Student housing in Prague - prices and accommodation options
When entering a university, practically any foreigner faces an important question —Where should a student live in Prague?In fact, in the Czech Republic, and particularly in Prague, there are many options for renting housing. Everything depends on the conditions that a student is aiming for, as well as on their financial capabilities. In this article, we will examine in detail the main housing options in Prague, their cost, and the living conditions.
Housing options for students in Prague
Prague has more than 40 higher education institutions, including public, private, and international universities. Most of the country's best universities are concentrated here, including the oldest Charles University, the Czech Technical University, and the University of Economics. Naturally, a huge number of students live here, according to various sources more than 100,000, which means they all need to be accommodated somewhere.Student housing in PragueConventionally, it can be divided into four types: university dormitories, co-livings, room rentals, and apartment rentals. Each of these options has its own characteristics, pros, and cons.
Dormitories in Prague
Many universities have their own dormitories, so for students, one of the first and most accessible optionsresidence in PragueIt becomes specifically campus housing. Despite all the stereotypes about state dormitories, it is often quite clean and tidy here. The number of people in a room can vary, and this directly affects the rental cost. As a rule, two, three, or four people live in a room.
State dormitories are the most budget-friendly option. The price usually ranges from 110 to 230 euros per month depending on the room category, number of places, and the university. In addition to the affordable cost, an important advantage of such dormitories is their close location to the university. There are buildings from which you can easily walk to classes in a few minutes.
The main downside of such housing is that there is not enough of it for everyone. For example, Charles University. As of 2023, it has about 50,000 students. At the same time, the university has 17 dormitories, 11 of which are located in Prague. It seems like a lot, but each of them has just over a thousand spaces, which means that in total Charles University can accommodate no more than 13,000 students. Usually, the most agile get them, those who managed to stand in line, and those who meet the university's requirements, conditions, and benefits. Everyone else will have to find housing on their own.
Colivings and modern formats
For those looking for an economical and practical housing option for students, co-livings are perfect. This is an alternative to state student dormitories, a format of shared housing for people with a common focus. That is, it is not typicaldormitory, where a factory worker, a retiree, a student, and a mother with a child can live in the same room, and a more targeted format, where a floor or the entire building is intended, for example, exclusively for students.
In terms of comfort, such places are usually more convenient than government dormitories: they have more modern renovations, there are lounges, gyms, study rooms, and much more. You also have the right to choose your coliving space yourself. In a university dormitory, they give you what is available, and you have to live with those who are assigned, while here there is complete freedom. You can team up with friends and rent a room in a coliving space together.
On the downside, many colivings can be located far from your university: you may like the conditions and the price, but you will have to travel a long way to get to your classes. Also, the prices here are slightly higher than in a university dormitory, but they are still affordable.
A place in an economical four-person room with full furnishings, two bunk beds with high-quality mattresses, a well-equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom costs 320 euros. A doubleroomIn a co-living space, it will cost 430 euros per person.
Room rental in Prague
The most popular housing option for many students is renting a room in a regular apartment. There can be many variations here. Sometimes in a regular two-, three-, or four-roomapartmentsThe hosts rent out rooms, it can be either a separate oneroom, as well as a bed space.
Among the main advantages of such housing is its location: you choose the place that is more convenient for you and closer to your studies. You can also rent rooms with your classmates and friends. It also happens that apartment owners take in students for subletting, usually done by elderly retirees, thereby ensuring themselves a stable income.
Costroom rental in Prague250–300 euros for a bed for two people.
A separate room will cost more — about 400–500 euros.
To find such a room, you can use real estate rental websites, such as Sreality, reality.bazos, or Facebook groups like “Prague Rooms”, “Flatshare Prague”, “Ukrainians in Prague”.
Apartment rental
For those students who value solitude and privacy, it is possibleapartment rentals in Prague.The main downside is the cost.
So, a studio in Prague will cost from 700 euros depending on its condition and location. A more spacious one-room apartment will already cost from 800 euros. Here, the location is also an important factor in the price.apartmentBut if you rent a place together with a friend, the rent amount will become half.
It is also necessary to take into account a nuance when renting in the Czech Republic — many landlords require a document confirming a stable income. As a rule, this is a certificate from the workplace. So what should students do then? In this case, they are often asked for a bank statement, an additional prepayment for several months in advance, or, if the students' parents work in the Czech Republic, their income document.
In Praguehousing rentalIt is almost always formalized with a written lease agreement (nájemní smlouva). Usually, the contract is concluded for a fixed term with the possibility of renewal. It specifies the rent amount, utility payments, and the conditions for their change.
A deposit (kauce) is often required, which amounts to one to three months' payments and is used as a guarantee in case of damage or debt.
