Practical Information

Banks

At some faculties, you are going to be asked to open a bank account in order to receive your scholarship. Some faculties ask students to open a bank account to receive their grants. An advantage of having a Czech account is that you will save on ATM withdrawal charges. The terms for opening a bank account vary depending on the bank. All you need to provide is a proof of identity, and note that a passport is more suitable than your ID in this case.

Credit cards

International credit cards are accepted such as Eurocard/MasterCard, American Express, VISA, Diner’s Club, Japan Credit Bureau, Access and Carte Blanche etc.

Money exchange

You can change money at the airport and at all public transport stations, banks, and bureau de changes, but please first check the exchange rate to see if it is okay. Warning: Never change money in the street!

There is a bureau de change at the main railway station (entrance hall), so you can change money immediately after you arrive. Other bureaus are at Riegrova 11, the Information Centre, Horní nám. 1 (inside the town hall), and at Švédská 10. There are also many ATMs in Olomouc which accept all standard payment cards.

Foreigner-friendly banks in Olomouc

Komerční banka
www.kb.cz
Address: třída Svobody 14
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
Languages spoken: English
Tel.: +420 955 564 163

Česká spořitelna
www.csas.cz
Address: třída Svobody 19
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
Languages spoken: English
Tel.: +420 956 758 061

Raiffeisenbank
www.rb.cz
Address: náměstí hrdinů 1
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
Languages spoken: Englis
Tel.: +420 585 206 932

ČSOB
www.csob.cz
Address: Horní náměstí 6
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 5 pm
Languages spoken: English
Tel.: +420 585 501 333

GE Money Bank
www.gemoneybank.cz
Address: Opletalova 2
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
Languages spoken: English
Tel.: +420 585 205 771

Sberbank
www.sberbankcz.cz
Address: Horní náměstí 17
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Fri: 8:30 am - 4 pm
Languages spoken: English
Tel.: +420 800 133 444

Fio banka
www.fio.cz
Address: Dolní náměstí 20, 779 00
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 8:30 am - 6 pm, Fri 8:30 am - 5 pm
Languages spoken English, German
Tel.:+420 224 346 920

Telephones

Czech Republic international calling code: 00420 or +420
The Czech Republic is densely covered by a GSM mobile phone network. If you have activated roaming service with your home operator, you should be able to use your mobile phone without problems. If you are from the USA or Canada, please check that your mobile device supports 900 MHz/1800 MHz GSM networks. A cheaper alternative than to using roaming is to use the services of one of the local operators. In the Czech Republic we currently have three major mobile phone operators. Check their websites for details (all of them have English versions available).

Operator

Websites

Olomouc location

O2

www.cz.o2.com

Riegrova 4, Galerie Šantovka and Olomouc CITY

T-Mobile

www.t-mobile.cz

Galerie Šantovka or OC Haná center

Vodafone

www.vodafone.cz

Ostružnická 15, Galerie Šantovka and Olomouc CITY

Emergency Numbers

European central emergency number (guaranteed assistance in English) – 112
Emergency road service - 1230, 1240

Accommodation

The university provides accommodation to students if required. The dormitories areas are situated either a 10-minute walk or a 15-minute tram ride from the main building of the University. There are several single-rooms available, however most students share rooms with another student.

How to get to Envelopa

After your arrival in Olomouc, you should check in at the dormitories. Almost all the dormitories are within the two main areas, Envelopa and Neředín. If you are travelling to the Envelopa area from the railway station, take tram no. 2, 3, 4 or 6 (direction to the centre) and get off at the second stop (Žižkovo náměstí). The dormitories are about a 3-minute walk along 17 Listopadu Street. To find your dormitory, follow the signs.

 

How to get to Neředín

To reach the Neředín area, take tram no. 2 or 7 and get off at the very end. The dormitories are open even at the weekends, so you can move into your room almost any time (breaks of front-desks: 11:30 – 12:00, 17:00-18:00, 23:30 – 01:00). If the accommodation office is closed, ask for the key at the front desk, provided that you have notified them of your arrival in advance.

