Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, is one of the most important student centers of this small state in the heart of Europe. Student life is wonderful. Flexible school attendance, plenty of time to have fun with your friends or enjoy your evenings in pubs or clubs, etc. If you spend this semester in Brno, you are surely interested in what awaits you or what to prepare for in this city.
Living costs (food and accommodation)
Living costs are lower compare the Czech Republic with states in Western Europe. You will pay 6000–8000 CZK per month for food, accommodation, tickets or some small expenses. It also depends on what comfort you are used to. Do you have any problem staying in a 2 or 3-bedded room which belongs to some dormitory? So, you will pay approximately 2500–3500 CZK for one bed per month. In case you live on a private apartment with your classmates the price per month is similar. However, the price may be slightly higher. Definitely enough you pay for a separate room.Do you love food? So, the Czech Republic is the right choice. The traditional Czech cuisine will amaze almost everyone – dumplings-pork-sauerkraut, fruit dumplings or a favorite sirloin in cream sauce. But keep in mind that traditional Czech dishes are heavy and you shouldn't eat it before bedtime. Preparation is equally demanding and requires some practice. Try out, for example, the Stopkova Restaurant at Česká Street, which serves traditional Czech dishes.
You will pay around 100 CZK for a lunch from special lunch menu in restaurant. If you have a lunch in the university canteen, the price is usually half. The quality of the university canteen in Brno is quite good. For example, the canteen at Campus Square offers a huge choice of meals a day, including gluten-free or vegetarian dishes. There is also a university pizzeria.
Transportation
As a student, you can get various discounts, especially in public transportation. You will pay around 685 CZK for the quarterly student ticket. A rich network of buses, trolleybuses and tram lines (in Brno, the tram is called "šalina") will bring you anywhere in Brno. Locals are proud of their sophisticated public transportation system. Unfortunately, underground is not to be found in Brno.If you decide to go out with your friends for a beer at night, don't worry about how to get home. It's easy. The night buses drive out of the main train station every hour or half an hour from 11:00 p.m. and take you to all corners of Brno. The taxi is not necessary.
Nightlife
You definitely cannot count on one hand how many clubs are in Brno. The biggest and most popular ones are Fléda, Favál, Caribic, Mandarin, Exit, Metro Music Bar, 7nebo, etc. If you want to go out for a beer, head out to the center – Freedom Square, Běhounská Street, Kozí Street or Kobližná Steet.Culture and entertainment
Brno is not only a student city, but also a city of culture. You can visit, for example, Moravian Regional Museum, Brno City Museum, Brno Technical Museum, Brno Observatory and Planetarium, VIDA Entertainment Science Park, Moravian Gallery or House of Arts.Do you prefer theater? Choose Bolek Polívka Theater, experimental theatre G-studio, Brno Municipal Theater, Janáček Theater, Mahen Theater, theatre Husa na provázku, HaDivadlo, Marta Studio, Radost Puppet Theater and others.
And what abour cinemas? In addition to several large cinemas – for instance OC Špalíček or OC Olympia, there are also two small cinemas, namely Art and Scala, which feature both film classics and just a few years old blockbusters.
Have a nice semester in Brno!