It is worth checking separately whether it is possible to register a place of residence or at least get address confirmation, because not all landlords allow this, and for students it can be critical.Housing prices in Prague
| Type of housing | Price per month | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory (state) | 110–230 € | The cheapest option; near the university; 2–4 people per room; places are limited — hard to get |
| Coliving (4-person room) | ~320 € | Modern conditions, furniture, kitchen and bathroom; you can choose neighbors; may be far from the university |
| Coliving (2-person room) | ~€430 / person | More comfortable than a dormitory; higher price; freedom to choose housing and roommates |
| Bed rental | 250–300 € | Often in regular apartments; you can live with friends; conditions depend on the owners |
| Rental of a separate room in Prague | 400–500 € | More privacy; you can choose the neighborhood; a popular option among students |
| Apartment rental in Prague (studio) | from €700 | Full privacy; high price; depends on the area and condition |
| Apartment rental in Prague (1-room apt) | from €800 | More expensive than a studio; you can share with someone and pay less |
Additional expenses
In addition to the rent payment,student expensesand his parents in searching for and renting housing will go to the following items:
Utilities.
Some landlords include the cost of utilities in the rent. Heating is often included, but electricity may be paid separately — it is important to clarify this detail when signing the contract. If you are renting an apartment, the average monthly amountpublic utilitieswill be approximately 100-300 euros depending on the season.
Deposit.
When rentinghousing in Prague for studentsis practically always requireddeposit.It is usually an amount equal to 1–3 months' rent. An exception may be government dormitories.
Internet.
Usually, the internet is not included in the rental price and is paid separately. The cost of the internet subscription in the Czech Republic is approximately 12-25 euros per month.
Agency commissions.
If you are looking for housing through a realtor or agency, you will have to pay a commission. Depending on the company, it may vary: it is either a fixed amount or a payment equal to the cost of one month's rent.
Step-by-step algorithm for finding housing
If you are planning to study in the Czech Republic, you need to follow a certain algorithm when choosing accommodation:
- Determine the budget. This is the most crucial stage. Consider how much you or your parents are willing to allocate monthly for living expenses. Also, immediately include food, transportation, and other daily expenses in the budget.
- Choose the type of housing. If the budget is minimal, it is worth considering options like a government dormitory, co-living, or a bed space. If the budget allows, you can confidently look for a separate apartment.
- Find options. Check rental websites, Facebook groups, and other platforms. It is recommended to choose at least 10 options that suit you, so there is a choice and possibility for comparison.
- Contact the landlord. Get in touch with the owners or agents. It often happens that the property has already been rented out, but the listing is still active, or the landlord has additional requirements that you may not meet.
- Sign the contract. After viewing the apartment and agreeing on all terms, a rental agreement is signed. Usually, at this stage, payment is madedepositand the first month.
In which district of Prague is it better for a student to live
Modern Prague is officially divided into 22 administrative districts, which are also called neighborhoods. But for recommendations, it is suggested to highlight 4 options:
- Center.Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Life in the historic center means beautiful architecture, convenient transport connections, and proximity to key city landmarks. But there are also downsides: the cost of housing in the center is significantly higher. It can also be noisy here due to tourists, street events, and active city life.
- Residential areas.A calmer and more stable option for living. Housing prices here are lower than in the center, and the transport system is well developed. The commute to the university may take more time.
- Near universities.The main advantage is minimal travel time to school. Among the drawbacks is high competition: housing near universities (both dormitories and apartments) is taken very quickly, so you need to carefully watch for new offers.
- Suburb.The most economical option. Rent here is lower. The obvious drawback is the longer travel time to school and the city center.
Advice for students
When renting housing in the Czech Republic, students are advised to heed the following tips:
- Do not pay without a contract.If the owner of the property where the housing you are interested in is located refuses to sign a contract or demands payment without it, you should not hand over any money. In such cases, you will have no legal protection or guarantees for living there.
- Check the housing.Be sure to check the accommodation you plan to rent before moving in. Pay attention to the condition of the apartment, the availability of necessary furniture and appliances, as well as the living conditions and compliance in the contract.
- Book in advance.Start searching and booking accommodation early, especially if you plan to move at the beginning of the school year. This will allow you to choose from a larger number of options and avoid inflated prices during the peak season.
- To live in a dormitory for the first period.At first, we recommend living in a dormitory — there are several reasons for this. Firstly, in a student community, you will be able to adapt faster, improve your communication skills, and develop your Czech language through constant interaction. It is also a more cost-effective housing option. Already after the 3rd year, most students actively work and have additional income — this will allow them to rent separate housing for themselves in the future.
