INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE WELCOME FROM THE RECTOR OF PALACKÝ

Since its foundation in 1573, the university in has always recruited students and academics from many European countries. Given the large number of foreign students we receive, our university has gradua- lly evolved into a genuinely multilingual academy with , German and Czech being the dominant tongues. Despite the challenges of history and dramatic discon- tinuities of the past, our university still believes in the twenty-first century that internationalization renders endless potential to enhance scientific excellence as well as the quality of research and academic training. Under my guidance, Palacký University has strong am- bition to become the most international academy in Central in terms of cutting-edge research co- llaboration, joint- and double-degree study programs and in the number of foreign students. However, inter- nationalization does not only involve headhunting and recruiting students across the globe. In doing so, we also receive important side benefits, namely cultural diversity, plurality of judgments and, above all, much needed dialogue and tolerance. I very much hope that in Palacký University you will find a friendly institution, supportive tutors and an intellectually stimulating aca- demic environment.

Jaroslav Miller, Rector of Palacký University TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome from the Rector of Palacký University...... 3 Palacký University Portal...... 39 STAG – Managing your studies...... 43 PART 1: , OLOMOUC, PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY...... 6 Organization of study...... 45 Introduction – the Czech Republic...... 7 Culture shock...... 9 PART 5: UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES...... 48 Czech Republic – blame it all on the culture...... 10 Access to the Internet...... 49 Must watch and must read...... 11 UP Library – Zbrojnice...... 50 Why Olomouc? ...... 12 Counselling at Palacký University...... 52 Palacký University Olomouc...... 13 Learning Czech and other languages...... 53 Sports...... 54 PART 2: PRACTICAL INFO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE...... 16 Media at Palacký University...... 56 Applications & deadlines...... 17 Health insurance...... 17 PART 6: STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE...... 58 Student organizations...... 59 PART 3: PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS...... 20 Religion...... 61 Arrival...... 21 Culture and social life...... 62 Transport in Olomouc...... 21 Shopping...... 67 Accommodation...... 23 Orientation Week (OW)...... 26 PART 7: PLACES TO VISIT...... 68 Visa and Foreign Police...... 27 Around Olomouc...... 69 Palacký University ID card...... 30 Around the Czech Republic...... 69 Banks, opening an account...... 32 PART 8: HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS...... 70 Canteen (MENZA)...... 32 Medical care...... 35 A few tips and rules that will come in handy at Palacký University...... 73 PART 4: STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY...... 38 Map...... 74 International Relations Office...... 39 Acknowledgements ...... 78 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC

BASIC INFORMATION

FACTS ABOUT THE CZECH REPUBLIC Location: Area: 78,866 km2 Bordering on (length of border): (646 km)Austria (362 km) Poland (658 km), (215 km) Time: – GMT+1, Central European Summer Time – GMT+2 Official language: Czech (Slavic language) PART Currency: Czech crown (International code: CZK; Czech code: Kč) Population: 10.5 million Major cities (population): Praha/ (1,240,000), (380,000), 1 (300,000), Plzeň/Pilsen (167,000), (100,000), Olomouc (100,000) Political system: Parliamentary republic European Union: Czech Republic joined the EU on 1 May 2004 Member of: NATO, IMF, WB, WTO, OECD, OSCE

CZECH REPUBLIC OLOMOUC PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY 7 PART 1 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC Welcome to the Czech Republic, a country Bring some extra money for the first few days with a rich history and a place that is often PRICES of your stay, e.g. for the university accommoda- EMERGENCY NUMBERS referred to as the ‘heart of Europe’. You may tion deposit, to get your UP ID card, to charge have heard that the Czech Republic is the Although the Czech Republic is rapidly cat- up your UP ID card so that you can buy meals in European central emergency number land of beer or that it has plenty of castles ching up with the Western standard of living the uni’s canteens, to make copies, etc. (guaranteed assistance in English) 112 and chateaux and one of the best national in many ways, it is still cheaper to live here Emergency road service 1230, 1240 ice-hockey teams worldwide. While all that is than in Western Europe. definitely true, there is a lot more … MOBILE PHONES To give you an example: ELECTRICITY The official website of the Czech Republic: Czech Republic international calling code: www.czech.cz a lunch special in a restaurant 00420 or +420 The voltage power in the Czech Republic is The official website of Czech tourism: = 4 – 6 EUR / 5 – 8 USD 230 V / 50 Hz. Plug sockets are Type F sockets www.czechtourism.com a standard meal = 5 – 10 EUR / 7 – 13 USD The Czech Republic is densely covered by compatible with those used in the majority A site brimming with practical info about a dish at a high-end restaurant a GSM mobile phone network. If you have ac- of European countries (but different than in various aspects of life in the Czech Republic: = 12 – 15 EUR / 16 – 20 USD tivated roaming service with your home ope- the UK, for example). If a different voltage is www.myczechrepublic.com the average price of beer = 1 EUR / 1.3 USD rator, you should be able to use your mobile used in your country (i.e. 110 V), you will need a ticket to the movies = 6 EUR / 8 USD phone without problems. If you are from the a voltage converter. CLIMATE USA or Canada, please check that your mobi- As for Olomouc prices: le device supports 900 MHz/1800 MHz GSM Generally speaking, the weather in the networks. A cheaper alternative than to using CULTURE SHOCK Czech Republic is mild. There are four sea- a month’s rent at student dormitories is roaming is to use the services of one of the sons, each about three months long. Spring about 100 EUR / 135 USD local operators. In the Czech Republic we cu- Please read the full version at can be cold with fast weather changes, whi- a tram ticket about 0.5 EUR / 0.7 USD rrently have three major mobile phone ope- www.upol.cz/en le autumn is mostly foggy and rainy, except a loaf of bread about 1 EUR / 1.5 USD rators. Check their websites for details (all of for a few sunny and cold days when you can 1kg of chicken 2.7 EUR / 3.5 USD them have English versions available). While staying abroad for a longer period of time fully enjoy the beautiful autumn colours in 1 litre of milk 0.8 EUR / 1 USD almost everyone experiences ‘culture shock‘ to the trees. Nevertheless, summers can get a coffee to go1.5 EUR / 2 USD OPERATORS IN OLOMOUC some degree. It is quite normal, but temporary. very warm and winters very cold. Summer Culture shock is the term used to describe the temperatures range from 23 °C (73 °F) to 30 Generally, as a student you can live here disorientation and frustration many people feel °C (86 °F) and there is usually a lot of sunshi- comfortably for as little as 8,000 CZK (appro- • O2 www.cz.o2.com when they enter a culture different from their ne. Winter temperatures tend to be between ximately 300 EUR) per month. For exchange Riegrova 4, Galerie Šantovka own. The unfamiliar environment, new people, -10 °C (14 °F) and 0 °C (32 °F). There is usu- rates, visit for example the XE Currency web- and Olomouc CITY foreign language and dealing with all of this on ally quite a lot of snow in the winter. If you site: www.xe.com. • T-Mobile www.t-mobile.cz your own (without friends or family close) can are arriving for the winter semester, remem- Galerie Šantovka or OC Haná center prove difficult for some people. ber to bring a winter jacket and warm boots. You will need a little more if you plan to rent • Vodafone www.vodafone.cz You can check the weather forecast at: www. a car, take weekend trips or travel. Be careful Ostružnická 15, Galerie Šantovka Symptoms of culture shock can be both chmi.cz not to carry around large amounts of cash. and Olomouc CITY physical and psychological, such as: fee-

