RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Campus in Poděbrady
Students Affairs Office
The Student Affairs Office is a central administrative department situated within the Rectorate at Charles University. It’s responsible for managing a wide range of student-related matters across the university’s faculties.
Address: Ovocný trh 5, Prague 1
Email: studijni@ruk.cuni.cz
Incoming Erasmus+ students can contact the central European Office:
Address: Ovocný trh 3, Prague 1
Email: erasmus.incoming@ruk.cuni.cz
Contact details: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-199.html#4
As Charles University is a decentralized institution, each of its 17 faculties has its own coordinator. You can find the list here: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-199.html#5
Insurance
Health Insurance
All insured incoming students (including EHIC cardholders) have an access to urgent, state-provided healthcare during their stay in the Czech Republic. To obtain relevant medical treatment, you have to register your EHIC blue card at one of the Czech health insurance providers.
Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP) is recommended as the largest health care provider in the Czech Republic with the highest number of cooperating doctors. The VZP is also the only insurance provider available for citizens from countries outside EU/EFTA. You can register at any branch of VZP (For example, the branch Na Perštýně 6, 110 00 Praha 1 is located directly in the city centre). Please keep in mind to register as soon as possible after your arrival. You can proceed to the VZP registration process under this link.
After showing the EHIC card or a confirmation that substitutes the card, the health insurance company will immediately issue a registration document with a registration number with a Czech health insurance company. Later, if you need to see a doctor, take this document along with the EHIC card.
We highly recommended to register your EHIC card as soon as possible after arrival and do not wait until you are not feeling well.
Students from non-EU/EFTA countries are obliged to have comprehensive health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Czechia. Such commercial insurance must meet the requirements of Act No. 326/1999 Coll., on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Territory of the Czech Republic. Charles University offers to its international students a tailored product to ease the insurance process and provide high-quality, reliable health care coverage. All that with a student discount and extra benefits. There are two options our admitted applicants and students can choose from, available via our partners Pojišt'ovna VZP, a.s. (PVZP) and Slavia pojišťovna, a.s.
Support for students with disabilities and special needs
Psychological Counselling Centre for International Students
The Psychological Counselling Centre offers high quality services for international students to help them get through the challenges that may occur during a stay in a foreign enviroment.
All necessary information is available here.
Students with Special Needs
The main office responsible for the support of persons with special needs at Charles University is the Carolina Centre.
Charles University provides essential support for Erasmus students with special needs. This concerns people with the following conditions:
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Physical impairments
- Specific learning disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Other difficulties (e.g. psychological disorders, impaired communication, or chronic somatic disease)
However, please note that due to capacity reasons, full-time assistants cannot be provided. Therefore, if it is relevant for you, feel free to bring your own assistant from your home country.
If you fit into any of the above-mentioned categories, as a first step, please contact the coordinator responsible for students with special needs at your host faculty. The list of coordinators is available here. The coordinator will tell you all the possibilities you can use in your particular case to make the study stay as smooth and fruitful as possible.
To use services and request modifications, you will need to provide documentation regarding the services you use at your home university, or medical reports if applicable. The documents should be in English or Czech, either as an official translation or as a translation provided by the sending university. Further information is available here.
Students who would like to share information about any support needs may include it in their online application or send it to us or to our colleagues by email as soon as possible after submitting the online application.
Additionally, for adjusting the accommodation, please contact us at erasmus.incoming@ruk.cuni.cz as soon as possible, after you submit your online application, so we can discuss your requirements with the dorms in advance.
We are providing you with a map of CU faculties to help you feel more confident as you navigate the city. The map is availabe here.
Please note that the accessibility of metro stations may change, as many are gradually being renovated; for the most up‑to‑date information, always refer to the official public transport provider here.
You can also find information about the accessibility of Charles University buildings on the Carolina Centre website.
Studying Abroad with Children
If you decide to come for an Erasmus+ study stay or traineeship at Charles University with your child/children, you are welcome to do so. Our university tries to meet the needs of students who are parents with young children and create conditions that enable them to keep their study and parent duties in line.
The full list of nursery schools and playrooms is available here.
However, please keep in mind that each faculty has slightly different facilities.
We highly recommend contacting the nursery schools in advance to ask about the availability and conditions.
In case you plan to arrive for Erasmus with your family and wish to stay in the CU halls of residence, please contact us at erasmus.incoming@ruk.cuni.cz as soon as possible so we can discuss your requirements with the dormitories in advance.
Medical Facilities
Students of Charles University can find the necessary medical care via various means. Besides the faculty facilities and other recommended providers, the university partnered with AGEL – the biggest healthcare provider in Central Europe. Learn more about how to make the best use of the available means of help down below.
