Student Life

About Prague

Prague is one of the most historically and culturally-rich cities in Europe, where you will find countless theatres, symphonies, museums, and cafés among the blackened statues, cobble-stoned streets, and magnificent architecture that ranges from medieval to gothic renaissance and from cubist to socialist styles.  It has been said that Prague stands at the crossroads of Europe, where the East meets the West and the past meets the present.  Experience the city’s growing cosmopolitan character and its economic transformation as a member of the European Union, while taking in the history and scenery of a time gone by.  This combination of past and present makes Prague the perfect location for a truly rewarding study experience.

Short History of Prague

Prague was first founded over 1000 years ago.  King Charles IV of the 14^th century facilitated the coming of age of Bohemia and transformed the city of Prague into an imperial capital.  Under his patronage, construction began on the Charles Bridge, Charles University and Prague Castle.  He was a Holy Roman Emperor until his death in 1355 and is generally considered to be the father of the country.  Since this “Golden Age,” Prague has endured a rocky history filled with religious wars and economic decline. It was under the rule of the Hapsburgs from 1526 to 1918.  The first republic was led by T.G. Masaryk.  During World War II, the Nazis occupied Prague and after the war, endured Soviet occupation.  The Velvet Revolution in 1989 brought democracy to the Czech lands, which split in 1993 creating today’s Czech and Slovak Republics.  In 2004 the Czech Republic joined the European Union.

Transportation

Prague has an excellent public transport system.  The metro consists of three lines and the many tram routes allow you to easily access any part of the city.  Day trams and the metro run from about 5am to midnight. After midnight night the metro stops and night trams take over. You may purchase tickets at any information booth in the metro, or at ticket machines located throughout Prague.  Don‘t forget to get a tram ticket and stamp it. If you are caught without a validated ticket, the fine is 700 CZK.  A 26 CZK adult transfer ticket is good for 90 minutes.  An 18 CZK ticket is also available and valid for 30 minutes with no transfer.  Use these until you have your student ID and then you can use the discounted student tickets. Contact the Student Services Center for more information on discounted tickets.  Need more info? Go here: http://www.dpp.cz/en/ or http://www.dpp.cz/en/fares/

Malá Strana

AAU’s building is located in only steps away from the Charles Bridge and just across the river from the Old Town.  Our campus is surrounded by busy cafes, bustling restaurants, crowded pubs and quiet parks.  Our neighborhood is also home to some of the most beautiful architecture in all of Prague such as St. Nicholas Cathedral and our very own building which is the site of the medieval convent of the Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta.

Places to eat:

John & George

Bohemia Bagel

Subway

U Maleho Glenna

J.J. Murphy’s

Culture  

The city is filled with museums, galleries and theatres.  Many offer student discounts.  For cultural event listings, see Expats.cz, Prague Post, or see listings below:

National Theater

State Opera House

National Museum

National Gallery

Franz Kafka Museum

Mucha Museum

City Gallery Prague

Cost of Living Guide

Information from Expats.cz

For more information on general life in Prague, including nightlife and restaurant recommendations, see Expats.cz.