You will find all necessary information about accommodation including types of rooms, prices, check in and check out procedures and payment methods at the website of Accommodation and Dining.

Private accommodation

If you prefer private accommodation, check out the Facebook group Spolubydlení Olomouc. It is very popular among Czech students offering rooms or looking for a new housemate.

Remember that if you stay over 90 days in the Czech Republic and live in a private flat/house you will need to register at the Foreign Police office (even if you are an EU citizen).

Meals

Canteen (Menza)

Beverages and snacks are available at any time at the dormitories front desks, but when you get really hungry, have a meal at one of the UP canteens (Menza). The canteens serve high quality Czech and international cuisine at very low prices. There are always many options of warm meals to choose from. UP students and employees pay from 28 to 68 CZK per meal. Soups (15 CZK) and salads (11-22 CZK) are also available. The prices are subject to change. For an updated menu and price list please check: http://menza.upol.cz/webkredit/. The canteens are open throughout the semester, but only on weekdays. Please remember that you can order meals only with a valid ID card. You can pre-order a meal or come and select.

The Accommodation and Dining services provide all the information about menu, ordering, paying, and canteens in English.

Topping up your account via ID card

Before ordering a meal, you first need to top up your ID card either at the cash desk office of the UP Main Canteen (on the left of the main entrance to the hall, far end of the corridor), any snack bar at the dormitories front desks, the snack bar of the Neředín Canteen, or the fast food bar in the Main Canteen (upstairs).

It is also possible to set up an online direct debit payment for dining.

Ordering meals

There are several ways to order a meal: through the website, via Portal, in person using the terminals in each canteen, and also via the Android application which you can download at Google Play.

Find step-by-step instructions HERE.

UP ID Cards

Every student is required to have a student identification card according to the law no. 111/1998 Coll. on universities, which serves as a student’s ID card. There are several practical reasons to arrange your UP ID card soon after your arrival - it will give you access to printing services at UP, cafeteria services, discounts around the town etc. The International Relations Office organizes ISIC Point for incoming exchange students during the time of the Orientation Week and shortly after to help with the process of application. International students at UP can request an ID card according to the following criteria.

Types

Please note that there may be differences based on the type of the programme, length of your stay or cooperation agreement. Students, who participate in the Orientation Week, are always informed about their eligibility criteria.

  • ISIC Card

International Student Identity Card is recommended to degree and short-term international students studying/staying at UP for more than 3 months. This card is also good as a discount card at many sites and at places such as movie theatres. For more information about ISIC see: www.isic.cz/en/

Price: 200 CZK refundable deposit + 250 for the international licence

  • Blue ID card with a photo

The so-called "blue ID card with a photo" is used in electronic services at Palacký University in the same way as the ISIC card, however, does not provide the benefits of ISIC card. It is recommended to students staying for more than 30 days and less than 90 days. It is a great alternative for students who already have ISIC from their home university.

Price: 200 CZK refundable deposit

  • Blue ID card without a photo

The so-called "blue ID card without a photo" is intended for UP visitors who need to access the university premises including basic services.

How to get an ID card

ID cards are issued at the UP Computer Centre (CVT) located at the UP Library (Biskupské náměstí 1, the "Armoury" / "Zbrojnice" building) on the 3rd floor. Do not forget to check their opening hours.

Find more information on ID Cards at the Computer Centre (CVT) website: https://cvt.upol.cz/en/identificationcards/

Sports

There is a great variety of sports activities to choose from in Olomouc. The first thing to catch your eye are the concrete courts right next to the dormitories (Envelopa area); simply find a ball and a few sports enthusiasts and you can go play basketball, football or volleyball. The lawn by the river just begs to host (besides studying and barbecuing) a game of Frisbee. Bikers, in-line skaters, and die-hard joggers find their paradise in the vast Olomouc parks and on bike paths outside of the city.