The public healthcare in the Czech Republic has outstanding quality, great availability, and practically no additional costs other than the compulsory EU-wide insurance fee. Having such insurance, you are able to get outpatient care and regular check-ups with both general practitioners and medical specialists. Help in emergency situations is available to everybody at all times. Usually, there is no need to visit a private practice, unless you require a non-standard medical care.
Note, that non-prescription drugs are sold only in pharmacies. These may be recognised by the prominent green cross-displayed over the shop-front. If you are not able to get to the pharmacy for any reason, you can use one of the delivery services such as Rohlik.cz.
Students from EU + EEA/EFTA have access to urgent, state-provided healthcare during their stay in the Czech Republic. In order to receive the appropriate medical treatment, all you need is a blue EHIC card, which you must register with a Czech health insurance company.
Foreigners with visa requirements are obliged to get health insurance covering comprehensive healthcare with a registered insurance provider, for long-term stays exceeding 90 days. This insurance is valid in all member states of the Schengen area. For shorter stays, regular travel insurance pre-arranged in your home country will suffice.
Charles University offers to its international students a tailored product to ease the insurance process and provide high-quality, reliable health care coverage. All that with a student discount and extra benefits. There are two options our admitted applicants and students can choose from, available via our partners Pojišt'ovna VZP, a.s. (PVZP) and Slavia pojišťovna, a.s..
NOTE: Medical travel insurance is not required from citizens of the member states of the International Treaty on Cooperation in the Area of Health and Social Security. The same exception applies to participants of the Erasmus Mundus program, Fulbright scholarship program, European Voluntary Service of the EC Youth in Action programme, as well as holders of the GHIC card issued by the UK.
For more information, please visit: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-1621.html and https://cuni.cz/UKEN-1546.html.
Learning Facilities
Charles University offers a wide range of modern learning facilities designed to support international students throughout their studies. Students have access to an extensive network of faculty and departmental libraries, providing study spaces, academic literature, electronic databases, and online journals across disciplines. Many libraries offer quiet zones, group study rooms, and extended opening hours, making it easy for students to find a suitable environment for both individual and collaborative learning. In addition, most faculties are equipped with modern lecture halls, seminar rooms, and specialized laboratories that support interactive and research-based teaching.
Digital learning is a key part of the university’s academic environment. Charles University uses e-learning platforms such as Moodle, which allow students to access course materials, submit assignments, and communicate with instructors online. International students also benefit from campus-wide IT services, including free Wi‑Fi, computer labs, and access to licensed academic software. Combined with academic support services and a strong emphasis on independent study, these learning facilities help create a flexible and inclusive study environment.
Sport and Leisure Facilities
Sport is an inseparable part of university life. At Charles University, it has a long-standing tradition, and our graduates and students have achieved many sporting victories. Success, however, is not the only objective of sport. The oft-quoted saying "mens sana in corpore sano" (a healthy mind in a healthy body) says it all. It is only fitting that Charles University students and staff benefit from a wide range of sporting opportunities. In general, many sports courses may be found under the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport. For more information, please visit: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-92.html
Special Facilities
Charles University offers a wide range of special facilities that enrich academic life and support students’ well-being, inclusion, and overall university experience. The university is committed to accessibility and provides adapted infrastructure for students with disabilities, including barrier-free buildings, elevators, accessible study spaces, and dedicated support services coordinated through specialized units.
The university also fosters a vibrant cultural environment through its extensive artistic and creative facilities. These include auditoriums, historical halls, rehearsal rooms, and exhibition spaces that host concerts, performances, lectures, and student-led initiatives throughout the year. A distinctive feature of Charles University is its own Chorus and Orchestra, which offer students the opportunity to actively engage in high-quality musical activities and become part of a long-standing academic tradition.
In addition, Charles University provides a variety of student-centered services and facilities, such as cafeterias and dining halls, libraries, study zones, and relaxation areas. Its campuses and buildings are complemented by green spaces and historic surroundings that create an inspiring and welcoming academic atmosphere.
International students are warmly welcomed and supported through dedicated services, orientation programs, and a diverse, multicultural environment that encourages integration, exchange, and global collaboration.
Practical Information For Incoming Mobile Students
Arriving for your mobility stay at Charles University means joining one of the oldest and most respected universities in Europe. With faculties and campuses located not only in Prague, but also in Pilsen and Hradec Králové, students can expect a diverse academic environment supported by strong student services, comfortable accommodation, and a well-organized orientation system.
