Erasmus Experience in Brno, Czech Republic by Pantelis

Why did you choose to go to Brno, Czech Republic?

First of all it is cheap. Secondly the Faculty provided the necessary courses i needed for my graduation.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I was receiving 407 euros per month for staying there. The semester kept for about 4 months. So was the scholarship.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brno?

It is GREAT. It has many Erasmus students and you can do a lot of stuff. Night life is really interesting. Many clubs, a lot of bars and pubs as well.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Brno to other students?

Yes of course. It is a different culture and environment. You must live these things when you have the chance.

What is the food like?

At the restaurants they do not tent to eat salads. They prefer eating meat, and some kind of bread ,rice, potatoes etc, and gravy sauces. They love gravy sauces.
It is better to get some raw meat and vegetables form a supermarket (Tesco) and cook it. Tesco also has baked (whole, a half) chicken and it is around 5-6 euros. It is really cheap if you thing that you will make approximately 3 or 4 lunches/dinners with a whole chicken and a side dish (pasta, rice, potatoes, bread).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Brno?

I was staying with a friend of mine down town. He was doing his Bachelor there and he was leaving with his girlfriend. They had an extra bedroom so i asked them to share with them. The rent (electricity and water), was approximately 180-190 euros per month.
At the university accommodation the rent was up to 110-130 per month, and if you are lucky you will get your own bathroom and toilet.

How much does it cost to live in Brno?

My average monthly outcome was up to 500-600 euros (going out, eating at a restaurant, travel to a near city).

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes there are language courses. Most of the people there do not speak English but they know how to communicate by waving their arms. :)

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Brno from your city?

Larnaca - Vienna was my airport tickets (320 euros return). From Vienna - Brno, it is 7-8 euros and it is about 2 or 3 hours by bus.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Brno?

Wherever down town. It has a lot of clubs and pubs-bars one next to each other. It is not difficult to have fun. :)

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Brno?

All restaurants are up to 7-10 euros to eat fancy dinner and drink a pint of beer.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Brno there is a castle. Go and see it.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Brno in the future?

Have fun!!!! :)