Being a student in Prague…
… is fun! And cheap beer is only a part of the attraction.
Higher education in the Czech Republic is very reasonably priced compared with the countries of Western Europe. And the cost of living is very affordable, too.
But Prague is anything but cheap. Its up-and-coming status among the dynamic capitals of Europe means that the city is a beehive of first-class culture, art, nightlife and sports. And then there is the famous heritage - so everything that happens here happens against the backdrop of splendid architecture, magical panoramas, with genius loci so present that you can almost touch it.
The public transport system is simply the best, and the city is relatively small and compact, so you can walk nearly everywhere! No car needed, even for trips outside the city. Prague, is also very safe, as is the whole country.
Prague is in the heart of Europe – which means you have your pick of dozens of attractive destinations within a reasonable travel distance. There are cheap trains and buses year round to take you to Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, or Slovakia in a matter of hours. If you have more time - a long weekend or academic break – you can range wider afar. Just close your eyes and point a finger at a map of Europe, pack your bags and leave, and have fun and explore! There are buses, trains, and flights connecting Prague to all European cities, big and small.
It is no surprise that Prague, already a staple in the list of favourite European city-break destinations (think of your parents or friends who will want to visit!), is no loser also in the QS Best Student Cities Index. Prague recently climbed 13 places to joint 26th position in the survey which rates each city based on a diverse range of indicators grouped into five key categories (university rankings, affordability, student mix, desirability, and employer activity). But Prague achieves its strongest score in the new Student View indicator – coming second behind Ottawa. This new category reflects students’ own views of their experiences, and Prague received plenty of praise for its affordability, diversity and friendliness.
To a student – both young and mature – Prague offers a complete package: quality and affordable study programmes, buzzing nightlife, a variety of cuisine, world-class culture and art scene, a thriving expat community and welcoming locals, and much more. People say that coming to Prague is not difficult, it is the leaving Prague that is.
Studying abroad is one of the best things that can happen to a young adult – think of all the new experiences that will change our perspectives (and prospects) for the better. So come and study in Prague - you are sure to have the time of your life!
Accommodation
ARCHIP does not have its own campus or halls of residence. Students may apply for a place in the halls of residence of other universities – for example the AAAD dormitory, close to the college: www.umprum.cz/en/dormitory/
As everywhere else, students may arrange for private rented accommodation.
Recommended services:
www.student-room-flat.com
www.spolubydlici.cz/en/
realestate.expats.cz
www.happyhouserentals.com/en/
www.casamundo.co.uk/czech_republic
Insurance + Healthcare
As a condition of enrolment, all students are obliged to furnish proof of medical insurance (also a condition in the Agreement on Study), which covers all costs in the event of sickness, treatment and hospitalisation. We shall arrange health insurance for you, while you will be getting VISA sorted out. Please contact us via [email protected]. We cooperate with several insurance companies and we give you advice regarding insurance.
RMA Centrum (Dukelských hrdinů 17, 170 00 Praha 7), which has specialist physicians for common diseases and ailments, is the basic healthcare provider to students of ARCHIP.
http://www.rmacentrum.cz/kontakt/
In the case of a more serious health condition, English-speaking medical facilities, e.g. the Canadian Medical Centre, or Nemocnice Na Homolce are available.
http://www.cmcpraha.cz/en-US/
http://www.homolka.cz/en/
Emergency
The following numbers are available 24/7, the call is free and the service is English-speaking:
112 – general emergency line throughout the EU
150 – Fire Brigade
155 – Medical Emergency
156 – Prague City Police
158 – Police
Transportation
Prague has an extensive and efficient public transport system – metro, buses, trams; the student rates are very reasonable (especially the time-base travel cards).
www.dpp.cz
Communities
In the last twenty years, Prague has become a cosmopolitan city in which many nationalities study, work and live alongside each other. Please refer to the following useful reference and resource websites for more information:
www.expats.cz
www.praguepost.com
ISIC
Students in the Czech Republic have the option of using various international students’ cards for discounts on shopping and services. The cards are useful and widely used for reducing the cost of living. ISIC is the most popular and widely used card of this kind, and the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status.
www.isic.cz