The International Relations Office (central level at the Rectorate) and faculty coordinators provide guidance on:
- The central International Relations Office is responsible mainly for nominations, issuing acceptance letters, and arranging accommodation in university dormitories.
- Each of the 17 faculties has its own faculty coordinator, who is responsible for signing the Learning Agreement, course selection, academic issues, and course registration.
- Faculty coordinators also organise orientation sessions, integration activities, and support students in adapting to faculty life.
- In cooperation with colleagues from the Carolina Centre, they provide accessibility services and support for students with special needs.
Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme is one of the most helpful tools for incoming students. Local CU students volunteer to make your arrival and first weeks smoother. According to CU’s official information:
- Buddies help with airport/train station pickup,
- explain the public transport system,
- show you your faculty building,
- help with practical tasks including medical visits,
- and support you during your initial adaptation.
The programme is available to students in Prague, Pilsen, and Hradec Králové, because buddies come from the various faculties located in these cities.
To get a Buddy, register on Broaddy, where local students choose international students based on shared interests and arrival details.
Student Card (CU/ISIC Card)
Upon registration at your faculty, you will receive a Charles University student card, or student card with the ISIC licence. It allows access to libraries, computer rooms, and other campus facilities across CU campuses in Prague, Pilsen, and Hradec Králové.
You will use the card for:
- entering certain university buildings including your dormitory,
- borrowing books,
- printing and copying,
- receiving student discounts at many places.
Eduroam Internet Connection
Charles University participates in the global Eduroam network, so once your university account is activated, you can connect to secure Wi‑Fi at:
- all CU buildings across Prague, Pilsen, and Hradec Králové,
- libraries and dormitories,
- and thousands of educational institutions worldwide.
Eduroam is free and available immediately after you receive your student login credentials.
VISA
Visa support at Charles University is provided by the International Relations Office, which offers incoming students guidance on visa requirements, and necessary documentation. Students are required to apply for their visa or long-term residence permit through Czech embassies or consulates in their home country. Please note that the visa process is managed by the respective authorities (consulates, embassies). The university provides essential documents such as the admission letter and confirmation of study, but cannot intervene in the visa-procedure.
All the necessary information regarding VISA may be found here: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-366.html.
Cost of Living
Real-life average costs typically fluctuate from 550 EUR per month for a modest lifestyle in a dormitory to 1000 EUR per month for an active and culturally engaged lifestyle in private accommodation.
Below is a table with approximate prices. Housing prices vary depending on the distance from the city center, the size and shape of the apartment, etc. Your food expenses will also depend on your choices, a lunch at a restaurant costs about 8 EUR, but if you cook it yourself, it can be as little as 2 – 4 EUR. Don’t forget about other expenses: toiletries, medicines, books, and clothing. If you want to get an idea of the prices of individual products, check out the Czech online shops or Numbeo. Here are links focused on cost of living in Prague, Hradec Králové or Plzeň.
Monthly Expenses
| Expenses | Prague | Plzeň, Hradec Králové |
| Dormitory accommodation, shared room | 180 EUR | 155 EUR |
| Dormitory accommodation, private room | 260 EUR | 190 EUR |
| Room in a shared apartment | 400 – 520 EUR | 280 EUR |
| Private apartment | 720 – 1000 EUR | 600 – 800 EUR |
| Groceries | 140 – 250 EUR | 140 – 250 EUR |
| Public transportation | 5.20 EUR | 10 – 11 EUR |
| Rounded sum of estimated real-life costs per students living in dormitories |
400 – 600 EUR |
300 – 500 EUR |
| Rounded sum of estimated real-life costs per students living in private accommodation |
600 – 1000 EUR |
500 – 900 EUR |
Housing
Charles University offers accommodation in its Halls of Residence, available for incoming international students including Erasmus+ students and visa students. These dormitories are part of the university’s support services for international students. They typically provide shared rooms, kitchen facilities, study areas, laundry rooms, and common spaces, making it easy to meet fellow students early on.
The dormitories are located among three cities: Prague, Hradec Králové and Pilsen.
- Prague: The largest selection of CU dorms is located here, close to metro and tram lines.
- Hradec Králové: Dormitories are within walking distance of the Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and Faculty of Pharmacy.
- Pilsen: Dorms serve mainly students of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen and are located conveniently near the faculty’s teaching facilities.
Incoming Erasmus+ students can be housed in one of these dormitories:
- Prague: 17. listopadu, Hvězda, Na Větrníku, Hostivař, Vltava
- Hradec Králové: Na Kotli
- Pilsen: Bolevecká
Rooms at dormitories
The accommodation units consist of twin rooms (= double room with two separate beds) sharing bathroom facilities (shower and WC) with another room/s.
