Useful Life Hacks for future students

The most exciting time in the life of a foreign student is his first year of study abroad. Everything seems completely new and unusual. To make life easier for a future freshman, we share useful tips with you.

Studying in the Czech Republic

Your main purpose of your visit is to receive a quality Czech education. At first, difficulties will await you. But do not worry! You need time to adapt and then everything will be fine. Here are some suggestions.

1. If something is not clear to you, ask again.
2. Turn on the recorder in lectures. This will allow you to listen to the material at home again.
3. Spend enough time studying and then in the future it will be much easier for you.
4. Use additional Czech language resources you can find on the Internet.
5. Do not be lazy and do not miss classes during preparatory language courses. Learning the Czech language productively throughout the year will allow you to reach level B2 and prepare for exams.

Residence

1.  Places in university dormitories is hard to catch. It is always better to book your place in advance. 
2.  If you can’t imagine living in a dormitory, you may rent an apartment with someone. Prices for rental housing are significantly higher, so be prepared for it.
3.  If you lived in a student residence before the idea of ​​moving to an apartment, do not forget to check with the administration for how long you must notify them of a change of place of residence so that you don’t have to pay too much afterward.

Nutrition

1. It’s no secret that the cheapest way is to eat at home. True, it is not always possible to find time to cook. A great substitute would be lunch at the university cafeteria. Prices will pleasantly surprise you.
2. For those who like to cook food at home, we recommend that you make a list of products in advance. Before going to the supermarket, check out kupi.cz. There you can compare prices and find the best deal for each of the products.
3. “Vietnamské večerky” is very common in the Czech Republic. These are small grocery stores near the house. They work until late, but their prices are much higher than in ordinary supermarkets.

Travels

1. Having a long-term visa, be sure to travel. If you buy tickets a few months before the trip, you can save a lot. Subscribe to the newsletter of all low-cost airlines and find out about sales directly from airlines.
2. Cheaper transfers by comfortable buses will cost you less. RegioJet, FlixBus and other bus companies often offer tickets for only 1 euro.

Discounts

1. Do not forget to get an ISIC or ALIVE card in Europe, they give students the opportunity to save on textbooks, office supplies, entrance fees, and even travel.
2. Since 2018 large discounts on public transport fares have been introduced for all students. The cheapest is the one-year pass. Its cost is only 1280 CZK (50 EUR).
3. Czechs are very fond of saving. Every week there are discounts in supermarkets on a certain range of goods. And on holidays, great offers and discounts up to -50%. Be the Czechs! Save!

To make the first year of your stay in the Czech Republic comfortable and fruitful is one of the priorities of the International Union of Youth. At the MSM student department, we help our students with all the most important issues, including those described in the article. During the preparatory courses, our coordinators provide students with 100% information support.

Still have questions? You can leave a request and our manager will contact you. See you in Prague!