Division clubs in the future. 

It is to point out that at MUW the clubs are generally academic based (surgery, anatomy) instead of interest based (photography, yoga) – although you are welcome to start those.

The school dorm is located in the Wola neighbourhood and is around a 30 minute tram ride (Tram 1) from the Banacha campus. It was recently renovated. It's a good choice for first year because you'll be close to your classmates. However, in some years there are more people than spots available. Priority is given to first year students. Upper year students often prefer to rent their own apartment.

Student Depot is located in the Mokotów neighbourhood and is around a 15 minute bus ride (Bus 136). It's a relatively new building. It should be mentioned this is not our school's dorm, so you'll be living with people all over Warsaw.

Yes, but it's not the best. Especially on mobile it's hard to connect. You're better off getting a phone plan with data (Polish prepaid sim cards are very affordable, 10 zł is probably enough for 2GB/month and 40 zł unlimited).

If you have to use the school wifi the name is INTERNET and the password is 1234567890 (very secure, we know). Afterwards you are taken to a login page where you enter your MUW credentials.

More information here.

Yes, you need to pay but quite cheap (0.12 zł for A4, 0.24 zł for A3, 1 zł A4 colored, 2 zł A3 colored).

Printers are all over campus, but most people use the printers on the 2nd floor of the library. There are also printed on the 1st floor of the library, 1st floor of ZIAM, 1st floor of Anatomicum, and in the student dorms.

Pay on safeq.wum.edu.pl and tap your student cards on the printers to use it.

More information here.

On a day to day basis you'll manage, at least we all did. Warsaw is getting increasing international with more and more foreigners living in the city. Many things are starting to become bilingual. For example, the self serve checkouts have English, ticket machines for public transport have English. If you want to ask the senior waiter if there are vegetarian options you might have some difficulty. But it's the 21st century and Google Translate works wonders. More and more young people also speak English.

If you are dealing with anything legal (e.g. visas, residence card, governmental offices) it's often advisable to bring a Polish-speaking friend/agent with you, because English doesn't work that well in those situations. You also can't donate blood because they require being able to read the forms in Polish (you can't even bring a translator).

Warsaw has a well-developed network of buses, trams, metro, and SKM trains. All the information on how to take public transport can be found here.

There are 2 ticket zones, all of Warsaw is in zone 1 so you don't need to get a zone 1+2 ticket. Some occasional trips might require you to get a zone 2 ticket (e.g. Ikea Janki).

You are entitled to 50% reduced fares (ulgowy) if you are a student and are under 26 years of age and are in possession of a student card. That means until you get your student card you need to buy full, normal fares (normalny). The ticket control people are very strict and will not hesitate to fine you around 200 zł even if you don't know the rules and is a foreigner.

For long term passes (30 days, 90 days) you must store it in your card, which you can do so using your student card in the ticket machines. Ticket machines are quite commonly found – closest ones on campus are at the Uniwersytet Medyczny bus stop (West side) and Banacha tram loop. The most common ones students buy are 90 day reduced Zone 1 passes – 140 zł which allows unlimited travel on Warsaw's public transport from the moment of activation.

Short term tickets (20 min, 75 min, 24 hours) are available in a small paper form.

The full range of tickets with their fares can be found here. 

Most often international flights land at Warsaw Chopin Airport, which is connected directly to the Banacha campus via Bus 175 (get off at Uniwersytet Medyczny).

Ryanair or other low cost carriers often land at Warsaw Modlin Airport, around an hour train ride from the city center. You can take a bus/train to Central Station than get to the campus via Buses 128, 175, 504.

Recently the Warsaw Radom Airport opened, which is 100 km from Warsaw. It's quite rare you'll end up there but if you are get to the Central Station (Warszawa Centralna) by train and get to the campus via Buses 128, 175, 504. Or get to Warszawa Żwirki i Wigury station and get to campus via Bus 175.

This is, of course, something foreigners (especially people of color) worry about. This is hard to answer because it depends on race and everyone's experience. You might get curious looks here and there (even that is rare – people of color are not that exotic in Warsaw) but violent crime such as assault is almost unheard of. Use common sense – approaching drunk people at midnight isn't a good idea. Most students report feeling safe in Warsaw, even at night.

Unfortunately, for foreigners and English speakers it is a bit harder to navigate the rental market here. You can use the help of an agent, but often they charge a commission equal to one month's rent. Many students join Facebook groups and check rental websites – otodom, olx, gratka and find a place themselves. Beware of scams – some listings are too good to be true and never pay before looking at the apartment.

It is common to charge a monthly rent, utilities (sometimes separate, sometimes incorporate in the monthly rent), and a safety deposit (usually equal to one month's rent).  

We generally recommend first years to live close to the Banacha or Lindleya campus. The Ochota, Śródmieście, Włochy, Wola neighborhoods are good choices. If you want to be close you can look at around Grójecka, Pl. Narotowicza, Al. Jerozolimskie, Żwirki i Wigury, Banacha, Bitwy Warszawskiej 1920, Pawińskiego, Dickensa, Rakowiec, Szczęśliwice, Stara Ochota. But public transport is very convenient here, so you don't necessary have to live close (more important to have good public transport connections and good quality of living).

In the upper years medical students have to commute to many different hospitals all around Warsaw, so location start to matter less.

For dentistry, the 4th and 5th year is almost spent exclusively at the Dentistry Building at ul. Binieckiego 6 (Banacha campus), so living close to it can really save time commuting.