Erasmus Experience in Plzen, Czech Republic by Cole

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

I chose to go to Czech Republic because i was curious about this country. It is centrally located in Europe so it’s easy to travel around. Prague also has many good flight options. I also chose because my university had a special agreement with UWB about tuition. The availability of English courses related to my field of study was good too and also the cost of living.

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

My scholarship is different I believe because I am not in the EU so I don’t know if it will help most people. I however did receive certain scholarships from my university and they sustained me throughout my semester. The university also has a scholarship for people that aren’t traveling from Europe.

What is the student lifestyle like in Plzen?

The student lifestyle is pretty relaxed in plzen. Be ready to drink a lot of beer. Anytime you leave your dorm there will be beer involved haha. Once you meet people through Erasmus activities and school you really become a family. Most days I would go to school, the gym, and cook dinner with other students. Then you take a weekend trip on the weekend.

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

Yes I would highly recommend the university and plzen to other students. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I met really cool people and though plzen was the best city.

What is the food like?

The food reminded me of home in a way(southern United States). They like a lot of meat and most of the time slow cooked and stewed. There are a lot of rich and hearty soups and they would usually pair the meat with a bread or potato and then a vegetable.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Plzen?

No accommodation was affordable at the dorm and the advisor at the university is helpful with that. There are other dorms that are supposedly “better” but I think it’s best to live at Máchova because that’s where everybody else is, studna, and it’s a central location to get around

How much does it cost to live in Plzen?

Plzen was not so expensive for me. If you don’t go out to eat and can budget travel on the weekends you can live easily as a college student

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

The language is not so hard. The language courses available at school are very nice with good teachers

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

Well I flew across the Atlantic Ocean. Might be easier for some others

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

Studna, the student bar underneath the dorms is the place we would meet up on the average night. For a special we would all head to the city center

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

One of my favorites is potrefena husa, another good one is plzenska for traditional Czech food. A really good burger is across the street from the dorms at the restarauce slavia(tennis club restraunt). I wish I knew this place was here when I got there!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Around the city center. Ceske krumlov is beautiful and not so far away

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

Trust in the process. Erasmus will have activities for you and you will meet other Erasmus students that probably live in your dorm also. Stay patient and be open to meeting new people.