Living in Olomouc
Palacký University Olomouc, as well as Olomouc city, offer a variety of centres and midpoints where students, academic workers, guests, and the general public can learn and improve on the basis of educational, cross-cultural, multi-lingual and self-growth abilities, skills and habits for the journey of studies, work or life growth.
Dormitories
University students, employees and guests can choose from a variety of apartments and dormitories recommended by the university or they can reach for real estate agencies with individual preferences and requirements. It is possible to see the current state of every university type of accommodation as it is all digitalized through a virtual tour.
Housing and apartments
As the dormitories can accommodate only a limited number of students, there is also an option to rent a shared room or an apartment in the private sector. Sometimes students also reach for this option as it meets their specific accommodation preferences. It is usual for students to rent a whole apartment with their university colleagues and friends, so the rent for every member is comparable with the dormitory.
Students, academics and guests can reach out to several real estate agencies operating in Olomouc. Some groups and websites help international people with valuable information regarding accommodation or finding roommates and friends. We include links to real estate agencies, Facebook groups and hotel options in Olomouc:
Canteens and dining options
The Czech Republic has several typical foods that may surprise international visitors. However, the cuisine of the Czech Republic is quite all-embracing and foreign people can reach for almost all types of foods in Olomouc. Palacký University Olomouc usually provides students with canteens within a few minutes from dormitories, so they do not have to struggle to search for their favourite diner. There are also many restaurants in Olomouc that, in addition to the standard all-day menu, offer daily lunch menus at affordable prices. We present some dining options concerning UP canteens, restaurants, cafes and bistros.
Bank account services
Some foreign people must open a bank account to receive a payment or a scholarship from a university. It is possible to choose from several banks in the Czech Republic. To open a bank account, you must provide all the documents in English or Czech.
Mobile phone services
The Czech Republic has a wide range of mobile phone service providers. Some of them are more popular and desirable to customers than others. The main difference lies in their tariff options. Sometimes it is required to possess a Czech number to open a bank account, make an appointment, communicate with national authorities, or order online. However, if a customer has a SIM card from any other European Union country and does not need to do the mentioned actions above, there should not be any inconsistencies with the drawing of the services set by the preferable provider from another country.
Living costs in the Czech Republic
It is possible to declare that the Czech Republic is, comparing living costs among other EU countries, affordable. Living costs in the Czech Republic may differ mainly because of a different location, spending habits, accommodation choices and lifestyle. Still, the average range of living costs is between 7 500 and 17 000 CZK per month, including meals, accommodation, public transport and culture.
To see up to date what costs how much visit the Numbeo webpage which provides overview for Olomouc as well as other cities and also comparison of prizes.
Job opportunities
All full degree students (Bachelor’s or Master’s students) are allowed to do temporary work (part-time job) for up to 300 hours per a year. Other international students (non-EU) are required to hold a work permit to undertake paid work of any kind.
Exchange students who are less than 26 years old are allowed to do temporary work up to 300 hours per a year provided they do not work longer than 7 days in sequence or a max. 30 days in a calendar year.
Czech Language Courses
If you are a student at our university, there are seminars you can attend, get credits, and learn Czech Language.
There is also a Center for Support of Integration of Foreigners which offers language courses for free.
Each faculty offers classes of foreign languages. Philology departments, in particular, also provide courses for students of other departments and faculties.
Public transport
Olomouc transportation is managed by a complex network of tram and bus lines. Tram lines transport passengers around the central parts of the city, whereas bus lines expand transport to peripheral parts, where there are no tram rails. In some instances of line exclusion, buses replace the trams.
The major operator is Olomouc Public Transport Company (Dopravní podnik města Olomouce, DPMO). For the timetables, tickets, fares, etc., please see the website of DPMO. You can also search your connections in the Integrated Transport System (IDOS.cz).
More information about tickets, main routes, etc. at the Arrival to UP section.