8 9 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC PART 1 PART 1 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC lings of sadness, loneliness, physical aches them if you encounter situations which you Czech society tends to be individualistic, For more information on this topic, see e.g. and pains, insomnia or the desire to sleep cannot tackle yourself or if you have any aca- where people care mostly about themselves Czech Republic (Culture Shock! A Survival Gu- a lot, feeling vulnerable, angry, etc. People demic or other practical problems with which and their loved ones. In comparison with the ide to Customs & Etiquette) by Tim Nollen or who are experiencing culture shock com- you need assistance. They are there for you, southern nations, at first glance may Czechs and Balances: A Nation‘s Survival Kit by plain about all aspects of life - the food, so do not hesitate. seem stand-offish and reserved towards Benjamin Kuras (this one is pretty harsh on the weather, the people, and idealize their strangers and foreigners in general. They ca- Czechs, but true and fun at the same time). own home country. The process of perso- Contact: Career Counselling Centre, refully protect their privacy and friendships Both of them are available in the UP library nal adaptation to a new environment has Faculty of Arts, tř. Svobody 26, Olomouc., take a long time to develop. Additionally, it in English. The foreign community in Prague distinct stages which last a different length Tel. +420 585 633 250, [email protected] is quite hard to enter a close network of fri- have created www.expats.cz where you can of time for each of us. It starts with Excite- ends and family. At first, they will be cautious find some useful tips for Prague as well as ment (sometimes called the Honeymoon pe- and, compared with other cultures, a Czech a Survival Guide to Czech culture. riod) when everything is new and exciting. CZECH REPUBLIC needs much longer to open up to a stranger. You find everything interesting and people - BLAME IT ALL ON THE CULTURE Modesty is desirable, while exaggerated and Also check out www.iknowczechia.com seem to be friendly. Then comes the Crisis. openly professed confidence will not meet and just for fun, try googling ‘How to annoy Everything is difficult and confusing. You feel Please read the full version at with a positive response. Czechs hate open a Czech’. homesick and isolated and complain about www.upol.cz/en conflicts and do their best to avoid them. Si- the new country. This is the stage we hear milarly, it is hard for them to give and accept referred to as ‘culture shock‘. This section should give you an idea of what to criticism. Instead of open confrontation, MUST WATCH AND MUST READ expect and why in the Czech Republic which they prefer to complain in private (mainly in But after every crisis comes better days. This will help you understand the reactions you the pub) and then say there is nothing they period is called the Adjustment (turning po- may come across. In no way are we saying could do about it anyway. Scepticism and MOVIES int). You feel more confident and relaxed. this is the definitive or all-encompassing complaining are unfortunately dominant fe- Cinematography is based on the history of Customs and traditions become clearer; the description of Czech people. We must never atures of Czech culture. the nation, reflecting its characteristics and culture in general seems more familiar. In forget that each person is a unique being. approach to life. Czech cinema has a lot to the end, you get to the point of Integration. Additionally, Czechs are inordinately afraid offer and will hopefully help you understand You have recognized that the new culture Czech culture is markedly influenced by the of making a mistake and looking ridiculous. the Czech temperament. has much to offer. You find the differences neighbouring Slavic and On the other hand, Czechs greatly value valuable and important. You are able to fun- and by the long rule of the authoritarian com- a sense of autonomy and independence. The following movies, which are in chronolo- ction in both cultures with confidence … munist regime. For most of its history, the They are very creative and skilful, as eviden- gical order based on the historical period they Czech Republic has (voluntarily or involunta- ced by the typically Czech do-it-yourself atti- are set in, provide an insight into the modern If you feel constant psychological or physical rily) been exposed to political and economic tude. They have a knack for unconventional history of the Czech Republic: Hand (1965), Jiří discomfort, do not be afraid to ask for help. At influences of neighbouring nations, having to solutions and are open and tolerant to new Menzel’s Oscar-winning film based on Bohumil Palacký University, you can turn to the Career fight not only for survival, but also to main- ideas and opinions. They excel at learning Hrabalʼs novel Closely Watched Trains (1966), Counselling Centre or to psychological assis- tain its own identity. The ever-changing con- new things, adapting to new circumstances Ear (1970), Elementary School (1991), Thanks for tance at UP (see also Part 5, Counselling at Pa- ditions of existence in the heart of Europe and improvising. Thanks to this and much Every New Morning (1994), Wonderful Years That lacký University). The Centre offers consulting have taught Czechs to improvise and adapt more, Czechs make brilliant scientists and Sucked (1997), All My Loved Ones (1999), Cosy and aid to all international students. Contact to almost anything. entrepreneurs … Dens (1999), Divided We Fall (2000), Dark Blue

