Guest Author: Ria
If you’re deciding where to go on exchange, Prague might not be the obvious first choice. It isn’t a beach destination, and the winters can be cold. That said, after living here on exchange, I can confidently say that Prague is one of the most student-friendly, affordable, and exciting cities you could choose. Here’s an honest breakdown of what life in Prague is really like, both the good and the not-so-perfect.
The Pros
One of the biggest advantages of Prague is how affordable it is. Residence costs less than $500 CAD per month, which is extremely rare compared to other European exchange destinations. Even better, most exchange students live in the same building. This makes meeting people incredibly easy and creates a strong sense of community right from the start. Some of the closest friendships I made on exchange started simply from living in the same residence.
Beyond housing, Prague is a very budget-friendly city overall. You can easily get a full meal for around $8 CAD, whether it’s local Czech food or international options. Going out, grabbing coffee, or exploring the city never felt stressful from a financial standpoint, which made it much easier to enjoy everyday life as a student.
There is always something to do in Prague. The nightlife is amazing and known across Europe, but what surprised me most was how busy I felt even when I stayed in the city for a weekend. From farmers’ markets to cafés, long walks, and exploring different neighbourhoods, Prague never feels repetitive. There’s a perfect balance between social nights out and slow, scenic days.
Another major highlight is how historic the city is. Walking through Prague feels like stepping into a gothic, fairytale-like town. The architecture, castles, and cobblestone streets make everyday errands feel special. No matter how long you live there, it never stops feeling unreal that this is your “normal.”
The Cons
Like any exchange destination, Prague isn’t perfect. One of the main challenges is the language barrier. English is widely spoken in the city centre, but once you move outside of it, Czech is the primary language. Most people are helpful, but communication can be difficult at times, especially when dealing with everyday tasks.
Another drawback is the location of residence. Most student housing is about 35 minutes from the city centre and roughly 20 minutes from campus. At first, the commute can feel long, especially if you’re used to everything being close. That said, public transportation in Prague is efficient and reliable, and you get used to the travel time very quickly.
The weather is also colder than many people expect. Winters can be cold, though still slightly better than Canadian winters. The upside is that the cold doesn’t last forever, and once spring arrives, the city completely transforms. Prague in warmer months is vibrant, lively, and absolutely worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
Prague may not be the most obvious exchange choice, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It offers affordability, strong student community, rich history, and an endless list of things to do. While there are a few challenges, the pros far outweigh the cons.
If you’re looking for an exchange experience that feels immersive, social, and genuinely enriching, Prague is a destination that delivers far more than you expect.
