More and more international students come to Prague being attracted by its mysterious beauty, Central European position and quality of higher education.
In many cases when the universities do not provide accommodation or students themselves do not consider dormitories as the best place to live in they start to look for rental opportunities. In this article we have presented some tips for you which are likely to help with search of suitable options for rent.
What you should decide in the beginning
Would you prefer to live alone rather than share a flat with other tenants? Both these alternatives have their pros and cons.
In the first case you will enjoy privacy and infinite freedom to decide what you're doing next: you shouldn't compete with your flatmates to occupy the bathroom first or listen to your stomach growling because somebody else prefers dishes difficult and time-consuming to cook.
On the other hand flatshare can turn your life into fascinating experience: you can meet interesting people, make new friends, find out amazing things and very likely become aware of intercultural differences.
In addition if you learn how to reach agreements you will be able to arrange for specific time when the bathroom is only at your disposal, clean the apartment according to schedule and prepare food together sharing and simultaneously improving your cooking skills.
Besides all this the second option is more advantageous from a financial point of view: whereas for one-room apartment intended only for your use you're likely to pay on average 10 000 Czech crowns, in shared flat your monthly payments will vary from 4 500 to 6000 Czech crowns (for a room, including utility bills and Internet).
Include a Czech person in your “flatshare team”
Whereas in the past Czech people preferred to share rented apartment with their fellow countrymen, recently the reverse in trend could be observed.
Many advertisements like this: “My name is Tomas, 28 years old Czech guy looking for flat mates to share my flat with me! I offer one big room (25m2) in a loft, modern and spacious flat (100m2; 3+kk) in the city center...” can be found on websites whose target audience includes international students (e.g. erasmusu.com).
Young people in Czech republic become more open to intercultural communication what gives you invaluable opportunity to get acquainted with Czech culture. In addition Czech nationals know local legislation and customs and can “act” as intermediaries between you and a landlord.
Think about convenience in advance
While looking for an apartment bear in mind that it should be close to your university. After yesterday's party you do not want to spend an hour staying in traffic jams and several times moving from one mode of transport to another one, do you?
Then choose from districts Prague 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 where most often students rent flats. While evaluating the apartment itself pay attention to furnishings and appliances: is something missing what is vital to your daily life? Will you be able to bring it from home or do you have to buy it?
