Erasmus Experience in Prague, Czech Republic by Lorena

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

Because I've heard it is the most amazing city in the world and I was really interested to find out about its mystic atmosphere everyone used to talk about.

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

I stayed there for two months and I received 700 euros/month which was more than enough considering the prices in Prague.

What is the student lifestyle like in Prague?

It is awesome, there are plenty of things to to for students and besides the fact that you can find affordable rent in the city centre, there are large student housing neighbourhoods like Strahov where you can find affordable 'everything'. It is true, it gets a bit 'messy' when it comes to living there, you literally have to be into this 'living like a student' way of living in order to like it.

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

I've made my internship there, but I had friends who also studied and they really enjoyed studying at the University of Prague, so yes, I would.

What is the food like?

The Czech Republic is famous for its food, the traditional Czech food is amazing and the prices are very good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Prague?

I didn't start searching for accommodation early, so I had to find it when I got there. It wasn't easy, I found a room in a dorm near the Castle, on the hill, quite far from the city centre, which was not very cheap either. But I got to enjoy it and I made some friends there too. On the other hand, all of my friends who made their homework and looked for accommodation before, found some really nice rooms in shared apartments in the city center, not very expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Prague?

You can find nice places for 150-200 euros/month. The food is really cheap ( of course, with the exception of the restaurants situated in the city center ), so it can be maximum 200 euros/month.

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

I think there are, but with the exception of Polish or Slovak people, I haven't heard of anybody speaking it or even trying to learn it. It is difficult :)

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

From my city, getting there by car is a nice experience. Also, it is the cheapest way, I guess.

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

Cross Club, definitely.

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

There are plenty of them, I don't remember one now, but you'll find good food everywhere.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Villa Muller (by Adolf Loos), The Catle, The waterfront, The Dancing House ( by Frank Gehry), The reconversion of the old train station from the Zizkov neighbourhood, the Zizkov neighbourhood itself, The Veletrzni Palac ( Trade Fair Palace ), The Play Bag store, Karlovy Vary ( village nearby where there's a film festival once a year), Kampa museum and there are a lot of others.

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

Walk the streets of Prague and try to discover the details that the amazing sunset reveal every day. Try to discover the mysticism of the town, the reason why it is so famous. And don't be afraid of the castle, its presence is very powerful and it can be seen from everywhere.