Experience in Ostrava, Czech Republic by Nika

What is it like to live in Ostrava? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Ostrava is a city of industry. In past there were mines. They still have a big factories. I think autumn in Ostrava is beautiful. They have many parks, where you can go and relax or do some sports. Autumn is sometimes foggy and city looks mysterious.

I spent just one year in Ostrava. I really don´t like winter in this city. It is very foggy, grey and the snow is sometimes almost black because of lots of smog. And also you can expect very cold weather.

Transportation is very cheap and frequent for students. They have tram and bus and you need one orange student card from school. You have to buy travel ticket - I´m buying for one semester. And also the cost depends on zones, where you need to go. For example zone 1 and 2 cost cca 50€ per whole semester and you can go anytimes and so many times as you want.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Ostrava?

They have one organisation called In-life. They are very kind and nice people. You can spend with them lots of time with playing games and on trips.

In your free time you can visit museums and theatres. I love expozition called Shangrila. It is about eastern culture - Tibet, Nepal and so on...

How much does it cost to live in Ostrava?

Not much, it is almost the same as in Slovakia, maybe little bit more expensive. Menu in restaurats is about 4€, but if you are living in dormitory, you can cook by yourself. It´s much cheaper.

If you want to buy clothes, they have sales before winter and onother one before summer. You can find very cheap stuff.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ostrava? Is there any advice you can give?

I lived in dormitory J. Opletala. It cost 72€, you can share room with another 2 persons. Kitchen and bathroom is common. Dorm is clean and calm. Price for internet is 6€ per month.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You can find many kinds of food. I dont have favourite one. Everything is tasty.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ostrava?

Nova radnica or New town hall. From top is nice view on whole city. Or you can go up on "hill" Halda. They actualy don´t have hills. It is a waste from mines. Air there is little bit poisened, so don´t stay long or don´t breath that fumes. But don´t worry. People there are still going there, because it is good view.

Another interesting place is factory Vitkovice.

Is it good to eat out in Ostrava? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Street Stodolni is full of restaurants and bars. You can choose sushi, kebab, hamburgers, French cuisine, traditional Czech food...

Is the nightlife good in Ostrava? Where is good to go?

Yes. If you want to have a fun you should visit street Stodolni. You can find many bars and discobars. Many of them are open whole week.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Ostrava?

It is a normal European city. Don´t expect something extraordinary. On street Stodolni you can meet many foreigners and find many friends. Czech republic has beautiful places to visit - Beskyds, Prague... Trains are cheaper, if you have special orange card for students. You can also visit Slovakia. It is very near from Ostrava. You should go to Mala Fatra mountains and to Terchova.