The first thing I noticed after landing in Poland was the country's silent atmosphere. Everything felt quiet; no prolonged small talks or smiling at strangers (like it used to be back home) and no loud talking or music. Personally, the silence felt refreshing, but my extroverted friends still disagree. It took some time but we realized that the people weren't inherently unfriendly or rude but just, reserved. 

This article was written with the intention to help new students (or old) to be aware of a few etiquettes expected in Poland. 

Let's start with greetings...The simplest way to greet is by saying - 'Dzień dobry' to everyone (you’ll hear it a LOT) or 'Cześć' for friends. If you are meeting someone for the first time, it is safe to address them formally. Use 'Pan' for men and 'Pani' for women along with their last names and a firm handshake. The introductions might feel very short or awkward the first time, but it gets easier and natural with time. ‘Do widzenia’ (goodbye), ‘Dziękuję’ (thank you),‘Proszę’ (please/you're welcome) and ‘Przepraszam’ (sorry/excuse me) are a must add to your vocabulary. 

Another thing I noticed pretty quickly was personal space. People don’t stand too close, and there’s not much casual touching unless you know someone well. People might not express their discomfort verbally, but their body language is a dead giveaway so make sure to be mindful of your surroundings and yourself. While speaking, avoid keeping your hands in your pocket and refrain from pointing your index finger towards anyone.

Poland’s history is rich but also often tragic. Avoid making uninformed comments about Poland’s history, particularly about World War II or communism, as these are sensitive topics. While visiting museums or memorial places like Majdanek, be respectful, follow rules and approach with a reflective mindset. Same goes for visiting Churches, avoid joking about religion and dress modestly. Poland is predominantly Catholic, and faith is taken seriously by many.

Whistling indoors is considered bad luck, especially in theatres or public buildings.

Next is - Being on time. Punctuality is a part of culture and people consider it disrespectful to be late without stating a reason ahead of time. If you are invited for an event and you are running late, make sure to inform the hosts. Most importantly, as students, we are expected to reach class on time. 

Visiting someone’s home also has its own small rules. In most homes you are expected to remove your shoes before entering, so don’t be caught off-guard, just go with the flow and sometimes they offer you slippers to make you feel more comfortable. When visiting for the first time, bring a small gift - like flowers or chocolate or other thoughtful items. If you are gifting flowers, do check what they symbolize and present them in odd numbers, especially if it's a small bouquet, and offer them after greeting the hosts. Don’t refuse food or drinks when offered, refusing may be viewed as impolite. Avoid discussing money or personal finances. Asking about someone’s earnings or sharing your own is frowned upon depending on the circumstance.

Making friends can be a little complicated, especially if they don’t speak English or come from a different cultural background than yours. While socializing, avoid making any jokes about Polish language, the language might be difficult for you but joking about it excessively can come off as disrespectful. The easiest way to find new friends is to attend social events, be it university get-togethers or other events organized with the intention to socialize. Next, invite someone you find interesting for a coffee or food. Offering free food comes with an astonishing success rate especially among students :) 

Eating out also took some time for me to adjust. In my country, waiters come often to check on customers or are always in the field of vision. But things are a bit different here, you’ll need to really try to get the waiter’s attention sometimes or they’ll provide you with a service button, which is really handy. The point is not to ignore you, but to give you more privacy and space. Polish cuisine is delicious and some recommendations are pierogi, bigos and żurek. When you are ready to settle the bill, just ask. Smacznego!

Public transport has its own kind of atmosphere too. You’ll find your fellow travellers listening to music, reading books or just focused on the road - but the common factor is silence. Maintaining silence is greatly appreciated. If someone elderly, pregnant, or with a child needs a seat, offering yours is polite. Also, keep in mind to get the correct ticket and travel with your student ID for discounts. Keep your phone on silent in public spaces and do not talk loudly on calls. 

One thing that surprised me a bit was how direct people can be. Sometimes things are said very honestly, without much softening. It can sound a bit harsh, but they are just being straightforward and do not carry any ill intention most of the time. 

There are also little everyday things you pick up on, like how seriously people take queues. Do not skip ahead and again, maintain silence while you are in a queue. I'm sure by now you understand how important a silent atmosphere is, and with time, you will also start to expect silence. Poland is environmentally conscious, so avoid littering and try to separate your waste for recycling when possible.

Drinking is a part of social culture here - meant for socializing and recreation. If you’re with a group, it’s common to toast by saying 'Na zdrowie!' (Cheers!); making eye contact while saying it is a nice touch. At the same time, no one should push you to drink if you don’t want to. It’s completely okay to just be there and enjoy the company. 

Holidays here feel very family-focused. During major holidays like Christmas and Easter, you’ll notice less people on streets as they love spending these moments at home with their loved ones. Shops might also be closed, so keep a small stock of necessities. It’s a great time to experience the culture if you get the chance. There are also vibrant winter markets and other festivals to enjoy during your much needed vacation.

At the end of the day, you do not have to change yourself just to fit in, be understanding of the culture and keep an open mind and slowly you’ll start feeling less ‘foreign’.