Erasmus Experience in Pardubice, Czech Republic by Volkan

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

Firstly, I had limited options for Erasmus. My faculty had just 7 bilaterale agreements and I must choose one of them. Pardubice is a small city so that it is very attractive for me because I have been living in a very big and crowded city with over 20 million of people. In addition, when you compare the cost of living in Pardubice with any other city in Europe it is very cheap.

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

I spent 5 months as an Erasmus student in Pardubice so I had grant according to it. It was 377 euros per month and that amount + 100 euros is pretty enough to have confortable life there.

What is the student lifestyle like in Pardubice?

Czech students are generally hardworking people but as an Erasmus you don't need to be like them. Erasmus students have totally different lifestyle from domestic students (it is good). And partying days are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays but everyday for Erasmus community.

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

I strongly recommend you to study in Pardubice according to my experiences. After I studied as an Erasmus, I decided to go abroad for Erasmus placement... And imagine now, two of my placement applications have been accepted, one of them in England very famous bank (I am studying banking) and the other one Universtiy of Pardubice, a research about banking sector. And I decided to go back to Pardubice instead of England. And I am looking forward to be back there.

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What is the food like?

Food mmm auch! Czech cuisine was not similar to Turkish cuisine that's why I didn't like the food there. I am almost sure if you are from mediterranian countries for ex. Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc., you will not like. But the university offers cheap food in university dinning hall that called "menza", and you can find 5 or 6 kinds of meals and many drinks (also beer). There are also kitchens in dormitories so you cook whatever you want.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Pardubice?

I didn't pay anything for finding accommodation because the University of Pardubice provides accommodation in dormitories for all Erasmus students who pay the reservation fee on time. But it is more expensive to live in the dormitories than renting a room in city center or nearby the university yet I recommend you to live in dorm in order to be always in contact with other Erasmus (the majority of Erasmus live in the same building).

How much does it cost to live in Pardubice?

Actually it depends on your spendings... But I can make a calculation for you to have an idea. Accommodation (5000 CZK) + Food (3000 CZK) + Fun (2000 CZK) = 10000 CZK and this amount is about 400€ (it is rough draft of spendings, it could cost less).

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

Czech language is very difficult for people who don't speak Slavic languages but not impossible. And there are Czech language courses avalaible in the university.

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

From Istanbul, there is only Turkish Airlines operates flights directly to Prague so Turkish Airlines is a kind of monopoly in that line. For me was better to go to Vienna first and that to take a bus to Prague or Brno. But guys from Italy and Spain can find very cheap direct flights to Prague or to Brno.

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

On Wednesdays everybody go to Klec. It is the closest club to university campus. On Fridays and Saturdays you can go to Patapuf (in the main square) or to Quentin's (near to main square). There is also Gimlet near to center but I didn't like that club because it is for mid aged people.

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

Dydy Baba is good place to eat pizza and you can have very good beer with it. And there are good stylish restaurant in the main square of the city. I recommend you to try every restaurant.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Pardubice you can visit the castle and the museum inside the castle.

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

Post Erasmus depression syndrome is real mental disease so be prepared to it in order not to be f*** up and Livin' La vida Erasmus in Pardubice.