Living in Olomouc as a Student
Studying abroad is a unique experience that opens new doors. Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming at first, but Olomouc is a student city where it's easy to settle in and find your place. With its welcoming atmosphere, lively student community, and affordable living, it won’t take long before you feel comfortable here.
Affordable and Comfortable City
As a smaller city, not burdened by over-tourism, Olomouc maintains an affordable cost-of-living. This extends to the student population, so you can forget overpriced rent and expensive meals. Dormitory prices start at just 2,400 CZK per month, and you can get a meal in the university canteen for just a few crowns. That means more savings for what really matters – like traveling around Europe or enjoying evenings at one of the many amazing cafés.
Where to Live?
Most students stay in university dorms – they’re affordable and located in the center of student life. But if you want more privacy, renting a flat is also an option, and the prices are much more reasonable than in other student cities.
Easy and Quick to Get Around
The city is compact, so you can walk almost anywhere. Prefer biking? Great! Olomouc has excellent cycling paths. And if you don’t feel like walking or biking, public transport is cheap and reliable – trams run from early morning until late at night, all throughout the city.
Historic but Not Overcrowded
Olomouc is one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic, but unlike Prague, it’s not overrun by tourists. The city has kept its authentic student vibe, meaning that cafés, bars, and cultural events are designed for locals, not just visitors. Not being crowded by tourists also means prices are not inflated, making the city more affordable.
Green Spaces in the Heart of the City
Need a break from lectures? Just head to Bezruč Park or Smetana Park, where you can grab a coffee, relax on the grass, or go for a run. And if you're looking for an evening chill spot, many parks have beer gardens where students gather on warm nights.
A Foodie City
Olomouc has a thriving gastronomical theme from local Czech food, to cafés, Vietnamese, Mexican, BBQ, Italian, Japanese, Greek, Thai and more. Of course, you can also get good food from the university canteens for around 100Kč (4$). Or, you could even cook in the dormitory kitchens or your apartment, depending on where you end up staying.
Safety & Weather
Olomouc is a very safe city – you can walk around at night without worry. The Czech Republic is one of the safest countries in the world, so you’ll feel secure even as an international student.
As for the weather, Olomouc enjoys a comfortable continental climate. Summer temperatures can reach 35 degrees celsius, while winter can drop minus 10, but don’t worry the winter market more than make up for that!
Culture, Sports, and Festivals
There’s always something happening in Olomouc. Academia Film Olomouc (AFO) is the biggest science film festival in Europe, bringing together film lovers and science enthusiasts. The student-run Majáles is a lively spring festival filled with concerts, parades, and celebrations. Meet UP is a great opportunity to connect with other students, both Czech and international, in a fun and relaxed setting. If you’re into sports, the university sports center offers a wide range of activities, from canoeing and yoga to Quidditch and bouldering. There are also many city sports clubs where you can try everything from martial arts to rock climbing.
Stay Organized with UPlikace
As a UP student, you’ll have access to UPlikace – the university mobile app where you can check your schedule, find out what’s on the canteen menu, and stay updated on campus events.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store for Android OS or from the App Store for iOS.
Studying in Olomouc isn’t just about attending lectures – it’s a way of life. Come join us and experience it for yourself!
