Student Life
Housing
UPCES offers pre-approved assigned housing. You will share a spacious apartment with other UPCES students.
Watch the housing video below!
Standard of Apartments
A typical UPCES apartment icludes 3 - 4 bedrooms, a full kitchen with a seating area, a full bathroom, and a half bathroom. All apartments are fully furnished and include internet connection, kitchenware, bedding, towels and household appliances. Each room contains a twin bed, a desk, a chair, a desk lamp, a bureau or a wardrobe and a wastebasket. The apartments are decorated in styles ranging from classic European to modern.
The Housing FAQ
Please read thoroughly, if you still have any questions afterward, contact the Administrative Director Anna Čudová at
When will I receive the housing assignment?
You will receive the application for housing after the official deadline for application for the UPCES study abroad program.
Can I choose my own roommates?
Students are matched with roommates based on their lifestyle preference section you will fill out in the housing application. If possible, we will fulfill the request of living with specific UPCES students.
When can I move into the apartment?
There is a specific day reserved during the first week of orientation for all students to move into their apartments.
UPCES tuition does not include housing costs. The housing cost is paid via credit/debit card or bank transfer directly to your landlord. Housing costs for a full semester can be found on the Estimated Expenses sheet in the tuition section. Prices can vary between housing options, but all approved housing options have comparable locations and amenities.
Sample of lease: Prague Lease Contract
"I loved living independently in Prague with new friends. All of the flats we lived in were in fantastic locations; I shared so many great memories with my flatmates, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience Prague."
-Mimi d'Autremont, UPCES Alumna
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at
UPCES takes every measure to provide our students with quality medical care and attention. We maintain close relationships with physicians that we trust to help our students with their medical needs. We work directly with a number of medical facilities in Prague who have English-speaking staff and specialize in the treatment of international patients. Most of our physicians have practiced medicine in the United States. Also, UPCES tuition provides comprehensive local health insurance for each student's stay in the Czech Republic.
The Safey App
UPCES uses a state-of-the-art system to ensure that all students have a direct line of contact with emergency services and UPCES managers in crisis situations. The SAFEY app, which every students will receive on their phones, uses GPS and communication technology to alert students and staff in real-time about threats to safety worldwide. This allows both students and managers to keep up to date and safe in the case of an emergency.
UPCES Tips For a Safe Semester
Come Prepared
The best way to avoid a medical emergency is to prepare in advance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a copy of your prescription. If you take medication, pack enough for your entire stay. If you have any serious food allergies or restrictions, we recommend bringing a laminated card for your wallet which states this information, so that you can present it in restaurants (our staff will be happy to translate the information into Czech for you.) By considering possible health difficulties in advance, you can save yourself time, stress, and money. UPCES recommends seeing a physician at home to discuss health issues before departure.
Consider Your Mental and Physical Health
Study abroad can be quite physically and mentally challenging for students. Consider your own mental and physical health needs before applying for a study abroad program. If you believe you will face health challenges, take the necessary precautions before your arrival in Prague. The UPCES managers can assist you with any special health needs and will happily advise you on the difficulties you might face.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The most important factor in a safe study abroad experience is the sensible and cautious behavior of UPCES participants. Actions that jeopardize one's own safety and/or the safety of fellow students will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately. It is important that each student is an active participant in his/her own health and safety. Students should consult the UPCES staff to gain further tips on maintaining safety.
Exercise Responsibility
Students are responsible for researching and understanding issues that relate to their safety, health, political, cultural and religious conditions in Prague. Students are expected to respect their fellow UPCES participants, housing partners, housing providers, UPCES personnel, and local authorities.
Covid-19
The best way to learn about Central Europe is to go out and see it. UPCES arranges 4 trips each semester in the Czech Republic and its neighboring countries.
UPCES trips are designed for students to experience the cultural diversity of the region. Students learn about the history of each city and their contemporary cultures, politics, and economies. All trips include transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, accommodation, cultural activities, and free time.
Weekend Trip to Krakow
Each semester includes a 3-night trip to Krakow, Poland, a major cultural city in Central Europe. This trip introduces students to Central Europe outside of Prague and provides an expanded understanding of the region’s culture and history.
- Walking tours of the historic districts
- Entry to famous city museums, monuments, and/or historic buildings
- Side-trip outside of the city to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau
- Accommodation in the city center
Day Trip to Český Krumlov
UPCES students also visit the picturesque castle town of Český Krumlov. This town, situated on a bend in the Vltava River in Southern Bohemia, is best known for its beautiful Baroque castle, well-preserved historic center, and enchanted atmosphere.
- Guided tour of the city's historic Old Town, including the St. Vitus Church, Palace Gardens, Eggenberg Pivovar, and Castle Bridge
- Visit and tour of the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, the famous Renaissance Rooms and Schwarzenberg Baroque Suite
Day Trip to Litoměřice
Another UPCES day trip is to the Bohemian town of Litoměřice, located in Northwest Czech Republic in the region of the Czech Central Mountains. This is one of the oldest Czech towns, nestled in perhaps the most beautiful region in the country.
