Student Life

Arriving in Prague

The first week of the NYU Prague program includes intensive Czech classes, cultural programs, sightseeing and other events to welcome students and familiarize them with life in Prague. There is also a lecture series organized to provide students with an understanding of Czech history and the current political environment before classes commence.

In the past, orientation activities have included a guided tour of the Prague Castle combined with a guest talk given by President Havel's Chief of Protocol, Miroslav Sklenar; guided tours of the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter; excursions to galleries and museums; tickets to cultural events such as concerts, operas or ballets at the renowned performance spaces of the State Opera House, The Estates Theater or the Rudolfinum.

Orientation workshops include activities such as buying student metro passes, finding ATMs and American Express locations, locating grocery stores, post offices, English-language bookstores and other practicalities.

Get to Know Your Neighborhood

The NYU Center is situated at Malé Náměstí in a 15th-century building only steps away from the Old Town square and Prague's historic clock tower. Here, in the heart of the city, students are close to Charles University, to Wenceslas Square — the site of Prague's Velvet Revolution, to the Jewish Quarter with its famed 15th-century cemetery, and to the Charles Bridge. Restaurants, cafés and galleries are close by, so a pleasant stroll, a cup of coffee, or a peek into an art gallery are some ways students can spend time between classes.

• Local Tram, Bus and Metro Schedule
• Prague version of mapquest

NYU Sponsored Excursions 

Take advantage of the NYU sponsored trips. They are free and to places you might not know to check out on your own. Several field trips are organized each semester to familiarize students with life outside of Prague. In nearby villages and towns, students discover the medieval architecture and musical heritage of Bohemia and Moravia. Students travel to such medieval cities as Český Krumlov and to Karlštejn Castle, built under the rule of Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to safeguard the Empire’s crown jewels. In Kutná Hora, students visit St. Barbara’s Cathedral, whose construction began in 1380, and the Bone Church in Sedlec. Most trips and events are covered by tuition.

Weekend Visit to Karlštejn Castle

Castle Karlstejn was built in the 14th century to hold the crown jewels of the Moravian Empire. There are some stunning hiking paths that take you to a tiny town, ancient church and stunning gorge.

Day Trip to Kutná Hora

Only an hour away from Prague, this small ancient town is home to the eerie and famous Bone Church. The church was decorated by a monk in the 19th century with real human bones!

• More NYU Sponsored Trips