I have to agree with Delphiandomine on this one. While all three schools are excellent, these English-language programs are for those who couldn't get into proper programs in their home countries, either for academic or financial reasons. The level of education is substandard, and the degree will be useless in helping you find a job in the real world.
Classes are generally divided into absurdly rich kids who really have no need for or interest in actually studying (often from Arabic countries), or pathetically poor kids who scrape by on noodles and potatoes (often from third-world countries), with a sprinkling of Amerians, Candians, Brits etc, both rich and poor.
It's better to take two years to reinforce your qualifications or earn some money in your home country and then apply to a serious program in your home country when you're ready. You'll be more likely to get financial aid, too.
As for quality of student life, Wroc³aw is tops (that's where I live; gorgeous city), Kraków s close second (gorgeous, too), and Warsaw a distant third (and ugly as hell). Unless you're POSITIVELY LOADED with cash, in which case it is the other way around. By Polish standards, the cost of living is very high in Wroc³aw, very, very high in Kraków, and just plain ridiculous in Warsaw. A studio appartment will cost you 1000 to 1200 PLN in Wroc³aw, 1300 to 1500 PLN in Kraków, and more than 2000 PLN in Warsaw (total with utilities). I pay a total of 1900 for a two bedroom apartment near the center of Wroc³aw.
Expect to spend 1000 PLN for groceries and food a month if you eat at home. Entertainment varies widely, depending what you like, but four beers in a student pub will set you back 20 to 30 PLN. A meal out will cost from 20 PLN rock bottom, maybe 15 in a decent student restaurant.
Bus/tram tickets will set you back about 80 PLN a month. Forget about getting a bike. Poland is NOT a bicycle-friendly country.
You'll also have to pay for health insurance (100 per month), cell phone (depends, but 50 PLN is minimum, and internet (varies widely- I pay 75 PLN).
Prices in Warsaw are higher, of course.
You'll live comfortable but basic with a total budget of 2500 in Wroc³aw, and at least 3300 in Warsaw. Otherwise, you will have to live frugally, because not knowing the language and culture, you won't be able to economize like native Polish students do.
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