When you first set foot in Prague, you’re not simply starting a new chapter in your academic career; you’re entering a city with centuries of history, a thriving cultural scene, and a distinct blend of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy. Prague, often known as “The Golden City” or “The City of a Hundred Spires,” has long drawn students worldwide.

As a student in Prague, your experience will be filled with excitement, challenges, and numerous potentials for growth. That’s why we have come to compile some information that we missed during our first weeks in the city. That way, you can relax and ease into the next chapter of your life with as little stress as possible.

so, in order to guarantee a smooth transition into your new student life, we will start off by saying that making all the necessary arrangements before you even set foot in Prague is critical.

This means if you are at home reading this, make sure you have thoroughly planned what your first few hours will look like. Additionally, make note of where your accommodation is on paper, as well as any relevant phone numbers in case of emergency. Ideally, keep hard copies of both to avoid any issues with cell service. With this in mind, we would like to bring to our first section….

Surviving The Airport

Knowing your landing time is key to your success. During the day, the airport buses run very frequently and are located directly outside of the baggage claim at Terminals 1&2. So if it is before midnight, Google Maps will be your friend, although be weary and confident you have both mobile data and Litacka (Public Transport Pass). If you are not set up with data service or Litacka, continue reading and perhaps consider the option of ordering a Bolt.

If you arrive past midnight, keep in mind the fact that buses will run infrequently, and metros will be closed. (More on transport in the next section) Therefore the only visible option will be a taxi. BUT DO NOT TAKE A TAXI! They are one of the most prolific scams and will take far too much money from you. Therefore we recommend connecting to the free public wifi (If you are not equipped with roaming data) and downloading an application called Bolt. While Uber is available, Bolt is the local alternative and has much better prices. Typical prices range between 300-600czk for a Bolt, while a Taxi could charge upwards of 1000-1500czk. (Ie 15-30 Euro vs 50-65 Euro)

As we now have outlined the process of getting into the city we recommend taking a breath at your destination and planning on getting a few things out of the way first.

On Arrival To Your Destination

One of the first things we recommend doing if you can is to get your ISIC card. This International Student Identification Card entitles you to huge discounts on things like food, drink, transport, and cell service. So before you continue on this list visit any UK Point, we recommend the one at Celetná 597, 110 00 Staré Město due to its central location. Although lists of all available ones are here. (Keep in mind reservations could be helpful) With the ISIC card in hand, we can continue to the next few steps…

Transport

While Prague has one of the most straightforward and reliable public transport systems in Europe, it isn’t free, and a fine of 1000czk or 50eur awaits anyone without a pass. Public transport passes cover Buses, Trams, Metros, and even ferries.

Passes can be obtained in two ways, the first is more analog in nature but also a bit more complex. Typically if purchasing a single-use paper pass, you will be either approaching a terminal (some of which are onboard), traffika, or minimarket (Aka Potraviny) and looking for something called a “Jizdenka” (A term used for public transport tickets) A key phrase here if looking for a single use ticket would be: Sháním jízdenku na MHD. This phrase is going to be your golden goose for this situation, When in doubt try it on a stranger or employee somewhere and you will hopefully get pointed in the right direction. If your Listek or Jisdunka or Ticket is acquired, simply hop and simply insert the ticket into the orange box on the vehicle. (Shown below)

The next and most simplistic option for obtaining a pass would be to download an application called Litacka. This can be found in the app store on Android and IOS devices and after a small initial setup, you can purchase passes for a day, weeks, or months at a time. However don’t forget to get an ISIC before you purchase a long-term pass, as you will score a massive discount. When you do buy one, simply activate it and forget about it until you inevitably run into a controller who flashes this badge. (Shown below)

Afterward, he or she will scan it and leave you alone.

Next Up: Phone Service

The next activity on arrival should be to get set up with phone service. Vodaphone, O2, and T-Mobile are the most popular. All of these offer student tariffs or discounts as long as you have an ISIC, so make sure to have that in hand before you arrive. 

Vodaphone seems the most popular, with their deals listed here, (ranging between 650-800czk for unlimited service) although in my experience and the experience of other students, fees can sometimes get out of hand, and often will charge you more than the listed price with little information on why. I personally had very negative experiences with them and even had to call my bank to threaten them to get it resolved. 

This brings us to O2, which is the second most popular. Their student tariffs range from 700-900czk for unlimited plans with details listed here. We personally don’t have much experience with them as a provider but have heard good things about their internet packages. 

Lastly, there is T-Mobile. With prices ranging from 700-900czk once again. Full details are listed here

Between all the providers, experiences are mixed. At the moment we would like to recommend T-Mobile, but until anyone pays us, frankly they probably all suck or succeed equally. Changing carriers is a breeze so just get what you feel ok about for now and keep the option to switch open depending on experience. Oh and by the way, all these companies have offices in Palladium, a shopping center only a few minutes away from the UK point in the center. So take a walk here after your ISIC. 

Now that you are equipped with free movement and active service, there is one more thing lurking before you can start to let your guard down. Your Visa or Long-Term Resident Permit. So without further ado, let’s dive into….

