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!

DAY 1 – Monday (15 September)

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 (16 September)

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 (17 September)

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 (18–21 September)

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 2 during the Second information meeting
  • Do not forget:
    • Cash
    • Small snacks and beverages
    • Comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes
    1. Thursday
    2. 18
    3. September
    4. 8:00

    Karlovy Vary - Experience hot springs, spas, beautiful architecture, nature, and herbal liquor tastings!

    Karlovy Vary is a historic city with stunningly beautiful architecture. Filled with healing hot springs and sandstone promenades, it is a sight to behold. Not only will we see this beauty up close, but we will also take a cable car and see it from above, surrounded by the calming forests that surround this city. A guided tour of the Emperor's spa and many more are included as well!

    ✅ Walk through the historical promenades of Karlovy Vary

    ✅ See the largest thermal spring in the Czech Republic

    ✅ Have a guided tour of the Emperor's spa

    ✅ Get on a lookout tower and see the whole of the old town

    ✅ Visit the butterfly house with live butterflies

    ✅ See ponies and pigs in an animal zoo

    ✅ Walk through the spa forests and visit many lookouts and historical places

    ✅ Late lunch

    ✅ Tour of Becherplatz and Becherovka tasting (local herbal liquor similar to Jaegermeister) 

    ► Online reservation!

    1. Thursday
    2. 18
    3. September
    4. 14:00

    Prague trip

    🏰 Explore Vyšehrad & Petrin Hill with Us! 🌳

    Discover the ancient castle Vysehrad standing above the Moldau river. We will follow the riverbank where you can enjoy the chilling atmosphere during the hot summer days. (maybe we might take a break at the traditional Cafe Savoy on the way to Petrin). We will ascend to the breath-taking Petrin Hill and explore it's scenic views. If we make it to the top at the right time we will enjoy the little Eiffel Tower.

    ► Online reservation!

    1. Friday
    2. 19
    3. September
    4. 8:00

    Český Krumlov: A hidden gem of the Czech Republic

    Step Back in Time with a Day Trip to Český Krumlov 🇨🇿✨
     
    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 guided tour of the picturesque Český Krumlov castle, a traditional Czech lunch and a museum offering a rare glimpse to the past of South Bohemia. ✨
     
    Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most captivating towns — where every corner tells a story. 🤩

    ► Online reservation!

    1. Saturday
    2. 20
    3. September
    4. 7:30

    Medieval city of Kutná Hora ⛪☠️⛏️

    On this trip we will take you to the UNESCO world heritage site – the medieval city of Kutná Hora, one of the most important Czech royal cities 👑, the city of silver and royal mint. Gothic architecture and a well-known church. 

    On our visit list are a jewel of the Late Gothic period, the Cathedral of St. Barbara ⛪, 14th century Cathedral Sedlec, unique church, and medieval silver mines. If you play PC games, you might be interested in fact, that game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is set in this city.

    ► Online reservation!

    1. Saturday
    2. 20
    3. September
    4. 8:00

    Expedition Kokořín

    🏞️ The Great Bohemian Expedition — A Day of Discovery, Legend & Wine 🍷

    Escape the city and journey into the mythical landscapes of Máchův kraj — a region rich in natural wonders, legends, and timeless Czech charm. 🌲

    Our adventure begins with a scenic train ride from Prague, where city views give way to rolling hills, deep forests, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. 🛤️

    On arrival, we’ll hike through surreal rock formations, hidden caves, and quiet wilderness — home to rare wildlife like wolves. 🐺🌿

    Next, we’ll conquer the majestic Kokořín Castle, where sweeping views await from its historic towers. 🏰✨

    To celebrate our journey, we’ll head to the charming town of Mělník for a traditional Czech wine festival. Enjoy music, vibrant atmosphere, and a toast to adventure. 🍇🎶

    We return to Prague full of stories, memories, and the spirit of Bohemia.

    ► Detail!

    1. Sunday
    2. 21
    3. September
    4. 10:30

    Canyon & Castle Hike (Velká Amerika and Karlštejn)

    Discover Nature & History on a Budget! 🌄🏰


    Join us for a day trip to the stunning Velká Amerika, known as the "Czech Grand Canyon" — a breathtaking limestone quarry with dramatic views. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour hike through nearby canyons, followed by a lunch break at a local Czech restaurant (not included).

    In the afternoon, explore the iconic Karlštejn Castle, built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, with a guided tour. We’ll travel by bus and return to Prague by train in the evening. A perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure — without breaking the bank!

    🤑 The price includes transport (bus there and train back) and castle tour tickets

    💳 Bring your ISIC card and a valid ticket for Prague public transport (otherwise you might have to pay extra)

    🥾 Keep in mind that we’ll walk about 10 km on hiking trails no matter the weather, so please bring appropriate shoes and clothing

    ► Online reservation!

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.