Experience in Prague, Czech Republic by Karolina

What is it like to live in Prague? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in any big city has its positives and negatives. For me, it was the first time living in such a big city and I really enjoyed it. There is not a day when you can't experience something new. The old city is beautiful and has amazing architecture. There are countless viewing points around the old town where you can enjoy a beer whilst watching the sun set. Whether you decide to go to a bar, to a club, have a relaxing evening bowling, or playing darts, Prague is a great city for everybody. Furthermore, the metro system is so easy to navigate (there are only 3 lines), so it is perfect for any big city newcomers. Despite this, I sadly have to say that the city was particularly overcrowded during late summer and autumn, all the tourist hot spots were completely overrun and you have to really do your best to avoid these areas.

How is the student life in Prague?

I studied at UCT, but at this university all the exchange students are separated from the Czech students, which is why I can only really talk about the student life from an Erasmus student's perspective.

At uni: the courses were all easy to pick, the professors were nice and gave me good grades. The "Campus" is located near Dejviká metro station and next to the uni there is also a massive library (NTK), which is, without a doubt, worth a visit. There are three different canteens, a reasonably priced student restaurant and two cafes with cheap sandwiches on the campus.

The student life of Erasmus students was like this: pre-drinking, partying, late night snacking and the next day trying to go to uni with a hangover and to not skip classes. I would say that it is possible to have fun here everyday and everyone can really afford it.. Additionally, you can treat yourself, because everything is so cheap and in return that means you can have a lot of fun!

How much does it cost to live in Prague?

All in all I would say that life in Prague is inexpensive (in comparison to Germany). When you go food shopping it does of course depend on what supermarket you go to. Albert Hein is considerably more expensive than Lidl, Kaufland, or Penny. Additionally, it does also depend on your diet; if you are vegetarian you obviously have to spend more money than a meat eater, because Czech sausages and meat are ridiculously cheap. Vegetables and fruit are just as expensive as in Germany, only exotic fruit and veg like avocados, mango etc. are significantly more expensive. All vegan products are much more expensive, or not available here, especially milk substitutes.

Apartments or flat shares are expensive in Prague and you have to pay at least 500-600 euros if you don't want to live in a dump. From the beginning I decided to go in a university dormitory. I was very sceptical at the beginning, as you have to share a room with two or three other people, but I was persuaded by the unbelievable price of 120 Euros per month. It was absolutely the best decision I made, as I gained some great friends here. Our free time as students was also spent in the dormitories: pre drinking, cooking, TV-Netflix evenings, chilling, and beginning our warm up for bars visits here.

Eating out and going to bars in Prague is significantly cheaper than in Germany, beer costs between 1,20-2 euros and a good hearty meal in a restaurant costs no more than 8-10 euros.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Prague? Can you give other students some advice?

I applied for accommodation through my university. You have to make sure you meet the deadline and pay the deposit on time here. Every student who applied for accommodation here got a room and the good thing is you can always terminate the contract whenever you want. I would recommend to everyone to start in a dormitory and if you don’t like living in a room with 2 people then you can always look for a flat-share. It is usually easier to find one when you are in Prague than searching from abroad.

If you would like to find a flat-share straight away then I would recommend finding facebook groups.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

When you go to a Czech restaurant for the first time all you will see is meat! The Czech cuisine is very hearty and greasy. My absolute favourite dish was Goulash with dumplings and for dessert of course Trdelnik, but I would also recommend sweet dumplings with strawberry filling and yoghurt/vanilla sauce.

What places should you without a doubt visit in Prague?

Prague Castle's Golden Lane (it is free to visit after 17:00).

Letna Park: A beer garden with a view of the entire old town.

Petrin Tower: The "Eiffel Tower" of Prague where you can have a great view for a low admission charge.

Charles Bridge: It's best to go early in the morning or late in the evening otherwise you'll be overrun by all the tourists.

Prague Zoo.

Old Town Square: You have to see the joke of the clock, that is the Astronomical clock, at least once.

The Jewish quarter: Just simply walk through and enjoy the great architecture.

The Old Jewish Cemetery: You can view Franz Kafka's grave.

Powder Tower: Enjoy the view with a cheap entry fee.

Vysehrad: The city wall and church with a view.

The National Library: Towers of books with mirrors.

NTK-Library: If you want to study, or just listen to a concert.

O2 Area: Ice hockey!

Chodov-Centre (Westfield): a great mall for shopping, a bit of a way outside the centre, but never very busy.

Is eating out good in Prague? Do you want to tell us your favourite places?

Lokal

Lasagneria

Joy Burger

Vegetable Corner Kebab

Kavárna Cafioca

Kavárna Cekárna

Pausetaria

Kafé Damu

Chloé Cafe

Coffee Room

The Miners Coffee & Characters

Tonkin Restaurant

Café Lourve

Sout Intsitute

Cafe Fin

Siostry Bistro

Vigo: Ice Cream

Manifesto Market Florenc

Is the nightlife in Prague good? Where's the best place to party in Prague?

We mostly went to clubs and bars that had specials for students because of the Erasmus scheme, these included:

Roxy, Duplex, Chapeau Rouge, Nebe, One-Club, Blondies, K-Club (For clubs it's best to check on Facebook for the events).

PopoCafe Michalski, Dog-Pub, Blanice, el Magico, Anonymous Bar (Bars).

There are also numerous Facebook pages that you can follow, for example, OhMyPrague, MADPrague, MondaysLikeFridays, WildWednesdays, ThurstyThursday, FreakFridays.

What tips would you like to share with future students in Prague?

Prepare well for all the beer and parties!

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