Erasmus experience in Prague, Czech Republic by António

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

The beauty of the city, the big amount of Erasmus students, the proximity to several European capitals making it easier to visit them, the academic environment, among other reasons.

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

My scholarship was for a whole semester, with a total of 1116 euros for 5 months, but of course you need to take into account that you will spend some of your own money.

What is the student lifestyle like in Prague?

Prague has an amazing environment among all Erasmus students. Some inertia from the natives there, which is easily surpassed after the initial approach.

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

I would, without a doubt. Best decision I have ever made.

What is the food like?

The food is the country's main weakness. For someone that comes from a country with a rich and diverse gastronomic heritage, it was tough to adapt to the food here. Still, it's not something that makes the Erasmus experience here any worse!

How did you find your accommodation?

5 months before I got to Prague I had already reserved a room in the Strahov residence. Now, I went to the CVUT (Czech Technical University), so I don't know how it works with other universities. For those of you who want to live in a private apartment, I think you'll easily be able to find something cheap and nice.

On average, how much did you spent to live in Prague?

About 500€ a month while living pretty well.

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

I didn't go to any language course even though the university did offer them for free. I just didn't think it would be an obstacle at all. The older people don't speak English, but with some specific terms you can deal with most situations, basically.

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

With TAP (Porto - Lisbon; Lisbon - Prague) or with Ryanair + Wizzair (Porto - Barcelona/Milan; Barcelona/Milan - Prague).

Note: at TAP there is the possibility of transporting 10kg plus for free for any Erasmus student.

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

Harleys, James Dean, Popo, Retro Music Hall, Sasazu, Chapeau Rouge, among others.

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

I can't remember the name of it, but there's a fantastic restaurant next to the Botanic Garden where a meal for students (with 1l of beer included) is about 100Kc, that is, 4€. The Einstein pizza places are also good and with reduced prices for students. For those staying in Strahov, the Vietnamese restaurant is always a good choice.

And in terms of cultural visits?

Simply fantastic. The city is extraordinary and the possibility and easiness to travel to other cities like Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Krakow, Budapest, among many others is just a bonus. To cite some examples, Prague-Berlin-Prague costs around €38 and Prague-Vienna-Prague around €30. See the studentagency website.

Any advice for students going to Prague in the future?

Do not think twice. You won't regret this decision. It's the best city for Erasmus, both for those that want to focus on studying and for those that just want to party, as well as those that want to travel and those that want all this and more!