Useful Information
Student Guide UPOL app
Mobile app for International students of Palacký University in Olomouc. UPlication gives you detailed information regarding your arrival to Olomouc, regarding the exchange study at Palacký University, information about how to spend your leisure time and more.
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Let´s join Erasmus+ and come to study in the Czech Republic - videos:
for academics: https://youtu.be/CfhF_Y9Vwlc
for students: https://www.studyin.cz/
VISA
The following information only sums up the basic and most important facts and requirements. Always check the current conditions on the website of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contact the nearest Czech embassy for updated and complete information.
Visa requirements according to the country of origin
- EU citizens + citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need any visa, just a travel document on entering the country (ID, passport).
- Foreign nationals from outside the EU do need a visa. There are two types – short and long term visa. The short term residency visa (type C) is valid for max. 90 days. The residency visa for more than 90 days (long term visa type D) is valid for 1 year and allows the foreign citizen to travel repeatedly into and out of Czech territory. The residence of foreign nationals in the Czech Republic is governed by the Act on the Residence of Aliens in the Territory of the Czech Republic (Act 326/99, as amended).
You must apply for (and obtain) a visa before your departure to the Czech Republic. The processing time is up to 60 days (but might take longer) and therefore it is recommended to apply for a residency permit as soon as you receive the letter of acceptance.
The following documents are required for a student visa or a residency permit. They need to be less than 1 month old:
- Completed application
- A valid passport and passport photos
- Documents related to the purpose of the stay (e.g. a letter of acceptance from the host institution
- Proof of funds for your stay (e.g. a bank statement or a confirmation of being the beneficiary of a grant)
- Affidavit that you will not be receiving any social benefits.
- Proof of accommodation – this is submitted by the University directly to the embassy via data box, you can request a print-out
- Proof of health insurance valid in the Czech Republic – a complex one, not a basic one!
- A criminal records check
Citizens of selected countries may be required to provide extra documents – e.g. health card report (African countries), etc. The original or a certified copy of the documents must be submitted. Prepare to have them translated into Czech.
This list above is just to give you an idea, for detailed information please see:
If you need help with arranging your visa, please contact the International Relations Office.
For detailed information about visa requirements, please see the UP Guide.
ACCOMMODATION
- UP Dormitories
The university provides housing to students if required. The dormitories are situated within a ten-minute walk or 20- minute tram ride from the main building of the University. There are some single-rooms available, however most students share rooms with one or two other students.
Dormitory Accommodation Office:
If you have any questions about accommodation of international students for periods exceeding 1 month, please contact the persons on this link: https://skm.upol.cz/en/contacts-of-skm/#c16446
For general information about dormitory accommodation, please see: https://skm.upol.cz/en/
- Privat
Another option is to find a shared apartment on Facebook.
ORIENTATION WEEK
OW is regularly organized a week before the official beginning of semester (classes) by the central International Relations Office (IRO UP) in cooperation with Erasmus Student Network (ESN) UP Olomouc, you will be introduced to how things work at Palacký University, the faculties and the departments.
More information about the OW programme is on: https://www.upol.cz/en/students/exchange-students/orientation-week/
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Travelling in the Czech Republic
Train and coach
There are several ways to get around the Czech Republic. If travelling by train, check these websites of Czech railway companies: www.cd.cz/en/default.htm and www.regiojet.cz or www.le.cz. If you decide to travel by coach, you can have a look at: www.studentagency.eu and https://www.eurolines.eu/ or https://www.flixbus.cz/
Car
If you decide to travel by car, you should keep in mind the driving rules in the Czech Republic:
- zero alcohol tolerance
- no use of mobile phones and other communication devices while driving
- mandatory use of seat belts
- mandatory use of headlights at all times
- mandatory use of helmets by cyclists and motorcyclists
Speed limits: In-town speed limit: 50 km/h, Roads: 90 km/h, Motorways: 130 km/h
You can check the validity of your driving licence here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving-licence/driving-licence-exchange-recognition/czechia/index_en.htm
Important information for drivers: https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/information-for-drivers.aspx
Always carry your driving license, ID, and vehicle registration documents with you in your car as you may be fined if you do not. You must purchase a pass to be able to use Czech motorways. You can buy one-year, one-month, or ten-day passes, which are all available at border crossings, post offices, and petrol stations. Rented cars automatically come with the pass in the window. To rent a car, you usually must be at least 21 and have held your license for one year.