10 11 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC PART 1 PART 1 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC World (2001), Identity Card (2010), In the Sha- book Closely Watched Trains or by Milan Kun- It is the university coupled with a great num- 1573, when, as an originally Jesuit , it dow (2012), and The Burning Bush (2013). If we dera in his novel The Joke. For more details, ber of other educational institutions that was granted all the rights of other European were to pick only one film, it would have to be summaries and links to translations, go to: makes Olomouc the top student city in the . The modern history of the uni- Cosy Dens, which Czechs simply adore. www.czechlit.cz. Czech Republic – simply because every fifth versity dates to 1946, when it was restored person in the city is a student! The conser- after World War II under its present name. Czech comedies that are worth seeing include By the way, you cannot leave without learning vation part of the city is home to over 23,000 Over the centuries the Olomouc University Little Village (1985), Kolya (1996), Loners (2000), about the greatest scientist, writer, traveller, students from all over the world, who prove primarily focused on teaching , me- Saturnin (1994), The Return of the Idiot (1999), philosopher, and researcher Jára Cimrman every single day that there is a reason why dicine, mathematics, physics, and cartogra- Pupendo (2003), and Tales of Ordinary Madness (see one of his plays at the Žižkov Prague Olomouc is referred to as the Czech Oxford. phy. The university enjoyed its greatest boom (2005). We must point out that what Czechs con- theatre – www.zdjc.cz ) and having a good after the in 1989, when the sider a comedy may sometimes make an unin- laugh with Little Mole, a highly popular Czech Learn more at www.upol.cz/en number of faculties settled at today‘s eight. formed audience sad. Expect a generous dose cartoon. of sarcasm, irony, black humour, and an overall Have a look at YouTube: “Olomouc - University FACULTIES bittersweet atmosphere. City” the official spot created in cooperation WHY OLOMOUC? with Palacký University and Olomouc city. For • Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology Soothing, for a change, are Czech fairy-tale more information, visit the visitor centre and (CMFoT) films, such as Three Nuts for Cinderella (1973), There are cities you visit and the memories its official page:www.tourism.olomouc.eu, • Faculty of and Dentistry (FoM) Give the Devil His Due (1985) or Kooky (2010). go away within a few weeks. There are seve- www.olomouc.cz, www.zoo-olomouc.cz. • Faculty of Health Sciences (FoHS) The above-mentioned films are definitely ral destinations where you’d like to go back • Faculty of Arts (FoA) available online, some dubbed and some to. And then there are places that you fall for • Faculty of Science (FoS) with subtitles, and if with neither, at least immediately that will not let you go. Olomouc PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY OLOMOUC • Faculty of Education (FoE) you can practice your Czech. For more about is one of these places, a city that captiva- • Faculty of Physical Culture (FoPC) Czech movies, go to: www.filmcenter.cz. tes with its unique atmosphere. Olomouc is • Faculty of (FoL) more than a thousand years old and current- HISTORY AND PRESENT DAY LITERATURE ly the fifth largest city in the Czech Republic. MORE THAN JUST STUDYING... It is situated in Central on the rivers Although in 2013 Palacký University in Olo- Franz Kafka, Václav Havel, Jaroslav Seifert (No- and Bystřice. Nowadays Olomouc mouc celebrated 440 years since its es- The eight faculties of Palacký University offer bel Prize for literature), , and is an important industrial town, transport tablishment, which makes it the second oldest over three hundred degree programmes and many other great writers come from the Czech crossroads and centre of education. university in the Czech Republic, it is far from their combinations, with many courses avai- Republic. Selected works again may help you an old-fashioned institution. On the contra- lable in foreign languages. Students can study understand your temporary home. The Good Besides the food industry, and ry, in recent years it has become one of the full-time and part-time programmes and com- Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hašek, Saturnin by Zde- pharmaceutical firms, there are important fastest growing schools of its kind. If we add plete one or more majors at the same time, něk Jirotka or Stories by Karel Čapek are out- cultural institutions in Olomouc, such as the the genius loci of Olomouc, nearly twenty-five even between different faculties. Everything standing examples of Czech humour. Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mora- thousand students and three thousand em- depends on your preference; plus, it is possi- vian Theatre, the State Deposit Library, the ployees, it is no wonder that Palacký Univer- ble to incorporate subjects from other discipli- Serious themes of Czech history are discu- museum, the Archives, and last, but not least sity is often referred to as the Czech Oxford. nes into the ‘schedule’. Check out www.upol.cz/ ssed by, for instance, in his – Palacký University. The history of Palacký University began in en to see for yourself.

12 13 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC PART 1 PART 1 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC The Olomouc University places emphasis on centre Fort Science in the captivating setting the individual approach and instruction of fo- of a former medieval fort. reign languages, study abroad programmes and practical training with professionals in STUDY PROGRAMMES the field. On the other hand, students are gi- ven sufficient space for their extracurricular IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES activities, whether in university sports faci- lities (the docks, gym, sports fields), culture Palacký University offers various degree pro- (film clubs, student theatres, magazines) or in grammes in foreign languages at three levels the context of social events (“Majáles” festi- – Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral. val, dance balls, departmental parties). There is something for everyone! See the current offer at:www.upol.cz/en or http://issuu.com/palackyuniversity CENTRES FOR SCIENCE AND RESEARCH SUMMER SCHOOL OF SLAVONIC LANGUAGES Major research centres: The Summer School of Slavonic Languages • The Institute of Molecular and (SSSL) at the Faculty of Arts of Palacký Univer- Translational Medicine sity in Olomouc organizes courses of Czech • The Haná Regional Centre for Biotechnical for foreigners and other courses of Slavonic and Agricultural Research languages (Russian and Polish in particular) • The Regional Centre of Advanced for students from other countries. Technologies and Materials (RCPTM) • The Centre for Patristic, Medieval and More on http://lsss.upol.cz/en/ Texts • The Research Centre for Optics THE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE • Joint Laboratory of Optics • Laboratory of Growth Regulators The founding bodies, with certified schooling • The Centre for Kinanthropology Research status, are Palacký University in Olomouc and Beijing Foreign Studies University. Apart from The university also has its own Project language courses, the Institute also trains te- Service, Science and Technology Park, and achers and promotes the Chinese culture in Business Incubator which aids budding en- the Czech Republic, including screenings of trepreneurs, including students. The public Chinese films, lectures, etc. For more, plea- can make use of the interactive educational se visit http://konfucius.upol.cz/welcome/

