Once you’ve been accepted to study in Czechia, you’ll need to find the perfect home away from home! Don't wait too long - the earlier you start, the better. Your university is the best place to start. Most offer affordable accommodation in student dormitories, which can be a great way to meet new people and save money. If you prefer more privacy, you can rent your own apartment or share one with other international students. In the end, your options will depend on your budget, preferences, and location.
Student dormitories
Public Czech universities offer student accommodation in dorms, but places are limited. Check your university's website or ask your study programme coordinator for details. Single rooms are available, but shared rooms are more common. Accommodation is usually apartment-style, with two double rooms sharing a small kitchen and bathroom. Furnishings like a bed, desk, chair, shelves, cooker, and small fridge are included, but you can add personal touches like rugs, cushions, and plants to make it feel like home.
Monthly rent is budget-friendly, starting at EUR 150 - 200 for shared rooms and EUR 190 - 260 for single rooms, including utilities and Wi-Fi. Universities sometimes offer grants to help with accommodation costs.
Private universities usually don't have their own dorms, but they can recommend some private student residences. These are modern, all-inclusive, conveniently located student flats, however your monthly rent will be around EUR 400 - 600.
SHARING OR RENTING A FLAT
Not keen on student dorms? Sharing a larger apartment with other international students is a common and affordable way to live in a city. You can also rent your own apartment. This is an ideal option, especially after you've settled in and know your way around. Because renting from abroad can be challenging.
Notice boards around campus and on Facebook groups are great resources to find a place to live. There are also some useful housing portals: Student-room-flat.com, Forstudents.cz, Flatio.com, Sreality.cz, Bezrealitky.com, Expats.cz, Foreigners.cz, eSpolubydleni.cz.
Monthly rents vary according to the size and location of the apartment. Sharing a flat can reduce your cost. Be aware that the rent usually doesn't include utilities (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) and sometimes a refundable deposit is required. You can expect to pay around EUR 420 - 750 for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre and EUR 500 - 1,000 in the city centre. The rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is around EUR 630 - 1,500 outside the city centre and EUR 730 - 1,900 in the city centre (average prices in Czechia in March 2023; source: Numbeo).
GOOD TO KNOW
- You'll need to provide proof of accommodation when applying for a long-term visa or residence permit.
- International students must register at the Czech Foreign Police after their arrival, but if you live in a dormitory, you'll be registered automatically by its accommodation office.