Airplane
If you are planning to travel by plane, you will likely arrive at the international Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) or Vienna Airport (Austria, VIE). Low cost companies also fly to Brno and Ostrava or Bratislava (Slovakia). For more, see their respective websites.
Getting from Prague airport to Olomouc
Travelling from Prague to Olomouc by train is the most comfortable way, and that is why we suggest you go for this option. The Prague Public Transport Company offers a special airport bus providing direct connection between the airport and the Main Railway Station (http://www.dpp.cz/en/bus-ae-airport-express). Bus No. 119 runs every 10 minutes from 4:30 to 23:30 between the airport and Dejvická metro station. You need to purchase a 32 CZK ticket at a newspaper stand or from the yellow ticket machines at the bus stop. This ticket is valid within the whole city network for 90 minutes. Change at Dejvická station to metro line A, go to Muzeum station, and change to metro line C, and get off at Hlavní Nádraží (Main Railway Station, abbrev. Praha Hl. n.). Info: http://www.dpp.cz/en/daytime-operation/
You could take a taxi but the airport tends to have the highest charging taxis; please be aware that Prague taxi-drivers are infamous for overcharging foreigners. If you still prefer to go by taxi, we suggest calling the private service UBER. For more info https://www.uber.com/
Travelling from Prague to Olomouc
At the Main Railway Station you need to buy a ticket to Olomouc (which is pronounced something like “O-lo-moats”). The best thing is to find ČD Centrum (Czech Railways Information Office), where the staff speak English. A single ticket from Prague to Olomouc is around 250 CZK (ISIC holders can get 75% discount). You can decide if you want to travel with Czech Railways or with private companies such as Regiojet: www.regiojet.cz or Leo express www.le.cz
The trip to Olomouc takes about 3 hours, depending on the type of train that you take.
Getting from the Vienna airport to Olomouc
The most comfortable way to get from Vienna airport to Olomouc is to use private transport companies which offer multiple times-a-day express connection direct from the airport: www.studentagency.cz or https://www.leoexpress.com/en or https://www.flixbus.cz/.
UP ID Card
Students are required to have an identification card (ID card) in accordance with Act. No. 111/1998 Coll. of the Higher Education Schools. Students of full-time studies can choose either green ISIC cards with international validity, which are subject to a charge (http://www.isic.cz ), or so-called standard blue ID card with Palacký University logo, which is designated to other types of studies. An ID card is the most important card you will need at UP.
How to get the UP ID card?
1. Send an e-mail with the information what kind of card you want (ISIC or other, see bellow) and with your photograph (JPG format) to karty@upol.cz .
2. Please make a reservation for a slot at the ID card office reservation system https://rezervace.upol.cz/karty .
3. Pick up your card at the reserved time at this address:
Palacký University in Olomouc
Centrum výpočetní techniky (Computer Centre)
Biskupské nám. 1| 771 11 Olomouc
Room Nr.: 3.87
Phone: +420 585 631 840
Email: karty@upol.cz
4. Pay cash or by card for the ID card directly in the ID card office.
ID card types
- ID card ISIC is an international card that provides the holder with a variety of discounts and benefits while also being the university identification card that lets you use all the services that UP provides. All IC users are provided with some benefits at UP such as registration at Accommodation and Dining facilities, borrowing services of UP Libraries, entrances to rooms and buildings UP. These services are gradually expanded both inside and outside UP (e.g. Public Transportation, Research Library in Olomouc, etc.).
- Students of combined studies or students arriving for less than 30 days will receive a standard blue ID card with Palacký University logo. This card is also meant for students of full-time study programs who do not want to have an ISIC card and for students of other types of study programs. It is valid only at Palacky University.
