Kickstarting My Exchange in Prague
By Greyson Tapley, Charles University, Prague
I’ve been settled in Prague for a little over a month now. I’ve got to say, it has been the busiest (and most exciting) month of my life.
When I got here, I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage my studies with the beauty of Prague waiting right outside my door. But before classes even began, the law faculty had already organised a trip to Karlstejn Castle. It was a beautiful day and actually very informative as the king who built the castle in the 14th century also founded my university here!
Classes themselves have been surprisingly easy and enjoyable. I’ve been able to see a bit more of the university as I take subjects in both the Law faculty, which is located in the Old Town city centre, and in the Social Sciences faculty, which is a bit further away from the city. It’s been a nice change of pace between the two as the city centre can get very busy during tourist season (and outside it too, Prague is always bustling with people).
In my quest to understand Czech culture better, I’ve been visiting lots of different cities and towns with friends, and through the university and Erasmus network (who provide day trips for free!). I’ve visited some beautiful historic buildings such as:
Prague Castle
Strahov Monastery (can you believe these frescoes only took 7 months to paint!?)
Kutna Hora (a quaint mining town with a stunning church)
And some fun times at the Zoo!
Of course, I can’t finish this post without mentioning the absolutely amazing Czech food. Everyone always tells me how great Prague is for cheap beer, but no one ever mentions what a good deal you can get on a lunch menu where the portions are enough for two! I’m lucky to live right next to a Czech restaurant which I’ve enjoyed many a time with friends from my dorm. And the closer you get to the city centre the more hidden gems you find. Hopefully during my stay here I’ll keep finding them!
I still have a lot on my list: museums, day trips in and out of Czechia, new restaurants and cafés to check out. But all in all, this first month in Prague has made university more exciting than I ever thought it could be. I’ll be taking all this energy back home with me. But for now I’m not wishing it away!