14 INTRODUCTION – THE CZECH REPUBLIC PART 1 APPLICATIONS & DEADLINES

EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES Deadlines for applicants from abroad vary depending on the international programme. Most often, however, it is May or June for the winter semester and October or Novem- ber for the summer semester. It is necessary to consult the university website or the site of the faculty or the specific international programme.

Please read the full version at www.upol.cz/en International students/non EU citizens must arrange comprehensive medical in- surance for the whole period of their study PART Note: Please remember that the appli- stay at Palacký University. It is recommen- cation deadlines may differ at your ded to choose the provider of the health in- home university and Palacký University. surance based also on a number of medical 2 facility and doctors that are bound by con- tracts with a certain health insurance com- HEALTH INSURANCE pany. Currently the incoming international students have had some positive experien- It is the responsibility of each student to have ce with the following providers. The below their health insurance arranged for the entire mentioned companies offer online services time of their stay in the Czech Republic. which can be appreciated by visa students EU students are requested to bring along who may need to arrange and submit a pro- a ‘European Health Insurance Card’ (EHIC). of of the health insurance within the visa The students should apply for the EHIC at process. a national health insurance provider in their home country before departure. The valid • Pojišťovna VZP a.s. was established as PRACTICAL INFO card will give you an access to state-provi- a subsidiary company of VZP = Všeobec- ded health care during your temporary stay ná zdravotní pojišťovna České republiky in the Czech Republic. Please note that it (General Medical Insurance Company of BEFORE YOU ARRIVE does not guarantee free services. the Czech Republic).

17 PART 2 PRACTICAL INFO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE - https://www.pvzp.cz/en/ It may happen that there is no contract - https://www.pvzp.cz/on-line-pojisteni/ between the doctor and Pojištovna Slavia, kzpcvpip/kzpc/basedata.aspx then students are required to pay for the tre- atment provided and they get the payment Please note that it is also possible to arrange refunded later at the local headquarter of the your comprehensive health insurance di- Slavia company. rectly at VZP (General Medical Insurance Company of the Czech Republic) after your arrival. As it is the biggest provider of the he- To sum up: If you are a visa student you alth insurance in the Czech Republic, you can are required to arrange comprehensive rely on an acceptance of your VZP health in- health insurance. Non-visa EU students surance by most doctors. need to bring a valid EHIC and have it registered after the arrival in the CR to International students/EU citizens coming receive the state-provided health care. with a valid EHIC (see above) should register at the VZP, Olomouc office after their arrival. It is also worthwhile considering travel Only submission of a valid EHIC is required. insurance arrangement covering priva- The central IRO provides basic instructions te healthcare or costs for a transpor- and helps students with the registration. tation back home, repatriation or lost/ stolen property. • Pojištovna Slavia - http://www.slavia-pojistovna.cz/en/

19 PART 2 PRACTICAL INFO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/ ARRIVAL third-country-nationals-is-my-license-va- lid-in-the-cr-may-i-do-i-have-to-replace-it- TRAVELLING AROUND THE CZECH -with-a-czech-driving-license.aspx REPUBLIC Always carry your driving license, ID, and vehicle registration documents with you in Train and coach your car as you may be fined if you do not. You must purchase a pass to be able to use There are several ways to get around the Czech motorways. You can buy one-year, Czech Republic. If travelling by train, check one-month, or ten-day passes, which are all these websites of Czech railway companies: available at border crossings, post offices, www.cd.cz/en/default.htm and petrol stations. Rented cars automati- and www..cz. cally come with the pass in the window. To rent a car, you usually must be at least 21 and If you decide to travel by coach, you can have held your license for one year. have a look at: www.studentagency.eu TRAVELLING IN THE PART Car CZECH REPUBLIC - PUBLIC TRANS- If you decide to travel by car, you should keep PORT INFORMATION SYSTEM (IDOS) 3 in mind the driving rules in the Czech Repub- lic. If you want to check the available trains, coa- ches, buses and trams at the same place, use • zero alcohol tolerance the Internet Timetable Information System, or • no use of mobile phones and other com- IDOS. The system provides time tables of all munication devices while driving forms of public transport, from international • mandatory use of seat belts connections to Olomouc trams. It is also avai- • mandatory use of headlights at all times lable in English andGerman. www.idos.cz • mandatory use of helmets by cyclists and motorcyclists TRANSPORT IN OLOMOUC Speed limits: In-town speed limit: 50 km/h, PRACTICAL INFO Roads: 90 km/h, Motorways: 130 km/h The main railway station in Olomouc (Hlavní nádraží, Hl. n.) is a public transport hub. If you You can check the validity of your driving plan to travel by train more frequently, we su- UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS licence here: ggest getting a special railway discount card,

