Erasmus Experience in Ostrava, the Czech Republic by Maria

Why did you choose to go to Ostrava, the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic is one of the most central countries in Europe, so it's easy to travel around from it. Besides, it's very cheap to live there.

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

I got 3 grants to study here:

• The grant from the European Union (€350 a month)
• The grant from the Andalusian council (€250 a month)
• They offer you a grant if you open a bank account there and, depending on how long you stay there, they give you different amounts. I was there for a term and they gave me approximately 4000 Czech koruna (€160)

What is the student lifestyle like in Ostrava?

There are a lot of Erasmus students, pretty much all of them live in the Poruba residence, there's a lot of atmosphere there. It's the best place to enjoy your Erasmus experience in Ostrava because of its pubs, the sports pitches, the pizzeria, the gym, the lawn and it even has a small area for having BBQs.

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

Yes, absolutely.

What is the food like there?

It's not especially good and there's not much of it, but it can be good occasionally.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Ostrava?

The University of Ostrava offered me a place at the Poruba residence, despite being 30 minutes away from the centre by tram, it's worth it for how good it is to live there, for how cheap it is and for everything it has to offer.

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How much does it cost to live in Ostrava?

The Poruba residence costs between €80 and €120 a month generally. Plus food, partying and various activities, can cost another €120 a month.

Including travelling, you don't spend more than €400 a month, but it depends on how you manage your money.

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

Czech is a very difficult language. Despite the courses offered, you won't end up learning much more than the basics you need to get by with.

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

Take a flight from Malaga to Krakow or Warsaw, and, from there, go by bus or train (from Krakow or Warsaw, respectively) to Ostrava.

Also, you can fly from Madrid to Prague, and, from there, take the train to Ostrava (€6-8 for a train ticket).

Where would you recommend for a night out in Ostrava?

The Poruba residence on Wednesdays, Stodolni on Fridays and Alexandria on Saturdays.

Besides, they throw a lot of parties on different days at the Poruba residence, especially on Tuesday and Thursday.