My Erasmus experience (Česke Budejovice)

My Erasmus experience started in September 2012 when I left Slovenia and came to Czech Republic into the city of Česke Budejovice. I’m living here for more than two months and I can already say this city already became my home. During this time a lot has happened but more about that later. Let me tell you more about everything you need to know about the Česke Budejovice and Erasmus here.

During my Erasmus stay here I live in dormitory K2. This is one of the 4 dormitories in the campus area and has everything There are some differences between the dormitories but the one I live in has rooms for two people with 2 tables, shelves, big enough closets and a sink where you can brush your teeth etc. The price the rent for a month is approximately 2 200 CZK which is around 88 €. The dormitory has a mixed population. Both Erasmus and Czech students live here. 

Transportation system here is very good. The city has a system of buses and trolleys. You can buy 90 days ticket for the price of approximately 550 CZK (22 €). This is the best solution if you use the transport every day. You can also buy the tickets for 20, 30, 60 minute tickets and other kinds but these are good if you don’t use the transportation every day. The buses from the university campus to the city center are running all day long, every 5 to 10 minutes apart. There is also a night but till 5 o’clock in the morning but this one runs every half an hour. 

Czech Republic is relatively cheap if we compare prices to Slovenian ones. Of course the cost of living depends on your life style but here are some prices in CZK (1 € - 25 CZK)

Price outline:

• Dormitory 2000-2500 CZK
• Beer 19 – 45 CZK
• Lunch in the restaurant 80-150 CZK per person
• Lunch in Menza (campus) max. 90 CZK (per person)
• A night out (depends how much you drink – my spending) approx. 200 – 300 CZK
• Supermarket purchase approx. 150 – 350 CZK
• …

Česke Budejovice is a great city when it comes to night life. There are several clubs and tens of bars across the city. There is something for everyone. The most popular clubs for Erasmus students here are Paradox, Maxim and K2. The most popular bars in the city for Erasmus students are Singer Pub and B26. In December you can find many spots where you can get hot wine and other products (punch fast food …).

Traveling in Czech Republic is quite easy. There are many cities you should visit while you're here like Prague, Karlovy Vary, Plzen, Brno, Česky Krumlov, Hloboka nad Vltavo etc. A good way to travel to these cities is either train or Student Agency. They have their offices all over Czech Republic and you can also find them online. They have conferrable yellow coach buses and in most cases this is also the fastest way to travel. Here are some prices of the trips (one way prices per person):

• Česke Budejovice – Prague = train 250 CZK / student agency 250 CZK
• Česke Budejovice – Karlovy Vary = train 300 CZK / student agency 315 CZK
• Česke Budejovice – Brno = train 250 CZK / student agency 370 CZK
• For more check Česke drahy or student agency website

University of South Bohemia is under my opinion good organized university. If you apply for Česke Budejovice Erasmus exchange, you can take the courses at any of the faculties here but most of them are on the Faculty of Economy. Teachers speak good English; there are also some native speakers.

I took following courses:

• Management of Services
• Strategic Management
• Marketing Communication
• EU Law

Every faculty and other school facilities (library, dormitory after 22.00 etc.) you can access only with your student card that you get in the beginning of the semester. With the same card you can pay for food in Menza, print documents, rent a book in library etc. You can chose between the ISIC card and normal student card which is cheaper.

If you know that you would like to go to Czech Republic for your Erasmus I advise you to come to Česke Budejovice. It's the city full of life and a city that feels like home very quicly. There is something for everyone here. If you would like to know any more information about the city or anythign else related to the Erasmus Exchange in Česke Budejovice I will be happy to anwser all questions. 

Tim Kotolenko
tim.kotolenko@gmail.com 

Študent UP FTŠ Turistica