Czech Bureaucracy!

Who doesn’t love a Kafkaesque nightmare to start off a cold and gray fall?! All jokes aside, while obtaining a Visa or long-term residence permit can seem scary and complex the key word here is organization. While we can’t give advice to everyone- as students of differing situations and countries will have different processes there is still some general advice we would like to share. 

Regardless of how far along you are in your process, it is very likely that you will have to take at least one trip up to the MOI Office in Hladkov. If have already submitted an application at a consulate, you usually will arrive at Hladkov to pick up your biometric card and likely already have an appointment to do so. If you have not submitted your application for a LTR or Visa yet here is a copy of the list of documents you will often be required to submit as a student. (Although please cross reference this list with the official detailed information listed here) 

1. Completed Application Form
2. Travel document (Passport)
3. Document confirming the purpose of your stay in the territory (Confirmation of Studies from the Busar in most cases) 
4. Proof of accommodation (Ask the dorms if you are staying there, or your landlord for a document called “DOKLAD (POTVRZENÍ) O ZAJIŠTĚNÍ UBYTOVÁNÍ” )
5. A photograph (A photograph or a similar pictorial record (hereinafter a “photograph”) that has a smooth surface, must satisfy tests for image stability and be black and white or color. It is rectangular measuring 35 mm x 45 mm, standing on the shorter side with straight or rounded (radius = 3 mm +/- 0.5 mm,) corners, and is 0.13 to 0.27 mm thick.)
6. Proof of funds (Last we recall a sum of at or above 115,000czk is ideal, it can be in USD or EUR as long as it is translated, stamped, and signed. Other options are available and should be checked on the website listed above.)
7. Health Insurance Confirmation (As of recently PVZP is the only approved provider and minimum coverage for one insurance event must be at least EUR 60 000, Aka, at the very least take PVZP’s Comprehensive PLUS option.)
8. A document similar to an extract from the Penal Register issued by the state of which you are a citizen. The obligation to submit an extract from the Penal Register record does not relate to a foreign national under 15 years of age (Also this is a tricky one, for students who often they will do it on their own and will not be asked to bring one, although we recommend calling them and asking yourself) 
9. Parental Consent Form IF YOU ARE UNDER 18.
10. Stamps in the value of 2000czk are to be submitted with the application. (For this you will have to deal with the post office and ask for it, but they don’t speak English, so remember this phrase “Potřebuji známky za dva tisíce korun” Sometimes these are called znamky for stamps or listek for ticket/stamp. However, don’t panic speak slowly and use a translator and you’re gonna be ok they will get the point.

Keep in mind it takes about 60 days to process an application (Give or take) and that you can legally stay in the Czech Republic for 90 without any additional documentation (Given your home country does not require you to get one before arrival) So even if you have done absolutely nothing with your paperwork, you are not 100% screwed.

Yet.

So collect and keep these documents in good condition and one place, and call the phone line or consult the website when it doubt. Also, it is important to note that some students opt to pay for a service to help with this process, which we are lukewarm about. As you are still responsible for attaining these documents, most services only double-check and submit them for you, which is arguably the easiest part. So if you wanna save your money, give it a shot on your own. But if you are worried, maybe hire someone for the first time and then learn how to do it for next year. If you are convinced you would like to pay for help, Pexpat seems like a popular option. 

Now that, that is over with. Let’s take a deep breath. We can settle in and have some fun. The Karlovian has put together some guides on food, drink, and sightseeing, so feel free to dive in for inspiration. And if you are feeling sociable here is a list of student orgs to check out! 

Student Led Extracurriculars

European Horizons

The first on the list is Charles University’s student-led think tank European Horizons. If the idea of working on a research team is appealing to you, keep an eye out. At the beginning of the semester every year they recruit multiple researchers, writers, editors, and social media personnel for upcoming projects. EH acts as a phenomenal springboard for those who are interested in policy work, research, and nonprofits. So check back here, or keep an eye on their Instagram for any updates on how to apply. 

FSV Circle

Is a hotspot for those who would like to hone their social media skills, FSV circle is dedicated to closing the loop so to speak in terms of aggregating information relevant to students. So if you are passionate about bridging people together and helping shape the larger picture of student life at Charles University look no further.

Charlie

Is the student association responsible for fostering a safe space for LGBTQA+ groups within Charles University. With Bi-Monthly events and frequent meetups, Charlie acts as an invaluable cornerstone for individuals within the community. Learn more about them here on their website. 

The Karlovian

Lastly, there is us at The Karlovian. Springing from within the PPE Program here at FSVUK, we remain dedicated to hosting content from our peers, whether academic or creative We poise ourselves as an outlet for those looking to enhance their academic journey through working in a realistic paced creative environment. If we have caught your eye, feel free to apply with the form listed here, or at the bottom of our about us section.

With that, we are concluding our round-up, we hope you found this helpful on your journey and look forward to meeting you throughout the semester. And remember kids, sleep more than you study, study more than you party, and party as much as you can!