- Tour of the city's Old Town and historic areas
- Visit and tour of the Ploskovice Castle
- Lunch in a historic restaurant
- Wine tasting in Velké Žernosek vineyard
Day Trip to Kutná Hora
UPCES often offers a day-trip to Kutná Hora, a former silver-mining town which was at one time among the richest towns in the Czech kingdom. The variety of well-preserved architectural monuments reflect its ancient fame and wealth.
- Guided tour of the city's historic medieval center
- Visit to the unique and beautiful Cathedral of St. Barbara
- Excursion to the famous "Bone Church," a chapel decorated with over 40,000 human bones
Day Trip to Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a historic spa town which lies directly west of Prague. The town hosts the massive Karlovy Vary film festival every year and attracts many celebrities to its famous hotel, the Grandhotel Pupp. It also houses thermal hot springs that many people drink from and bathe in.
- Excursion to the Moser Crystal Factory
- Guided tour of historic Karlovy Vary
- A visit to Becherplatz museum and restaurant
View more pictures on the UPCES Facebook Page
Prague is an outdoor museum, filled with a rich heritage of art, architecture, music, and history. In the course of one semester, students develop a genuine understanding of Prague and its people, customs, and abundant charms.
Prague's huge historic center is fully included on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Hundreds of unique and historically precious buildings dot the city, many capped by towering golden spires. Due to this mixture of artistic architectural styles, Prague has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful places to live in all of Europe.
Prague was practically off-limits to Western tourists for almost 50 years. After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, Prague emerged once again as the capital of a sovereign, democratic nation. Today, this "City of a Hundred Spires" has regained its full splendor. Many visitors conclude it is impossible not to fall in love with Prague.
Each semester, UPCES organizes excursions to various museums, events, and cultural activities around Prague. UPCES students are invited to join any of these opportunities free of charge.
"I loved looking up at the spires from the streets and looking down onto a sea of red rooftops from atop those spires. For me, I did the most growing up during those hours when I would purposely get lost."
- Danielle St. Pierre, UPCES Alumna
Outdoors
Prague is world-renowned for its parks and outdoor spaces. The city center is surrounded by large green spaces perfect for strolling, playing sports, and relaxing with friends. For additional entertainment, cross the picturesque bridges spanning the Vltava River. Prague is also well-known for its many opportunities for hiking, with excellent trails right within the city limits.
Sports
Without question there are two sports that rise far above the rest in the Czech Republic. These sports are soccer and ice hockey. In Prague, both sports are represented by two rival teams, Sparta and Slavia. The value of a night at a sporting event is tremendous. Tickets are affordable, and there are plenty of delicious snacks that can be bought on the cheap.
Theater
For centuries, Prague has been an international center for theater. The city is dotted with historic theater halls with storied pasts. In fact, Mozart premiered two of his operas in the beautiful Estates Theatre in Old Town.
Today, it seems that every night of the week there is a ballet, symphony, opera, dance, or drama performance to attend in Prague. Students can purchase most theater tickets at generously discounted prices. Prague is also on the world concert circuit and attracts excellent performers.
Architecture
Prague's preserved city center is a rarity in modern Europe. Its architectural heritage includes an array of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Cubist buildings. The city encompasses, and is surrounded by, dozens of castles, chateaux, and historic ruins.
Prague boasts many buildings by renowned architects, including Adolf Loos and Jean Nouvel. Among its contemporary buildings is the world-renowned Dancing House, designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry in 1992. The city is also dotted with art installments by the famous, and controversial, Czech artist David Cerny.
Recreation
Among the city's limitless recreational options, the Prague Zoo may be the best kept secret. Despite being named the World's 4th Best Zoo by Forbes magazine, most tourists (and locals) never make it to this garden paradise just north of the city center. Unlike most zoos, the animals here are kept in open-air environments that are as natural as possible. Visitors are transported to a world far different from the city just beyond the gates. Don't miss it!
Outdoor Markets
If you're looking for a treat, a gift, or just a very special atmosphere, head to Prague's many outdoor markets. The squares of Prague bustle with markets from March to October. The city's Christmas and Easter markets are the most famous, and rank among the best in Europe. Old Town Square draws the biggest crowds, with vendors selling hand-made goods and culinary treats. Farmers' markets are ever more popular in Prague as well, so for fresh local produce, head to Namesti Republiky, Jiriho z Podebrad, or the riverside of the Vltava on Saturday mornings.
Eating
Finding places to eat in Prague's downtown area is always enjoyable. Within the city's maze-like winding streets, old churches, and stunning squares, you can find delicious cuisine in most restaurants, including traditional Czech food and many types of ethnic cuisine, from Italian and French to Thai, and even Mexican. If you want to save some money and still enjoy delicious food, just hop on the metro and visit some of the many restaurants outside the city center.
Transportation
Prague has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. Its system of trams, metros, buses, and boats (yes, boats!) make it one of the most navigable cities in Europe. A Prague resident can get just about anywhere in the city, at any time, without ever needing a taxi. UPCES students receive a metro pass for unlimited use of the public transportation system.
Festivals
Prague hosts a seemingly endless number of music, film, art, and literature festivals throughout the year. Music festivals include the Prague Spring International Music Festival, the Autumn International Music Festival and the Prague Organ Festival. Film festivals include the Febiofest, the One World Fest, FAMU Fest, and Echoes of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
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