Erasmus Experience in Prague, Czech Republic by Mariana

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

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I ever seen. The architecture is astonishing. The touristic centre is always full of people - a lot of people, but when you leave the centre you find also cosy but silent places. Tourist places are expensive, places out of the touristic area are cheaper and in my opinion, nicer.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Prague?

At my faculty (Charles University, Protestant faculty), there were organized trips and guided tours through Prague or in Czech Republic for Erasmus students. Also, once a week were lessons to learn about old Prague, which would be practically walks through the city with a teacher who would guide you to historical areas, some of them hidden and so interesting. Get ready for studding here, as some teachers require good work and done well, but also prepare for a lot of cheap beer and cosy evenings with other students in Prague' pubs.

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

I would. Definitely! Even people who are wheelchair users should be prepared as some parts of the city, also as some faculties are not wheelchair accessible.

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What is the food like?

I love it.

Dynova polevka which is a pumpkin soup. Ohh you could swallow your tongue.

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Svickova na smetane or bramboraky which is potato pancakes and the fried chees off course. ohhh so tasty.

Also, a lot of diverse restaurants with different food. A lot of vegan and vegetarian options even most not for Czech food unfortunately. Also, not much vegan food when you go out of Prague.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Prague?

As I am wheelchair user, I had some issues and first period I rented room in Jedlickuv Ustav a Skoly (JUS). It’s an institution for people with disabilities. Otherwise I would recommend student' dormitories and prepare for language problem here. Almost no English while discussing with the dormitories. I advise hard core google translate.

Links:

• Apartman Student.
• Kolej.
• Rooms5.

The main one and you need login from your university for this: rehos cuni.

How much does it cost to live in Prague?

I paid almost 300 EUR for a single room in a student' dormitory accessible for people with disabilities. You can find rooms for 200 EUR, but you will have to share it. Even so, try as I didn’t check all the possibilities. Renting a room will be much more expensive. It can go up to 400 or even 500 EUR per month, even sharing an apartment could be a good idea.

By the way, it took me 2 months to find the wheelchair accessible dormitory as there are not much and usually they are busy.

The food in case you cook and go out to eat not daily, should be not more than other 150, maxim 200 EUR per month including beer.

Almost 25 EUR will cost your monthly transport card.

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

Czech language is a Slavonic language. It is important to learn at least basic things as out of touristic area not many people speak English. There should be course of Czech language at your faculty, but please contact the university to be sure about it. I would recommend to get an additional Czech course maybe at organizations like CIC Praha where you have cheap lessons with a new thematic every lesson and a payment per lesson, so you can try it nice and then see if it is good for you.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Try DOX, which is one of my favourite places.

Off course Prague castle (buy a ticket and enjoy two days of sightseeing).

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Old town, Wenceslas Square, Vysehrad, Charles bridge, Naplavka and so many others including hidden gardens like Wallenstein Palace Gardens. Check the corners, might happen you find another amazing place.

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Try this: Pragulic I still didn’t but heard a lot good about it.

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

The application Idis.cz is a must have, as it helps see transport time including wheelchair accessible. Also, check DPP.

Some metro stations are not accessible, even the main ones are good to go together with most of the trams and busses. The city itself has a lot of old buildings though kept in very good condition. Even so, sometimes it’s a problem to access the buildings with wheelchair especially in the old town.

There are is almost no wheelchair accessible public transport in the night time. Still I find it amazing experience as I live there already for 2 years on my own with my electric wheelchair and I find it easy after you arrange all the main things.