21 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS for example the In-karta. Ask for more infor- TICKETS • by SMS to 90206 with ‘DPMO’ typed in the TICKET INSPECTION mation at the railway station. Other railway You need a valid ticket to use the public message Inspectors check tickets on buses and trams operators offer discounts as well; check their transport. You either need to buy a ticket • at newspaper stands, selected shops or on a random basis. Be aware that they do not websites www.regiojet.cz and www.le.cz. from a ticket machine or other vendor or pur- supermarkets wear any kind of uniform, often looking like chase one from the driver. You will also need • at tourist centres regular passengers until the tram pulls away PUBLIC TRANSPORT to validate the ticket once inside the vehicle. from the stop. They are obliged to prove their The tickets are the same for both trams and With your valid ticket you can ride any com- identity with a special ID. If you do not have IN OLOMOUC buses. The fares are as follows: bination of buses and trams to complete a valid ticket, you will be fined 800 CZK if you your trip. Buses and trams run, on average, pay on the spot or within 3 working days or Olomouc has a dense public transport • 14 CZK single ticket from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., depending on 1,000 CZK if later. network of tram and bus lines. The major (Valid within all parts of Olomouc for 40 the particular line. Night transportation is co- operator is Dopravní podnik města Olo- minutes (60 mins at the weekend)). vered by buses no. 50, 51 and 52, which run However, if you happen to leave your mouce (Olomouc Public Transport Company, • 23 CZK discounted 24hrs ticket, 46 CZK full in three different circuits around the city, or valid tram pass (3-month pass) at home, DPMO). For information about connections, price 24hrs ticket. about once every hour. do not worry. Just tell the inspector that tickets, fares, etc., please see their website: you own a valid pass and you will be gi- www.dpmo.cz. The discounted ticket is for students up to HOW TO GET THE PUBLIC ven a note, which you can present at the Departure times are also available at www. 26 and are valid only if you have your ISIC DPMO office and pay only a 60 CZK fine idos.cz. card with you! TRANSPORT STUDENT PASS? for the absence of your pass. BUSES AND COACHES • 175 CZK/350 CZK student/adult monthly Unless you wish to buy a single ticket every pass day, you can get one of the two last op- The main coach station in Olomouc is not too The monthly pass is valid for 30 days from tions. Apply for them at the Public Trans- TAXI far from the main railway station (the stop Au- the day of purchase. port Company Office (Dopravní podnik) at tobusové Nádraží Podchod of tram no. 4, the • 450 CZK/ 900 CZK student/adult 3-month the main railway station or in the city cen- Taxis are usually waiting in front of the main second stop after the main railway station in pass tre. Ask for “měsíční průkaz” (a 1-month station and at the “bar district” in the city cen- the direction of Pavlovičky). Although the ma- The 3-month pass is valid for three months pass) or “čtvrtletní průkaz” (a 3-month tre. For a complete list of taxi companies, see jority of long-distance (inter)national lines stop from the day of purchase. pass). Present a valid ID card (see Chapter www.tourism.olomouc.eu. at the main coach station, be aware that, for ID-card) and have a passport photo ready. example, the coaches stop clo- WHERE TO BUY THE SINGLE/DAILY You will be asked to pay 175 CZK or 450 se to the main railway station, so plan your trip CZK respectively on the spot. The offices ACCOMMODATION carefully. Regional buses in Olomouc have their TICKETS? are at: stops either in front of the main railway stati- HOW TO GET TO ENVELOPA on or at Tržnice, which is closer to the city cen- • the yellow self-service ticket machines • Main railway station (Hl. nádraží – entran- tre and has a small bus station, too. The free installed at the stops ce hall): when you enter it is on your left After your arrival in Olomouc, you should shuttle bus no. 60 to the Olympia Shopping • from the driver, which is a little bit more hand side, the DPMO sign in red check in at the dormitories. Almost all the Mall also stops at Tržnice and the main railway expensive (20 CZK for a single ticket) and • Legionářská 1 (the corner of náměstí Hrdi- dormitories are within the two main areas, station. you need to have the exact change nů and Palacký St.) Envelopa and Neředín. If you are travelling to

22 23 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS the Envelopa area from the railway station, in some cases) share a room, and two rooms it is the last day on which you can pay. It is very only connect one device to the network take tram no. 2, 3, 4 or 6 (direction to the cen- always share a single bathroom. important to pay in time. In case of delayed using an RJ45 connector. Using wireless ac- tre) and get off at the second stop Žižkovo( payment, you will be charged 300 CZK. cess points and routers is not allowed; you Náměstí). The dormitories are about a 3-mi- Bedding is usually changed every two weeks. need to get your own cable and switch to nute walk along 17 Listopadu Street. To find Each student will be provided with bed linen, PAYMENT METHODS connect multiple computers in the room. your dormitory, follow the signs. which you can pick up at the relevant office, A limited number of cables and switches depending on which dormitories you are ac- • Direct debit are available for rent at the dormitory offi- HOW TO GET TO NEŘEDÍN commodated in: Requires a current account in CZK. ce. To find out how to connect, please- vi sit www.skm.upol.cz/en and click on the To reach the Neředín area, take tram no. 2 or • Dormitory Neředín III – ground floor, Ent- • Standing order ‘Documents’ link, or ask at the front desk. 7 and get off at the very end. The dormitories rance A (for the Neředín Dormitory) Please consult the amount with the dor- To some extent, free WiFi is available in the are open even at the weekends, so you can • Dormitory J. L. Fischera – ground floor, mitory coordinator or the head of the buil- common areas, especially around the front move into your room almost any time. If the corridor leading to Block A (for the dormi- ding in which you are accommodated. desks. accommodation office is closed, ask for the tories Generála Svobody, J. L. Fischera, and key at the front desk, provided that you have Bedřicha Václavka) • Cash/Card MOVE-OUT CHECK LIST notified them of your arrival in advance. • Dormitory 17 Listopadu – ground floor, the A handling fee of 50 CZK is charged for left corridor at the entrance from the 17 each card payment. The Accommodation Rules are available Listopadu St. (door on the right) Credit card terminals are available at the Once you determine the day of your departu- at http://www.skm.upol.cz/en/. Please ca- Bedřicha Václavka, Generála Svobody and re, please notify the accommodation office refully read what the contract says before The dormitories have a laundry and a drying Neředín II dormitories. at least 2 weeks in advance. signing. Students living at the university dor- room. The washing machines and dryers are mitories must follow the accommodation re- available for a fee payable at the front desk. Banking details 1. Notify the front-desk officer one day in gulations. Cleaning equipment irons and ironing boards Bank Komerční banka advance to arrange your check-out. Pro- are available for a small fee at the front desk Bank code 0100 vide a specific date and time. You should as well. Bank account 19-1146360257 ask the front-desk officer or any cleaning If you are a visa student, please ask for IBAN CZ4401000000191146360257 lady to check your room so that you can the Czech version of your accommoda- RENT PAYMENT SWIFT KOMBCZPPXXX have your dormitory card signed. Note tion contract as well. You will need it for Address Komerční banka a.s., tř. that the room has to be vacant and clean! the visa prolongation. The rooms at all the dormitories are similar; Svobody 14, 772 00, Olomouc, The common areas, the kitchen, toilet, room rates are based on the furnishings and Czech Republic and bathroom need to be clean as well number of beds. The monthly rent is about – please notify your roommates of your 100 EUR. After having paid the deposit of 1500 INTERNET SERVICE move-out date. You all are jointly respon- FURNISHING CZK and the first month’s rent, your next rent sible for the common areas. Any objects payment must be made no later than the first IN DORMITORIES left in the room will be disposed of and The minimum furnishing of all rooms inclu- working day of the month you are paying for. you will be charged any incurred expen- des a desk, a bed, and wardrobe space for For instance, your next month is October. The Internet service in rooms is provided by ses. each student. Typically, two students (three, 1st of October is Monday and this means that www.kolejnet.upol.cz. Each student can

