Survival Guide

Orientation Week

Orientation Week is held by ESN one week before the semester starts and it provides you a lot of important information which will help you to settle in the Czech Republic. It is strongly recommended to attend this program. During this week you will get to know the main bureaucratic procedures at CTU.

In addition, we will help you to make new local and international friends through parties, games and a lot of trips. You shouldn’t miss this great opportunity!

This is preliminary programme. Events may be moved to another days of the week. Times of the events may change slightly. Details will be added during January.

DAY 1 – Monday (9 February)

Initial information meeting

  • When: 13:30 – 16:30 (room opens at 13:15)
  • Where: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, room T4:D2-256
  • Topics:
    • Official welcome
    • How to enroll in courses and sports at CTU
    • Life in the Czech Republic and how to survive in Prague
    • ESN membership
    • ESN teams and activities
    • Health and property insurance
    • Visa regulations

Slides from the Initial information meeting

Tandem Evening

A unique program for improving your language learning and teaching skills organized by ESN Languages team

DAY 2 – Tuesday (10 February)

Registration at faculties

Note: This is only for Erasmus students and Exchange students. Degree students (those who are studying for a CTU degree), and also Erasmus Mundus students, please contact your Faculty coordinators at your study department.

Registration at your faculty is mandatory. If you can't attend this registration, you need to inform your faculty!

For the registration at faculties, you need to have the University ID username and password already. See KOS (Study information system).

Note: Even if you have courses at multiple faculties, you only need to attend the registration at the ‘main’ faculty you have in your learning agreement.

  • In-person registration:
    • Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEL / FEE) – 9:00, room T2:C3-340
    • Faculty of Transportation (FD / FT) – 9:00, building Konviktská 20, Prague 1; room 205
    • Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FS / FME) – 9:00, room T4:C2-136
    • Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (FBMI / FBME) – 9:00 in Kladno building (náměstí Sítná 3105, Kladno), room KL:B-435
    • Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies (MÚVS / MIAS) – 10:00, room 103 (at the ground floor)
  • On-line registration: (faculty coordinator have already contacted you via e-mail with instructions)
    • Faculty of Civil Engineering (FSv / FCE)
    • Faculty of Information Technology (FIT)
    • Faculty of Architecture (FA)
  • You will need:
    • A government-issued ID (e.g. passport)
    • University ID username and password (a.k.a. KOS login information)
    • A pen
  • You will receive:
    • The list of your classes
    • Your schedule

Prague Discovery Game

A great treasure hunt across Prague organized by the ESN Activities team

inteGREATion party

Get to know each other at the very first ESN inteGREAT party and have fun!

DAY 3 – Wednesday (11 February)

Registration at faculties

  • In-person registration:
    • Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering (FJFI / FNSPE) – 9:30, building Trojanova 339/13, Praha 2, room T-209
  • See Registration on Tuesday for further information

Second information meeting

DAY 4–7 – Thursday to Sunday (12–15 February)

Trips around the Czech Republic

One-day or two-day events introducing you to a lot of interesting places

  • When/Where: different times and places for each trip, further information on DAY 3 during the Second information meeting
  • Do not forget:
    • Cash
    • Small snacks and beverages
    • Comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes
    1. Thursday
    2. 12
    3. February
    4. 12:00

    Třeboň: The home of fish & Regent brewery

    We are going to take you to the South Bohemia region, specifically to the historical city of Třeboň, whose history dates back to the 12th century. Since 16th century, this region is well known for its ponds and fish farming 🐟 – especially carps, which are traditionally served with potato salad as a Czech Christmas Eve dinner. 🎄🍽

    🚂 Right after the arrival to Třeboň we are going to take a tour throughout the Třeboň Palace 🏰, which was founded in the 14th century. The tour will take you to the era of the 17th–19th century, when the region was owned by the House of Schwarzenberg. After the palace tour and a lunch 🍽 we will continue to the Bohemia Regent brewery 🍻🏭 – a small local brewery founded in 1379, where we are going to take a tour.

    ► Detail!

    1. Thursday
    2. 12
    3. February
    4. 12:00

    Prague Adventures

     Ready to wander through Prague, the city of a hundred spires? We'll enjoy a walk through the city as we take you to Prague’s most important sights, like the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge or the Old Town Square. You’ll hear interesting stories and enjoy great views from a tower along the way.

    Come along for a fun day discovering Prague with a local!

    ► Detail!

    1. Friday
    2. 13
    3. February
    4. 12:00

    The Czech Grand Canyon and Karlstejn castle

    Join us for a full-day adventure to two of the most iconic places near Prague!

    We’ll start with a hike to Great America Quarry – often called the Czech Grand Canyon. Expect epic views, nature, and a proper walk to wake you up.

    After that, we continue on foot towards the legendary Karlštejn Castle, one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic.

    ► Detail!

    1. Saturday
    2. 14
    3. February
    4. 12:00

    Brno - grand history and modern vibe

    Discover Brno with us! As the second-largest city in the country, it has a huge student population that creates a great cafe culture and a nightlife scene as exciting as any major capital. You will wander through a historic center full of "must-see" sights, from the ancient fortress on the hill to the legendary Brno dragon guarding the old passages. Brno is the perfect mix of grand history and a relaxed, modern vibe, making it a great place for an unforgettable group adventure. Every corner of the city reveals a fun legend or a hidden terrace, offering a real experience away from the usual tourist crowds.

    ► Detail!

    1. Sunday
    2. 15
    3. February
    4. 12:00

    Český Krumlov: A hidden gem of the Czech Republic Sunday February 15th

    Join us for an unforgettable cultural escape to Český Krumlov, one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic historical towns and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site 🏰.

    Founded in the 13th century, the town has been a crossroads of culture and tradition, home to artists, nobles, and craftsmen whose influence is etched in every stone and spire.

    Enjoy a walk in the picturesque Český Krumlov castle, a traditional Czech lunch and an exhibition of local Moldavite glass. ✨

    ► Detail!

    1. Sunday
    2. 15
    3. February
    4. 12:00

    Karlovy Vary

    Join us for a day trip to Karlovy Vary, one of the most beautiful spa towns in the Czech Republic. The trip includes lunch, a visit to the Becherovka Museum, a cable car ride, and a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the city. You will also have time to explore the historic town center and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Karlovy Vary.

    ► Detail!

Please keep in mind there are four types of students: Erasmus students, Exchange students, Erasmus Mundus students and Private (self-paying) students. Private (self-paying) students and Erasmus Mundus students, please, contact their coordinators at their study department for information about visa issues, registration at faculties, etc.