It is better to calculate your expenses for free education in the Czech Republic in advance
As Radio Prague notes, many Czech publications and some universities strive to provide basic information related to expected student expenses. Therefore, the first thing that those who have not yet finally decided on housing need to consider is that real estate prices and living costs in the Czech Republic have increased at the beginning of this year. Residents of the capital and Brno felt this most acutely.
Currently, the rental cost of a one-room apartment in Prague fluctuates around 15,000 crowns – previously, a two-room apartment cost up to 12,000. Therefore, many students rent one apartment together in twos or threes. To this amount, one must add the cost of an intermediary and a separate deposit for the apartment, usually in the amount of one month's rent.
At the same time, every student has the opportunity to reduce expenses by living in a dormitory. Renting a room, judging by current listings, costs about 3,500 crowns. According to information from the online magazine IFORUM of Charles University, one day of living in a student dormitory costs from 59 to 179 crowns (up to 7 euros). That is, a student willing to settle for a room without special demands can fit into 2,000 crowns (78 euros).
A more comfortable option will cost more. For example, in the Sazava dormitory in the Chodov district, 30 minutes from the city center, a separate single room costs about 4,000 crowns per month (157 euros).
However, transport services for students have become cheaper, and this news especially pleased those students who come to Prague from other cities. They have to add to the expenses for all types of urban transport the costs of suburban transportation. This is especially relevant in light of rising housing costs, as not only native Praguers but also students of capital universities are settling in the suburbs.
From September 1 of this year, students under 26, as well as pensioners over 65, can take advantage of new benefits, paying only 75% of the ticket price for railway travel (second class seats), intercity and suburban buses. The innovation was approved in the spring.
A monthly pass (Lítačka) for public transport in Prague costs only 260 crowns (10 euros). To purchase a discounted pass, you must provide an ISIC student ID. You can buy a pass for the entire academic year. For ten months of travel, you will have to pay 2,400 crowns (approximately 95 euros).
A separate budget item is food. What costs will it require? Let us not delve into the individual needs of those who are burning the midnight oil. Lunch in a student cafeteria costs about 60 crowns (over 2 euros). In most Charles University cafeterias, the daily menu includes four dishes. Here you can also purchase other products at a reduced price.
Simple meals can be prepared in the dormitory, as can student dinners within the dormitory, where participants bring their own supplies or small dishes for small budgets. According to a student magazine, some restaurants also offer discounts when showing a student ID.
Students at Czech universities living in dormitories always have access to free internet. Student mobile plans cost about 400-500 crowns. The package includes unlimited calls, SMS, and other services related to internet traffic.
At the beginning of the academic semester, you need to take care of necessary books and textbooks. It is not necessary to immediately rush to bookstores. Czech students know that first, you should check the availability of necessary literature in the library, and also take advantage of textbook fairs (burza učebnic). Almost all faculties organize such events. Many materials are also posted online. Invaluable help can be provided by friends and acquaintances among senior students.
As for entertainment, there is no shortage of free events in large Czech cities. As part of open days at state museums and galleries, Museum Night, Night of Churches, and other initiatives, you can get acquainted with many outstanding attractions of the country for free and attend interesting concerts, talks, and exhibitions.