24 25 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS 2. Return all the bed linen, pillowcases, sheets, Envelopa Dormitories how things work at Palacký University, the fa- to the Foreign Police (hereinafter FP). The switches, and cables to the Laundry Office (not (Dormitories: Generála Svobody, culties and the departments. accommodation provider has the reporting to the laundry). You will receive a document 17.listopadu, Šmeralovy, J.L. Fischera) responsibility, which means that if you are proving you have returned all borrowed items. Šmeralova 1122/12 (Generála Svobody http://www.upol.cz/en/groups/practical- staying in the dormitories or, for instance, Dormitory, door No. 41), Olomouc -information/orientation-programme/ a hotel, your accommodation provider will 3. Now proceed to your dormitory office. Contact person for both Neředín and The morning programme provides interna- report your place of residence for you and Bring your student card (ISIC), the dormito- Envelopa tional students with information sessions you do not need to see an FP officer yourself. ry card, and the key with you. Your dormi- Jaroslav Vrba, [email protected] focused on organizational and practical is- The reporting rules vary as follows based on tory officer will check the move-out list and Tel: +420 585 638 006 sues, such as an overview of UP offices and the type of visa or residence permit and your if everything is okay, you are free to collect Šmeralova 1112/12 (Generála Svobody coordinators, UP facilities, registration of accommodation: your deposit at the nearest front desk. Dormitory, door No. 40), 771 11 Olomouc courses, confirmation of documents, how to arrage an ID card at UP, etc. Students can Foreigners who do not need a visa + EU FINAL NOTES Private accommodation attend a Survival Czech Course, join a gu- citizens + citizens of Iceland, Liechten- If you prefer private accommodation, check ided tour of the city, learn about their rights stein, Norway, and Switzerland The rooms are equipped with a fridge and an out the Facebook group Spolubydlení Olo- and duties in the Czech Republic during electric kettle. For safety reasons, no other mouc. It is very popular among Czech stu- a session with a police officer. The evening If you stay in the dormitories/hotel, you do appliances are permitted; please consult the dents offering rooms or looking for a new programme is devoted to getting the stu- not have to report in person. If you live in pri- Accommodation Rules for a list of designated housemate. dents together and offering cultural, social vate accommodation, it is your duty to report appliances. There are no garbage disposal and sporting events. in person to the Olomouc FP within 30 days units in the washbasins or sinks. Common of entering the Czech Republic, provided you areas are cleaned once a week, but the rooms Remember that if you stay in the Czech are staying for more than 90 days. are your responsibility. Please observe basic Republic over 90 days and live in a pri- VISA AND FOREIGN POLICE hygiene and respect your roommates! All of vate flat/house you will need to register Short-stay visa holders (type C max. 90 your mail is delivered to the dormitory front at the Foreign Police office (even if you Upon arrival in the Czech Republic you are days) and non-EU foreigners authorized desk, so please make sure to collect it. are an EU citizen). obliged to do a few things depending on the to reside in the Czech Republic without type of visa with which you came to the Czech a visa Republic. Please check below to see which When you change your place of residen- group you belong to and then simply follow If you live in the dormitories, you do not need ce in Olomouc, please inform somebody ORIENTATION WEEK (OW) the instructions. to see an FP officer yourself. The dormitory in the Central IRO. officials will report your residence for you; The central IRO as well as the Faculty IROs REPORTING YOUR PLACE OF you only need to complete the relevant do- are ready to assist you during your stay at cument when moving in. If you live in private Palacký University. During the OW, which is RESIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY OF accommodation, please report to the Olo- CONTACT DETAILS regularly organized a week before the official THE CZECH REPUBLIC mouc Foreign Police within 3 working days of beginning of semester (classes) by the cent- entering the territory of the Czech Republic. Neředín Dormitories ral IRO in cooperation with Erasmus Student By law, all foreigners who enter the territory You will need a confirmation from the owner tř. Míru 644/113, Olomouc Network (ESN) UP, you will be introduced to of the Czech Republic are obliged to report of the apartment, e.g. a lease.