In Hostivař dormitory, almost all double rooms have its own bathroom facilities.
In Troja (17. Listopadu) and Bolevecká dormitory, the bathroom facilities are shared between two double rooms.
In Hvězda, Větrník and Na Kotli dormitories, bathroom facilities are shared among more rooms (on the floor).
A small kitchenette is usually at the end of each corridor (Hostivař, Větrník, Hvězda).
In Trója (17. Listopadu), the kitchenette is shared between two rooms.
Students can also use lavatory and hanging rooms in the building (keys are available at the reception for a small fee). Bedding and bed linen are provided in all our halls (bed linen is changed regularly); towels and kitchen utensils (such as pans, plates, cups etc.) are not provided.
If you prefer private accommodation, all three cities offer broad options ranging from student apartments to shared housing, but university dorms remain the most affordable and social option.
More useful information about rooms and dormitories can be found here: https://kam.cuni.cz/KAMEN-43.html
Transport
Prague
Prague has an extensive and reliable public transport system (metro, trams, buses), making it easy to access CU faculties scattered across the city.
Extensive network which consists of metro (3 lines), trams, buses, ferries.
Tickets & Fares
- Short-term tickets:
- 30 min — 39 CZK (36 CZK with application)
- 90 min — 50 CZK (46 CZK with application)
- 24 h — 150 CZK (140 CZK with application)
- 72 h — 350 CZK (340 CZK with application)
- Long-term passes (students under 26):
- 30-day — 130 CZK
- 90-day — 360 CZK
- 365-day — 1 280 CZK
- Validation: Ticket must be stamped on first boarding. Inspectors regularly check tickets.
Student Fare System
- Students use an ISIC or Charles University card to purchase discounted long-term passes (Student tariff).
- Requires a Lítačka smart card (or paper coupon), issued via the PID Lítačka app or in-person at Škodův palác.
Service Frequency
- Metro: 2–4 min in peak hours; up to 10 min off-peak; night services at weekends (~20 min intervals).
- Trams: 8–10 min peak, 10–20 min off-peak, night trams every 30 min.
Pilsen (Plzeň)
Pilsen has a well-developed tram and bus network linking dormitories, university buildings, and the city center. Students placed at the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen will find it simple and fast to commute between accommodation and faculty facilities.
City network consists of trams, trolleybuses, and buses.
Tickets & Prices
- Single-transfer tickets:
- 30 min — 24 CZK (12 CZK reduced)
- 60 min — 28 CZK (14 CZK reduced)
- 3 h — 50 CZK (25 CZK reduced)
- 24 h — 84 CZK (42 CZK reduced)
- Non-transfer ticket: 26 CZK (13 CZK reduced).
- Season and tourist tickets: Reloadable via plzenska karta. Tourist passes available for multi-day use and regional travel.
Ticketing Methods
- Options: onboard contactless card terminals, SMS tickets, paper tickets from kiosks.
- Ticket validation: Necessary – paper tickets stamped in marking machine.
Frequency & Network
- Trams run every 5–8 min (day), until ~23:45; replaced by night buses late at night.
- Trolleybuses and buses service suburbs; network is eco-friendly with electric vehicles representing 2/3 of services.
Hradec Králové
This compact university town is easy to navigate on foot, by bike, or via local buses. CU campuses and dorms are centrally located, and travel around the city is very student‑friendly.
- City-wide network: buses and trolleybuses.
- Highly walkable with a good bike infrastructure and bike-sharing services.
Tickets & Fares (from March 2024)
- Single non-transfer ticket: 25 CZK
- 60-minute transfer ticket: 25 CZK
- 10-minute single-vehicle ticket: 14 CZK
- Night ride: 30 CZK
- 24-hour ticket: 100 CZK.
Season Passes
- 24 h: 100 CZK
- Monthly: 530 CZK
- 3 months: 1 420 CZK
- 6 months: 2 150 CZK
- 12 months: 4 070 CZK.
- Discounted fares available for full-time students (under 26) with proof (student card/ISIC).
Travel Between Cities
Although most mobility students stay in one location, Prague, Pilsen, and Hradec Králové are well-connected by train and bus. Travel times are typically:
- Prague ↔ Hradec Králové: approx. 1.5 hours
- Prague ↔ Pilsen: approx. 1 hour
Meals
University Canteens (Refectories)
Charles University canteens are open to all students, including international and Erasmus+ students. To access student-subsidized prices, you need a student ID card (ISIC or Charles University card). With daily menus, online ordering, and multiple locations, students can enjoy a warm lunch for around 100 CZK (appriximately 4 €). The system is easy to use and designed to support student life.
