LIFE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Winter in the Czech Republic
The temperatures during the Czech winter period may vary considerably in different years. Usually, the temperature stays around 0 °C, yet some snow may be expected. In tough winters, temperatures may drop to around -10 °C and they are accompanied by a lot of snow (usually less in large cities than in the countryside). In mild winters, they may stay above 0 °C for most of the time.
The infrastructure of the country is very well prepared for tough winters, so public transportation, roads, trains, and services in general may operate normally even during very cold and/or heavy snow periods.
Brazilian students participating in the UNIGOU Exchange program are recommended to buy winter clothing after arriving in the Czech Republic. They are cheaper and more suitable for winter than the ones commonly accessible in Brazil.
Public Transportation
All large Czech cities have a dense and well-organized public transportation system, which usually covers all city areas and operates 24 hours a day. In Prague there is the option of subway, trams and buses. In the other cities, there is the option of trams and buses. Surely one of them will give you the way to get anywhere in the city. By joining the UNIGOU program, you will receive the student transportation card that will allow you to travel unlimited in your city during your entire stay.
University's Accommodation
By joining the UNIGOU program, Brazilian students can take advantage of the opportunity to live a real Czech student life in one of the university halls of residence. In these dormitories, each student shares a flat with other students from anywhere in the world, which definitely provides a more complete local student experience.
The university campuses in the Czech Republic are usually not centralised. As universities have grown over the centuries and decades, the university buildings may be spread around the city, and the same applies to the dormitory facilities. Each university usually has several dormitory buildings with different amenities that are located in different parts of the city.
University's Restaurants
By joining the UNIGOU program you will get access to the university’s restaurants and canteens. This will reduce your food expenses, considering that university restaurants are substantially cheaper than public places.
The university restaurants offer several different options of main dishes every day and you can choose between them according to your preference. You also have a wide choice of salads, soups, deserts, and drinks that you can add to your meal as a complement. The price of your meal will vary according to the choice of the main dish and additional complements (drinks, deserts, salads, etc.). An average price of a meal for a student, including a main dish and a beverage, is about 3,00 EUR.
Safety
The Czech Republic is in general a very safe place, including large cities. For example, Prague is considered to be one of the safest capitals in Europe. Acts of violence are very rare in the city and, because of that, Czech citizens and foreigners are used to walk on the streets of Prague at any hour of the day or night. The same applies to the other cities as well. Of course, prudence for possible pickpockets is always welcome in any part of the world.