26 27 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS Long-stay visa holders office again and apply for new documents. insurance company in the Czech Republic) Department for Asylum and Migration Please contact the same office if you want • income verification (Proof of funds) – Policy Olomouc If you have arrived with a long-stay visa, to extend your visa or apply for a long-term typically a bank statement that shows that třída Svobody 8, Olomouc please report to the Olomouc Foreign Po- residence permit for study purposes. You you have sufficient funds for your stay Office hours: Thu 8am – 2pm lice within 3 working days of entering the may submit an application for a long-term re- (at present min. 86,000 CZK) or a proof of territory of the Czech Republic. It does not sidence 90 days at the earliest and not later scholarship issued by the University matter whether you live in private accom- than 14 days before the expiration of your Please note that you must make an modation or in the dormitories. The Fore- long-stay visa. If the application is approved, you can buy appointment in advance (at least 3 – 4 ign Police office is where you will be registe- a 2,500 CZK “stamp“ at any post office in the weeks) by contacting Ms. Yvona Vy- red. If you change your address during your Remember that, as part of their long-term re- Czech Republic and bring it to the meeting hnánková (International Relations Offi- stay, you must report this change in person sidence, foreigners from outside the EU may when collecting your documents in Olomouc. ce) at [email protected] and at the Department for Asylum and Migrati- travel within the Schengen area, but cannot communicate the reason of your ap- on Policy in Olomouc, třída Svobody 8 (you be away from the registered place of residen- If you are not sure which visa you have, please poitment together with your personal must book an appointment in advance at ce for more than 90 continuous days. contact the Foreign Police or the Department data (full name, passport number, date [email protected]), and likewi- for Asylum and Migration Policy in Olomouc! of birth, nationality)! se, contact them if you need to have your Application for long-term residence It is always better to arrive at a meeting in visa extended. Always have your passport, permit for study purposes Olomouc with a Czech speaker (your Czech a proof of residence from the dormitories buddy). Department for Asylum and Migration (in the )/ apartment, an in- To apply for the long-term residence per- Policy Přerov surance policy, and a health insurance con- mit you have to make an appoitment at Immigrations Offices contacts U Výstaviště 3183/18 tract / card ready. Department for Asylum and Migration Po- Tel.: 974 760 399 licy in Olomouc, třída Svobody 8 (please con- To report your residence in the Czech Republic: Offfice hours: Long-term residence permit for study tact [email protected] and commu- Mo, We: 8.00 – 17.00 (12:00 – 12:30 break) purposes nicate the reason of your appointment). Department of Foreign Police Olomouc Tu, Th: 8.00 – 12.00 Smetanova 14, Olomouc Fr: 8.00 – 11.00 (by appointment only) If you have arrived with an arranged long- Requirements for application: Tel.: +420 974 761 845, +420 974 761 841 -term residence for the purposes of study, • passport Mon and Wed 8am – 3pm You do not need to make an appointment. please register at the Foreign Police within 3 • two passport photos Tue and Thu 8am – 12noon working days and then you will be invited to • a certificate of student status/confir- To get there from the train station in Přerov report to the Department for Asylum and mation of enrolment To arrange your long-term residence per- you need to take the bus No. 105 from “au- Migration Policy in Olomouc, třída Svobody • proof of accommodation – typically a lea- mit for the purpose of study or if you need tobusová stanice“ (to the right of the train 8 within 3 days. Here you will receive a bio- se agreement, which must be in Czech to extend your long-stay visa, have chan- station), get off at the third stop “Most Míru“ metric (BIO) document allowing you to stay in with the complete address and must ged your address during your stay with and change to bus no. 104. Then get off at the Czech Republic. include name of the responsible person a long-stay visa or wish to switch from a lon- the fourth stop “Kopaniny, výstaviště“. The (or a form, see Ministry of Foreign Affairs g-stay visa to a long-term residence permit office is in a big modern building across the If you change your address in the course of website) for the purpose of study: street. your stay, you are obliged to report to this • proof of health insurance (with a health

28 29 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS If you go to Přerov by bus, you can ask if it For more information about ISIC see: Portal, STAG or the map at the end of this 4. Fill out the application form, bring stops at “Most Míru“ and take the bus 104 http://www.isic.cz/en/ guide). the 200 CZK receipt from the cash office, from there as described above. a photo, and your passport 2. The so-called “blue ID card with a photo” HOW TO GET AN ID CARD is recommended to students staying for Bring a passport photo (please do not stick PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY ID CARD more than 30 days and less than 90 days. the photo on the application form, but write If you attend the Orientation Week, simply your name on the back side and just attach There are several practical reasons to follow the instructions you receive there. If it with a clip to the form) and a completed arrange your UP ID card soon after your not, follow the steps below for trouble-free application form to the ID card office. Do not arrival. A refundable deposit of 200 CZK acquisition of the card. forget to bring a form of identity, preferably is paid for any type of UP ID card and a passport (EU citizens a national ID card). a filled form with a passport-size photo 1. Request an ID card application form are required, too. from the Central IRO 5. Wait 24 hours

International students at UP can request an 2. Check whether you are registered in Your card will be ready the following day, all ID card according to the following criteria: the UP Information System via the UP you need to do is sign a contract. Portal 1. ISIC - International Student Identity If the card gets lost or destroyed during the Card is recommended to degree- and Go to www.portal.upol.cz/contacts “stu- semester, first you have to pay 200 CZK again short-term international students dent search“. Enter your first and last at the cash office and only then you can apply studying/staying at UP for more than 3. The so-called “blue ID card without a pho- name. If you see the card number, Portal for a new one at the ID card office. The inter- 3 months. This card is also good as to” is intended for UP visitors who need to ID, email and STAG login under your name, national validity of the card can be renewed a discount card at many sites and at pla- access the university premises including you may apply to collect the card. If not, each year with a revalidation sticker. After lo- ces such as movie theatres. basic services. wait a little longer. The process takes 1- 3 gging into the UP Portal you will find out how days from the time the data is entered in to pay. The payment must be made by trans- Please note that there may be differences the system. If you still cannot find yourself, fer or money order at the post office. It is not based on the type of the programme, length see the Faculty International Relations possible to pay at the ID card office; you have of your stay or cooperation agreement. Stu- officer. to already have the payment receipt. dents are always informed during the orien- tation week or soon after their arrival about 3. Pay 200 CZK at the main UP cash office If there are any problems with the ISIC card, vi- their eligibility criteria. (Pokladna) and keep the receipt sit the ID card office. There they will run a test to see what the problem with the card is. ID cards are issued at the UP Computer Cent- The cash office is situated in the main- cou re (CVT) http://www.cvt.upol.cz/ rtyard at Křížkovského 8. If you cannot find 6. Before you go back home located at the UP Library (1 Biskupské Sq.) the cash office, ask any student or employee on the 2nd floor. (For directions, check out at the front desk of the UP Rector’s Office for Remember to collect the money left on the the maps at the UP Portal – see Chapter UP help. card at the canteen checkout (meal credit)