Payment & Meal Account:
- Meals are paid via a meal account, which can be topped up in cash or by card at the canteen or university buffet.
- On your first visit, you’ll create login credentials for the WebKredit system (or use the MobilKredit app) to order meals and check your balance.
- Minimum top-up is usually 200 CZK.
Opening Hours & Ordering
- Canteens are typically open on weekdays, usually from 11:00 to 14:15, with slightly shorter hours on Fridays.
- You can pick up meals without a reservation, but it’s recommended to pre-order the day before (by 16:00) via WebKredit or the mobile app to ensure availability.
- If you don’t collect a pre-ordered meal, the credit remains on your account. You can also offer it to others via the “meal exchange” feature.
Meal Types & Prices
- Daily menus include soup + main dish, with optional extras like salads, desserts, and drinks.
- There are usually 5 main dish options, including at least one vegetarian meal.
- Prices range from approximately 80 to 115 CZK per lunch.
Student Associations
Our students can become members of numerous student societies, academic clubs, and associations operating at the university or faculty level. Some of them hold lectures, conferences, or specialist seminars, while others organise cultural events or charity campaigns. We generally welcome activities of all kinds because we believe they help broaden students' horizons and serve as valuable preparation for their future professional lives. Therefore, some associations are not exclusively for students; many of the university’s staff are keen participants too.
Although most of the association use primarily Czech language in their communication, there are certain strictly English-speaking as well. We encourage you to get in touch with the Czech-speaking associations too because, in most cases, switching to English is usually not a problem.
Below, you can find selected student organizations popular among students of all our faculties. For other faculty-specific organizations, please visit the faculty website.
Charles University Debate Club
Debate Club meets weekly (usually every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in room 308B at the Faculty of Arts) to hold British Parliamentary-style debates. Debating cultivates skills of analytical thinking, precise expression of ideas, and rhetorical style. The club is open to all students of Charles University as well as anyone with interest in debating.
Erasmus Student Network Charles University (ESN CU)
This student association organises various social, cultural, and sports events or trips for international and Czech students and generally helps international students handle their stay in Prague.
Charlie (Czech-speaking)
This student club is a queer association which organises and participates in projects focusing on environment, security, and self-confidence.
Prague Academic Cabaret (Czech-speaking)
The Prague Academic Cabaret project was established in order to launch events that would connect creative activities of students of Charles University, the Academy of Performing Arts and the University of Arts and Crafts in Prague with a wider and professional public.
CU Hockey Prague (Czech-speaking)
The CU hockey club unites Charles University students interested in ice hockey. Members of the association carry out regular sports activities as a part of a national university competition. Anyone from the university with interest in ice hockey is welcome.
Student Union (Czech-speaking)
The Charles University Student Union (SU UK) was established in 2008 as the result of an initiative by six Charles University societies. Its main objective is to act as a guide for university student organizations, facilitating communication and cooperation among them, developing a creative platform for active students, supporting the implementation of their ideas, and acting as a mediator providing information to all students about what is currently happening in the academic community. The CU Student Union has a current membership of around thirty societies from almost all faculties, and the number is growing.
The Charles University Volunteer Centre was created with the aim of supporting Charles University students in volunteering and connecting them with non-profit partner organizations. We believe that the volunteer activities of students is beneficial to society and will also help develop students’ personal and professional skills. The Volunteer Centre offers administrative and organizational support, consultation, and the transfer of know-how.
Language courses
Charles University provides several structured language‑learning options specifically designed for international students. Most faculties offer Czech language courses at various levels, from beginners to intermediate learners, which incoming students can attend alongside their regular studies. These courses are primarily intended to support everyday communication and academic integration in the Czech environment. As they are not part of the standard curriculum funded by the Ministry of Education, some faculties may charge a fee, and students are advised to enroll primarily in Czech courses offered by their host faculty. Detailed course information and registration are handled at the faculty level through coordinators and the Student Information System (SIS).
In addition to semester‑long faculty courses, Erasmus+ students can take part in the Erasmus+ Intensive Czech Language Course (ICLC). This course is organized in cooperation between the Charles University European Office and the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ÚJOP) and is held before the start of the semester. The ICLC focuses on intensive language training and practical communicative skills, helping students prepare for daily life and study in the Czech Republic even before classes begin. The course is especially suitable for beginners and provides a strong linguistic foundation at the very start of the mobility period.