Deposit of 200 CZK must be paid for both types of ID cards. The deposit is refundable upon the end of studies. There is an additional license fee 250 CZK for ISIC. ISIC card international validity is from September to December of the following year. Card validity is pre-printed on the front page of the card. Students can prolong the international validity of the ISIC card for the next academic year. In order to prolong the validity students can purchase a validation stamp for 250 CZK.
Use of ISIC card
Within Palacký University:
- Eat at student’s canteen
- Borrow books in libraries
- Copy and print
- Access buildings or lecture rooms
- Access the internet on computers in Zbrojnice and at faculties.
Outside Palacký University:
- Processing of DPMO card
- ID card to Research Library in Olomouc
Detailed information about ID cards are avilable on: https://cvt.upol.cz/en/identificationcards/#c6361.
DINING
Beverages and snacks are available at any time at the dorms front desks, but when you get really hungry, have a meal at one of the UP dining halls - Canteen (MENZA). The dining halls serve high quality Czech and international cuisine at very low prices. There are always at least 7 options of ready-to-serve and quickly prepared meals to choose from.
Dining online
Once you are logged in www.portal.upol.cz, click on the Canteen. If you want to switch to the English version of the site and menu, click on the UK flag in the upper right corner. Translations are usually provided one week in advance.
Menza App
The application ‘MobilKredit2’ for Android is now available (including an English version). To download go to https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=anete.droid.mobilkredit
User terminals
Food ordering terminals are in every canteen. The system is user-friendly. Select a language and place your ISIC card against the terminal, then select the date, canteen, and meal. By swiping the card once more you log out of the system.
MEDICAL CARE
- At the Dormitories there is a medical company. The company calls MOJE AMBULANCE, a. s. There is avilable a general practitioner, a dentist, a gynecologist and massages.
Open hours: Wednesday and Friday from 13:30 till 17:30
Address: J. L. Fischera, blok B, Šmeralova 10, 779 00 Olomouc, campus Envelopa
Tel: +420 581 074 200
- Or you can contact Mrs. Darina Kaiprová, a general practitioner speaking English, Vojenská nemocnice Olomouc, address: Sušilovo nám. 5, 771 11 Olomouc. Before your visit Mrs. Kaiprová, write her an email to kaiprovad@vnol.cz, with an attachment of a copy of your health insurace paper. Website:https://www.vnol.cz/index.php/cs/oddeleni/prakticky-lekar-pro-dospelehttps://www.vnol.cz /index.php/cs/
In urgent cases, students are advised to go to the Accidents and Emergencies Department of the Olomouc University Hospital. The opening hours are from 3 pm to 7 am on week days and from 7 am to 7 pm at weekends. You must produce a proof of medical expenses insurance. If you need to go to hospital, take tram 1, 5 or 6 in the direction of “Nová Ulice” and get off at the “Fakultní nemocnice” stop.
For medical specialists and services, visit the main Olomouc healthcare centres such as:
- Olomouc University Hospital, address I. P. Pavlova 6, www.fnol.cz,
- Health Centre “Poliklinika” Olomouc, address: Třída Svobody 32, www.poliklinikaolomouc.cz
- SPEA Olomouc, s.r.o., address: nám. Národních hrdinů 769/2, https://www.spea.cz/639.html
Although the doctors do speak basic English, we recommend bringing a Czech-speaking friend along (your buddy).
If you have difficulties finding a general practitioner, or a specialist, the General Health Insurance Company of the Czech Republic (VZP) should be able to find you one.
STUDY FACILITIES
Facebook UP
Although the university Facebook page is in Czech, it is still very useful to subscribe, as it provides a ton of tips and news so that you do not miss out on any events: https://www.facebook.com/univerzita.palackeho
ESN UP OLOMOUC
As part of the international student organization Erasmus Student Network, each year the ESN UP Olomouc, http://esn.upol.cz/, is here for several hundred exchange students who choose to study at any of the eight faculties of Palacký University in Olomouc. There are volunteers who help you on the basis of students helping students. At the beginning of your study abroad, you will especially appreciate the buddy system and the afternoon programme of Orientation Week.