You can also join a local gym – Sportcentrum Best, Help Fitness Club, Omega or FitCentrum Gambare. At the Regional Centre Olomouc there is the Help Fitness Prestige gym, and another sports venue, the Koruna Club, has great squash courts. There are also lots of places to play tennis, miniature golf and paintball. The same applies to bowling. If you love the water, check out the Olomouc swimming pool or the Aquapark. Interested in dancing? Visit one of the local dance schools or try one of the Latin dance halls for more information. You can also join the Facebook group Salsa/Bachata/Zouk/WCS in Olomouc. Before you start exploring the city, have a look at what the university sports centre has to offer.

Academic Sports Centre (UP ASC)

The contact point of the UP ASC is situated next to the main entrance of the Palacký University Sports Hall (next to the bike shop). You can buy membership passes for the sports programmes there as well. If you have any questions about the sports programmes, please check the Facebook page of the Academic Sports Centre or email: babeta.vankova@upol.cz, tomas.valenta@upol.cz.

Every year, the UP ASC organizes a whole range of various courses. In winter you can even go skiing, learn to snowboard or try snowblading. For adventurous souls there are snowshoe hikes with nights spent in hunting cabins. In summer you can go for an outdoor adventure course of windsurfing or paragliding. For a complete list of all the courses, check the UP ASC website. You can also just rent skis or a tent and experience adventure on your own.

Address and contact:
Sportovní hala (UP Sports Hall),
U sportovní haly 554/2a, Olomouc
web: www.akademikolomouc.cz  
https://www.facebook.com/Akademik-sport-centrum-UP-150393114498 

Sport programmes

There are two types of sport programmes for UP students. The basic programme “Základní program” covers a wide range of sport activities – ball games, dances, aerobics, etc. The specialized programme “Speciální program” focuses on the more exotic sports – climbing, indoor cycling, archery, etc. The whole programme range is available on the UP website at the beginning of each semester (search in Czech). In order to participate you need to first buy a sports pass. Bring your ISIC and one passport photo. The Basic Programme pass is about 600/1,000 CZK per semester/year. Although you are asked to select one sport of preference you want to attend, you are allowed to attend any other sport from the Basic Programme unless they are full. The cost of the Specialized Programme pass varies depending on the selected sport. You can buy the sports card in the first two weeks of the semester at the central canteen (třída 17. listopadu). The UP ASC staff will be there with a printed list of programmes to help you choose the best option for you and tell you more about the courses. The sports passes are available for sale at their office.

Are you into running? Check the regular running practices by Jogito ergo sum www.facebook.com/Radostzpohybu , a project coordinated by the Faculty of Physical Culture.

Culture

There are many ways to find out about exciting places to go, where the gigs or sports matches are taking place. Probably the easiest way is to keep checking the dozens of posters in the hallways of the dormitories, canteens and faculties or the ever-so-useful Internet. Take note of the Calendar of Events and News sections on the university web, for invitations to UP-related events. Information about cultural programmes are also available directly on the websites and the Facebook pages of the relevant theatres, cinemas, establishments and sports centres. Lastly, there are also the Olomouc city webpages www.olomouc.eu and the commercial sites (www.olomouc.cz, www.ol4you.cz, and www.i-olomouc.cz.

For general overview of Olomouc cultural venues please visit section Olomouc Life / Culture.

Religion

Religious organisations and places of worship in Olomouc:

Evangelical churches (Protestant)

Olomouc International Fellowship (English)
We’re a bunch of people living in, or passing through, Olomouc who meet together during uni term time. As an English service of the Czech Baptist church (although those attending are from all denominational backgrounds), we meet on Sunday afternoons at 4pm. Together, we hear God's word read & taught, sing Christian songs, pray and share in the Lord’s Supper (2nd and 4th Sundays). We would love for you to join us - anyone is welcome!
Lípa, Třída Svornosti 2a. Trams 2, 7; stop "Nádraží Město".
Facebook: Olomouc International Fellowship
Bible studies (English):
Neředín on Friday evenings
See also: Palacký University Christian Fellowship (PUCF)

