New adventures ahead. Start prepping for uni now

Starting university comes with a ton of new challenges, exciting experiences, and opportunities to meet new people. Even if it feels like there’s still plenty of time before it all begins, it’s honestly not a bad idea to start getting ready now. A little bit of preparation can go a long way and help make the transition way easier once things actually kick off.

Review your study plan

Before the semester begins, it’s good to get to know at least a little about what your studies will look like. Most important information can usually be found on your faculty’s website.

Check which subjects you’ll be taking in your first semester and find out how your timetable will be organized. You may be given a pre-made schedule, or you might have to arrange your timetable yourselves.

Look for accommodation

There are many options for students. Shared flats and student dormitories (in Czech “koleje”) are among the most popular.

Shared apartments offer more freedom, privacy, and often more comfort. Dorms, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper and offer more stability — you are not in risk of losing your housing due to the whims of you landlord.

“It’s definitely a good idea not to look for housing alone. Having a friend or classmate to look with helps a lot. If you don’t have financial support from your parents, dorms are usually the more affordable option. But be prepared for lower comfort. For example, we had shared showers and fridges in the hallway, not in our rooms,” says Adéla, who has experience living in Prague dormitories.

Plan Your Finances

How much will you spend on accommodation? On food? Will you have a part-time job, or will your parents support you? And what’s the minimum amount of money you’ll need to live comfortably? These can be hard questions to answer, but it’s worth having at least a rough idea as to what the answers are.

If, for example, you plan to live in the dormitories of Charles University in Prague, you’ll pay about 4,500 CZK per month for a double room. In cities such as Ostrava, you might find a room for around 3,000 CZK per month.

“It’s hard to say exactly how much money you’ll need. I think it’s smart to have a budget of about 10,000 CZK per month if you’re living in a dorm. But it depends on your lifestyle—whether you eat out a lot, travel, go out often, or live more frugally. Still, in Prague, I think 10,000 CZK is the monthly minimum,” Adéla reflects.

Living in bigger cities is definitely more expensive, but on the other hand, it’s usually easier to find part-time jobs that fit your study schedule. So even if you don’t have much savings or financial support, it can still be manageable.

Attend an orientation camp

University student organizations host many events during the summer, including orientation camps for new students. They are a great opportunity to meet your future classmates before the beginning of term. You’ll also have a chance to ask older students about their experience with university life.