My Erasmus Exchange in Prague, Czech Republic

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

Since it's in the centre of Europe, and borders Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, which made travelling easier and cheaper. I also chose Prague as the cost of living there is very low.

How long did your exchange last? How much were you paid?

Ten months, and I was paid the grant for Andalusia.

What's the student life like in Prague?

There are loads of students, there were loads of Czech students living in my halls as well as Erasmus ones, but due to them not being very friendly you actually don't get to know very many. It's easier to get to know Erasmus students. At the university, it's the same situation - you don't often make Czech friends, as they're very reserved. The good thing though is that the student life continues at night, since parties in Prague are incredible, and there are loads of places to choose from!

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

Definitely. I'd just say that they have to be a little patient at first. :P Czech people are quite peculiar, often quiet and don't usually speak to foreigners unless you make an effort to speak to them in Czech, but you do get used to this and the city is very worth it.

What's Czech food like?

Awful! All they eat there is pasta, bread, meat and potatoes. You never see any fish, the fruit and vegetables are expensive and bad quality. I didn't eat much meat this year. You'll go to different restaurants, and the menu will always be the same. I don't know what these people ate before the Italians came (they eat loads of pasta and pizza! ).

How did you find your accommodation?

The university assigned me it, and it's a disgrace... there's 0 hygiene, everything is broken... they put the Erasmus students on the ground level as there's more chance you'll get broken into there. There are twelve communal blocks with bathrooms shared between 100 people per floor and kitchens. The good thing is that the Czech students never seem to wash themselves, so the bathrooms are used mainly by the Erasmus students. :) This situation really shows their haughtiness and attitude to foreigners... you also have to be careful with how much rent they ask you to pay - they don't explain anything to do, nobody can speak English and you pay and pay without having any idea of what you are paying for electricity, how much for water etc. Strahov is a pigsty as I said, but it has the Erasmus atmosphere at least, it has a lawn, really good sports facilities, a great barbecue, bars in every block and the best views of Prague. This makes up for having to live there. This residence could really be a lot better, but I wouldn't say any other residence is better than it, as you have the most fun there.

How expensive is accommodation? What are the prices like in general?

Not very expensive at all. You have to share a room in Strahov, which means you pay 90 euros a month. An individual room is only 150 euros. The flats in the city centre are really nice - for 300 euros a month, you can get a huge flat in the city centre, but without any Erasmus atmosphere. Everything else is fine apart from the price of fruit and vegetables, which I found really expensive. Beer is cheap however and usually costs one or two euros per litre, and that's in the more expensive places.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language course at the university?

Impossible. Czech is horrible and really difficult. I spent a year going to Czech classes and all I learned was odd words and how to introduce myself. The declinations are horrible - for us Spaniards, it's all totally new... but I encourage you to try it nonetheless!

What's the cheapest way of getting to Prague from your home city?

Madrid to Prague with Wizzair and one 32kg suitcase... this has been the saving grace of my Erasmus. You also have Ryanair flights to Bratislava or to Brno from other Spanish airports, but you then have certain problems with the luggage restrictions. The Barcelona to Prague flight with Vueling is also good...it depends what's best for you. :)

What are the best places for partying in Prague?

Misch masch, Futurum, Vagon, Neve, Propaganda, Cross club, Sasazu.

What about eating out in Prague? What are your favourite places?

Costillar de Andel, Restaurant Petrin in Strahov, the pizzeria in Dejvicka, U sadu, U fleku (dark beer but never becherovka! ), Einstein Pizzeria, Budvarka.

What does Prague have to offer in terms of culture?

Explore the city from bottom to top, above all in springtime. :D The gardens are all wonderful... you can also get a boat down the Moldava in the sunshine. :) I'd recommend going on a free tour - they run every day from the square in the old town, the idea is brilliant and the guide can recommend you loads of other places to visit.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Prague?

Travel around central Europe, but don't forget to travel all around the Czech Republic, too. There are endless castles and beyond Prague the people are friendlier... the little towns are beautiful.