At the start of October, the new academic year commenced, marking the beginning of a new chapter for many students. For most, university life brings a series of firsts: moving away from their hometown, living independently, finding a job, or achieving financial self-sufficiency.

Some students take the plunge and choose to study abroad right away. With numerous options available, Polish students benefit from their EU membership, which allows them to study for free in other member states. However, opportunities extend beyond Europe, with scholarship programmes and student loans opening doors to universities worldwide.

What sets studying abroad apart from studying in Poland? One student shares insights into several aspects that might come as a surprise.

A social media user posted a video discussing the differences she observed between studying at universities in Poland and studying abroad. Her focus is primarily on social norms and safety measures. She noted that every room is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, and if the levels exceed the safety threshold, the building is immediately ventilated, with windows tilted open and doors left ajar.

"Here, professors include their pronouns in email signatures. Regardless of whether the email is from a professor or administrative staff, pronouns are always included so you know how to address them," she explains. She also points out that students address academics by their first names, contrasting with the Polish custom of emphasising hierarchy. "No one is criticised for getting a title wrong," she adds.

"As long as you’re not racist, homophobic, or spreading hate, most viewpoints are tolerated. I find it unusual that a university serves as a platform for these expressions. I remember attending a student play titled ‘Young Belgians for Communism.’ As a Polish woman, I stood there thinking, what is happening?" she remarks.