Coming to UniLodz – Before You Arrive

Thinking about joining the University of Lodz? We’re happy to hear that!
This section is here to guide you through all the key steps you need to take before arriving in Poland and starting your academic journey with us.

At UniLodz, we truly care about people — their growth, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. We’re building a strong research community that supports young and experienced researchers alike, helping them develop skills, gain international experience, and connect with others.

Teaching and research go hand in hand here, and we encourage everyone to grow professionally in a welcoming, respectful environment. On top of that, we offer a wide range of employee benefits — from healthcare and sports activities to family support and flexible working — to help you feel comfortable and supported both at work and in your personal life.

Living and working in Poland means fulfilling certain legal conditions — especially if you're coming from outside the European Union. We know that navigating formalities can feel overwhelming at first, so we’ve gathered the key information in one place to help you prepare with confidence. 

Finding the right place to live is an essential step in preparing for your stay in Łódź. This section is designed to help you navigate the housing market and choose accommodation that suits your needs — whether you're staying for a few weeks or planning a longer-term stay. The University of Lodz offers some housing options for incoming researchers, but you may also wish to explore private rentals. Here, you'll find information about short-term stays (e.g. hotels or university dormitories), long-term rental opportunities (with links to popular housing websites), tips on rental contracts and deposits, as well as useful Polish vocabulary related to renting. 

At UniLodz, the wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We understand that joining a large and diverse institution can sometimes feel overwhelming — especially when navigating its structure and internal processes for the first time. That’s why we aim to present everything as clearly as possible, so that administrative matters don’t get in the way of your work, research, or settling in.

Meet Dr. Emma Palacios Theil and Dr. habil. Philippe Jacques R. Koka from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Dr. habil. Michael Green from the Faculty of Philosophy and History, and Dr. Béla Fiser from the Faculty of Chemistry. They will share their first steps at the University of Lodz and what makes our university a special place for them.

Moving to a new country is a big step — and we want you to feel at home here. Whether you're arriving for a few months or planning to stay longer, feeling comfortable in your new surroundings is just as important as settling into your workplace.
We believe that feeling part of the place where you live makes all the difference — and we’re here to support you on that journey.

Moving to Poland with your family? It’s definitely worth considering. At UniLodz, we care not only about your professional success, but also about your well-being and work–life balance. We understand that bringing your loved ones with you can help you feel more at home — and we’re here to support you in making that transition as smooth as possible.

Just arrived in Poland? Welcome – we’re happy to have you here! Starting a new job in a new country can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry – this section will guide you through everything you need to do before you officially start working at the University of Lodz.
To make things easier, head to the TO DO LIST tab below and download the checklist – it’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you stay on track.
Before starting employment at the University of Lodz, it is important to undergo pre-employment medical examinations and complete the OSH and job position trainings conducted by your immediate supervisor. All international employees must open a bank account in a Polish bank and obtain their personal identification number (PESEL). You should also apply for a residence card and provide the university with your tax residency.

You're not alone — we’re here to help. Whether you have questions before your arrival or need assistance once you’re already in Łódź, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve gathered the most important contact information in one place — to make it easy for you to reach out whenever you need guidance or support.

This page was developed as part of the Welcome to Poland programme, funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)