For International Students & Newcomers (Survival Edition)
Arriving in Prague for studies or work is exciting. New city, new people, new life. Then reality hits: paperwork, offices, queues, and Google Maps becoming your best friend.
Don’t panic. Every international student goes through this. If you take care of the five things below in your first week, you’ll avoid stress, fines, and future headaches.
Let’s make your first week in Prague smooth, legal, and slightly less chaotic.
1. Register at the Foreign Police (Top Priority, No Skipping)
If you are a non-EU national, registering your stay with the Foreign Police within 3 days of arrival is mandatory. This is not a suggestion — it’s the law. Ignoring it can cause serious problems later with visas, residence permits, or extensions.
Very important student note
If you are living in a university dormitory, you do not need to register yourself. The dormitory automatically registers you with the Foreign Police.
If you are renting a private apartment, then you must register yourself — either on your own or with professional help (we’re very good at that ).
2. Arrange a Mobile Plan (Because Wi-Fi Is Not Everywhere)
A Czech SIM card makes life instantly easier. You’ll need it for navigation, bank messages, appointments, delivery apps, and yes — group chats.
You have two main options:
- Prepaid SIM cards for flexibility
- Post-paid or student plans for better long-term value
Where to buy
You’ll find Vodafone, O2, and T-Mobile stores in almost every shopping mall in Prague. Ask about student discounts — showing your student ID can save you money.
Student truth: Your phone will become your survival tool. Treat it well.
3. Open a Czech Bank Account (Your Wallet Will Thank You)
A Czech bank account makes paying rent, receiving payments, and avoiding foreign card fees much easier.
Popular student-friendly banks
- Česká spořitelna
- Moneta
- Air Bank
What you’ll usually need
- Passport
- Proof of accommodation
- Sometimes a residence permit
Important honesty moment
Some banks, especially Air Bank, may only explain terms and conditions in Czech. If your Czech isn’t strong yet, bring a Czech-speaking friend or hire us to help you!
Pro student tip: Ask about student accounts — many banks offer zero or very low fees.
4. Register with a General Doctor (Future You Will Be Grateful)
Health insurance is mandatory in the Czech Republic, but having insurance alone isn’t enough. You also need to register with a general doctor.
How to do it
- Contact your insurance provider and ask for doctors in your area
- Visit the recommended clinic and register
- You’re officially covered for check-ups, prescriptions, and minor issues
Some clinics in Prague are very international-friendly and have English-speaking doctors. Always ask in advance if this matters to you.
Student wisdom: Don’t wait until you’re sick to do this. Bureaucracy moves slower when you have a fever.
5. Get a Gym Membership (Yes, This Is Important)
Your first week shouldn’t be only about paperwork. Moving your body helps with stress, jet lag, and meeting people.
Student-friendly gyms in Prague
- Form Factory
- Max Fitness
- John Reed
Most gyms offer student discounts, so always show your student ID.
Budget-friendly alternative
Many universities have their own fitness centers with very affordable prices. Cheap, close, and full of fellow students.
Honest advice: A gym is cheaper than therapy and sometimes just as effective.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Your first week in Prague might feel like a marathon of offices, forms, and new rules. But once you arrange these five essentials — foreign police registration, mobile plan, bank account, doctor registration, and gym membership — life becomes much easier.
Handle the boring stuff early, and you’ll be free to enjoy Prague the way students are meant to: with coffee, friends, and a little bit of chaos.
Welcome to Prague. You’re doing great already.
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