Erfahrungsbericht 

Muhammad A.,  M.Eng. Renewable Energy and E-Mobility, 3rd Master's Semester, AGH University of Kraków, Poland, February 2026 – July 2026

 

More Than an Exchange: My Erasmus Journey in Kraków

 

Why I Chose AGH University

Studying abroad had always been one of my goals, and the Erasmus+ programme gave me the opportunity to make it a reality. As a master’s student in Renewable Energy and E-Mobility at Hochschule Stralsund, I chose AGH University of Kraków because of its excellent reputation in engineering and its international learning environment. Looking back, I can confidently say that my Erasmus semester became one of the most valuable experiences of both my academic and personal life.

Application Process and Preparation

The application process was straightforward thanks to the support of the International Office at Hochschule Stralsund. Preparing the Learning Agreement and completing the required documents well in advance made everything much easier.

My advice to future Erasmus students is to begin the application process early, carefully follow all instructions, and keep digital as well as printed copies of important documents. Staying in regular contact with both universities helps avoid unnecessary stress during the exchange.

Accommodation and Daily Life

During my stay, I lived in one of the AGH student dormitories. It was affordable, conveniently located, and gave me the opportunity to meet students from many different countries. Living in an international environment helped me improve my communication skills and introduced me to different cultures and traditions.

Kraków is a beautiful, student-friendly city with an excellent public transportation system. Travelling by tram and bus was easy, and supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and other essential services were always nearby.

I still remember my first few days in Kraków. Everything was unfamiliar, and I was trying to find my classrooms and learn the tram routes. However, the friendly atmosphere at AGH and the kindness of fellow students quickly made me feel at home.

Academic Experience

During my Erasmus semester, I successfully completed the following courses:

  • Control Theory Fundamentals 

  • Modelling of Energy Systems 

These courses complemented my studies at Hochschule Stralsund and strengthened my understanding of engineering concepts related to renewable energy systems.

The lectures combined theoretical knowledge with practical applications, while assignments encouraged analytical thinking and problem-solving. The professors were supportive and approachable, and studying alongside international classmates taught me the importance of teamwork and exchanging ideas with students from different academic backgrounds.

One lesson I learned during the semester was that staying consistent with lectures and assignments makes the examination period much less stressful than trying to study everything at the last moment.

Culture and Leisure

Kraków is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. During my stay, I explored many famous places, including the Main Market Square, Wawel Royal Castle, parks, museums, and other historical landmarks. Every visit helped me appreciate Poland's rich history and culture.

One of the highlights of my Erasmus experience was playing cricket every week with an international group of students and local cricket enthusiasts. Cricket has always been one of my favourite sports, and these weekly matches became an important part of my routine. They helped me stay active, relax after busy academic weeks, and make friends outside the university. Some of my best memories from Kraków were created on the cricket field, where people from different countries came together through their shared passion for the game.

Although Polish is the official language, English was widely spoken at the university and in many public places. Learning a few simple Polish words was appreciated by local people and made everyday communication easier.

Tips for Future Erasmus Students

  • Start your Erasmus application as early as possible. 

  • Complete your Learning Agreement carefully before departure. 

  • Apply for accommodation early. 

  • Keep copies of all important documents. 

  • Attend orientation events and participate in student activities. 

  • Stay organised throughout the semester and avoid leaving assignments until the last minute. 

  • Explore the city and experience the local culture. 

  • Join sports or student clubs—they are one of the best ways to make international friends. 

Conclusion

My Erasmus+ semester at AGH University of Kraków was much more than an academic exchange. It allowed me to strengthen my engineering knowledge, improve my communication skills, and experience studying in a truly international environment.

More importantly, it helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident. I met amazing people from different parts of the world, experienced a new culture, and created memories that I will always cherish.

I sincerely thank Hochschule Stralsund, AGH University of Kraków, and the Erasmus+ programme for making this opportunity possible. I highly recommend AGH University of Kraków to future Erasmus students. It is an excellent place to grow academically, develop personally, and create lifelong memories.