Papaya
The buddy system called Papaya is based on communication between exchange students and Czech ‘buddy’ students. Buddies contact their foreign counterparts via email, advise them on how to reach Olomouc, answer their questions, pick them up at the station, take them to the dorms, etc. This system facilitates the foreigners’ integration into the Czech environment and is beneficial for both parties. To get your buddy, register at https://papaya.iter-idea.com/auth, fill in your profile and your Czech buddy will pick you. For further information please contact ESN UP at buddy@esn.upol.cz.
UP Library – ZBROJNICE (armoury)
Palacký University Library provides in-house use for studying in the library and also loan services for studying outside of the library. Charge out services are limited to students of Palacký University, employees of university and other categories of users (eg. Graduates). Teachers and doctoral students participating in teaching can borrow even in-house use documents. As a library card works your ID card (ISIC). Self-service copying and printing machines are available at all library branches. The copying is a paid service based on ID card with a pre-paid credit.
Special Needs Centre
If you need assistance because of a physical disability, please contact the Support Centre for Students with Special Needs. The centre is at the Faculty of Education. Counselling is available on personal request. If need be, the counselling can take place outside the Centre’s premises.
Learning Czech
The Faculty of Arts provides a free course of Czech for Foreigners for international short-term students throughout the academic year. The course starts at the beginning of each semester. There are always courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. Students who regularly attend the course, fulfil the tasks and pass the final exam are granted credits for the semester course.
Czech language courses
Aside from Czech language courses designed for international short-term students, there are also tailored courses of Czech language for prospective international students, who are planning to join a BA or MA programme.
UPLIFT – Language School
The UPLIFT language school at the UP Faculty of Arts provides highest-quality language education to companies, students, academic workers, and the general public. In addition to common language courses, preparatory courses for internationally recognised tests in German (ÖSD) and English (IELTS) are offered. Apart from such commonly offered languages as English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian, even more exotic languages such as Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese, and Swedish are taught thanks to hired university lecturers. UP employees, students, and alumni have a 10% discount for all group language services.
Academic Sport Centre (UP ASC)
Sport activities are organised by the UP Academic Sport Centre. Palacký University students and emloyees can choose from a wide range of sport activities. You can use playing fields located in the close proximity of the dormitories or take part in various contests in the UP Sports Hall or in the boathouse. Facilities such as tennis courts, a minigolf course, a laser arena, a go-cart track and a paintball field are available to you, among others. The main goal of the UP Academic Sport Centre (UP ASC) is to ensure a rich offer of attractive sport and recreation activities for UP students, employees and public at unbeatably low prices. UP ASC coordinates all its activities with the UP long-term vision. More than three dozen regular sporting activities, several summer and winter sports courses, and educational programmes for lecturers are staffed by five UP core employees and six dozen external lecturers. Registration is required in order to make use of the UP ASC sport programmes.
UPoint
UP information centre and shop
The information centre of Palacký University, shop, reading room, and community centre – all of this is housed in UPoint. Over an area of two hundred square metres, you'll find a designer fashion collection, high-quality souvenirs, books from the University Press, as well as information about the University and the services it provides.
Arts Centre „KONVIKT“
The Baroque building of the former Jesuit boarding school is one of the oldest parts of the University of Olomouc. After a demanding and generous reconstruction, Palacký University has obtained a large historical complex with many original interiors. Five art-orientated departments of the Faculty of Arts and Pedagogical Faculty received new auditoriums and classrooms, studios, representative conference halls for international meetings, and offices for students and teachers.
Useful links
- Facebook UP
https://www.facebook.com/univerzita.palackeho - Palacký University YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/user/Palacký University - Study in the Czech Republic:
https://www.studyin.cz/ - University International Relations Office:
https://iro.upol.cz/en/ - Erasmus Student Network (ESN) UP Olomouc:
http://esn.upol.cz/ - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic:
https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/index.html - Foreign Police Olomouc
https://www.policie.cz/clanek/nr-pro-vs-ocp-odbor-cizinecke-policie.aspx - University Hospital Olomouc
https://www.fnol.cz/kontakt - Public transport in Olomouc
https://www.dpmo.cz/en/ - Banking details of the Palacký University
https://www.upol.cz/kontakty/