Roman Catholic Churches

Caritas (English Mass)
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 10 am, Křížkovského 6
http://catholiceng-olo.blogspot.cz/
St. Wenceslas Cathedral (katedrála Sv.Václava), Václavské náměstí
St. Maurice Cathedral (katedrála Sv. Mořice), ulice 8. května
St. Michael Church (Michalský kostel), Žerotínovo náměstí
Virgin Mary in the Snow Cathedral (kostel P. Marie Sněžné), náměstí Republiky

The Jewish Centre

Muslim community

Olomouc's Muslim community has facilities in which daily prayers as well as weekly prayers can be offered. The community holds events such as Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha. Halal meat is also sold by the community. E-mail: info@olomoucmuslims.com.

Orthodox church

Church of St. Gorazd , Gorazdovo náměstí

UPoint - The Information Centre and Shop

UPoint - The Information Centre and Shop of Palacký University Olomouc
The Black Dog House
Upper Square 205/12
Monday, Tuesday: 09:00–17:00
Wednesday: 09:00–20:00
Thursday, Friday: 09:00–17:00
Saturday: 09:00-12:00 (July and August closed)
www.upoint.upol.cz/en

Information

UPoint is ready to provide you with a wide range of information about Palacký University and life in Olomouc a great university city. No matter whether you are interested in our various study programmes which are open to all generations, our active Alumni Programme or upcoming cultural and educational events, you will find everything you need to know here.

Gift Items

UPoint offers a variety of souvenirs and useful items (ranging from pens to picnic blankets to university-produced honey or beer). Each item we carry has been carefully chosen for our customers from quality local suppliers.

Fashion Collection

Our graduates have created our own fashion brand called UniWearCity. If you'd like to support your fellow students and class up your wardrobe , stop by and browse our collection of modern shirt and sweatshirt designs.

Books and Publications

Come in and find the most prestigious publications from the university publishing house and from Academic Publishing all in one place. Whether you are looking for a philosophical treatise, an atlas or a relaxing book for your next train journey, UPoint has your choices covered.

Posters and Photos

Here you will find stylish posters from our own university photographers, each of which makes an excellent decoratation for your dormitory room or can be useful in your academic studies. If you prefer to capture a memory for your bedside table, come in and see the large selection of photos and get inspired.

Coffee & Services

UPoint invites you to take a break and relax with a cup of our excellent coffee at UPoint. Additionally, you can recharge your phone, connect to the internet or perhaps fill-in your application to become a part of our fine university.

Shopping

Galerie Šantovka

This brand new shopping mall is in the very centre of Olomouc. In addition to a ton of international fashion brands, it also features a multiplex and a theatre. There is also Albert hypermarket, the largest supermarket in the city centre.
www.galeriesantovka.cz

Globus & OlomoucCITY Shopping Mall

Globus is one of the biggest and cheapest hypermarkets in Olomouc. From the city centre, take bus No. 27 from either the Tržnice or náměstí Hrdinů stop, which goes all the way to Globus/OlomoucCITY, or take tram no. 2 or 7 to the Hřbitovy stop and walk from there.
www.globus.cz, www.mojecity.cz

Olympia Shopping Mall

This shopping mall offers a wide selection of clothing shops. A good place to buy groceries is Albert, the huge supermarket that covers the largest share of the mall. It is at the very back of Olympia. There is a free Olympia shuttle bus, no. 60, which stops in the city centre at náměstí Hrdinů and Tržnice.
www.olympiaolomouc.cz

Centrum Haná Shopping Mall

In many ways this shopping mall is similar to Olympia. Some of the shops are the same, but most of them are different. For groceries and other goods head to the Tesco hypermarket, again the biggest part of the mall. Take tram no. 1, 4 or 6 all the way to the end, the Nová Ulice stop.
www.ochana.cz