30 31 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS or at the computer lab admins’ office (copy pending on the bank. All you need to pro- TOPPING UP YOUR log in again. Now you should have eve- credit). Unless you wish to keep the card, and vide is a proof of identity, and note that ACCOUNT VIA ID CARD rything in English – applications and meals. provided the card has not been damaged, a passport is more suitable than your ID Translations are usually provided one week you can return it and get back the 200 CZK. in this case. Before ordering a meal, you first need to top in advance. You can arrange to return the card shortly up your ID card either at the cash desk offi- before leaving within office hours at the ID FOREIGNER-FRIENDLY BANKS IN ce of the UP Main Canteen (on the left of the USER TERMINALS card office. main entrance to the hall, far end of the cor- OLOMOUC ridor), any snack bar at the dormitories front Food ordering terminals are in every canteen. BANKS, OPENING AN ACCOUNT • Komerční banka www.kb.cz desks, the snack bar of the Neředín Canteen, The system is user-friendly. Select a language • Česká spořitelna www.csas.cz or the fast food bar in the Main Canteen (up- and place your ISIC card against the terminal, CREDIT CARDS • Raiffeisenbank www.rb.cz stairs). then select the date, canteen, and meal. By • ČSOB www.csob.cz swiping the card once more you log out of International credit cards are accepted such • GE Money Bank www.gemoneybank.cz ORDERING MEALS the system. as Eurocard/MasterCard, American Express, • Volksbank www.volksbank.cz VISA, Diner’s Club, Japan Credit Bureau, Ac- • Fio banka www.fio.cz There are several ways to order a meal: MENZA APP cess and Carte Blanche etc. through the website, in person using the ter- minals in each canteen, and also via the An- The application ‘Mobilní objednávání Kre- MONEY EXCHANGE CANTEEN (MENZA) droid application. dit’ for Android is now available (including an English version). To download go to There is a bureau de change at the main Beverages and snacks are available at any MENZA ONLINE www.goo.gl/cqJV2. railway station (entrance hall), so you can time at the dormitories front desks, but change money immediately after you arrive. when you get really hungry, have a meal Once you are logged in www.portal.upol. WHAT TO ORDER Other bureaus are at Riegrova 11, the Infor- at one of the UP canteens. The canteens cz, click on the (Menza) Dining on the top mation Centre, Horní nám. 1 (inside the town serve high quality Czech and international bar and then click “Vstoupit do systému It is important to distinguish between diffe- hall), and at Švédská 10. There are also many cuisine at very low prices. There are always pro objednávání jídel WebCredit” (Enter the rent types of food in the dining halls. Traditi- ATMs in Olomouc which accept all standard at least 7 options of ready-to-serve and WebCredit Meal Ordering System“, which onal lunch is served from 11am - 1pm, but in payment cards. Warning: Never change mo- quickly prepared meals to choose from. redirects you to the ordering system. If you the canteens it is served until 2:30pm. Lunch ney in the street! UP students and employees pay from 28 want to switch to the English version of the needs to be ordered at least one day in advan- to 68 CZK per meal and outsiders 55 to 91 site, click on the UK flag in the upper right ce (by 2:15pm)! An order for quickly prepared OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT CZK. Soups (15 CZK) and salads (11-22 CZK) corner. This setting only changes the page meals can be placed throughout the opening are also available. The prices are subject menu but not the meals! To change the lan- hours, but their number is limited. Fast food At some faculties, you are going to be as- to change. For an updated price list plea- guage in which the meals are shown, log in cannot be ordered in advance. It is available ked to open a bank account in order to se check: www.skm.upol.cz/en. The can- and go to the top menu to “Settings”, and in the main UP and Neředín canteens. Simply receive your scholarship. An advantage teens are open throughout the semester, then “Language settings“. Select “English“ come and choose (please keep in mind that of having a Czech account is that you will but only on weekdays. Please remember from the dropdown menu in the “Applicati- not all staff speak English). save on ATM withdrawal charges. The ter- that you can order meals only with a valid on language“ menu, then click “Save langu- ms for opening a bank account vary de- ID card. age“ and log off (upper right corner). Then

32 33 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS OPENING HOURS (MON – FRI)

UP Main Canteen Lunch 11am – 2:30pm Address: 17. listopadu 54 Envelopa dormitories area Quickly prepared and ready-to-serve meals 11am – 8pm

Fast food 10:30am – 8pm

Šmeralova Canteen Lunch Address: Šmeralova 6 Quickly prepared meals 11am – 2:30pm

Neředín Canteen Lunch 11am – 2:30pm Address: tř. Míru 113 WebCredit Meal Ordering System. Fast food 11am – 3:30pm

Holice Canteen Lunch 11:30am – 2:00pm Address: Šlechtitelů 11 Quickly prepared meals 9am – 2:30pm

17. listopadu Snack Bar 7am – 8pm

Neředín Snack Bar 7am – 2:00pm

Výdejna jídel Křížkovského Lunch Křížkovského 8 Quickly prepared meals 11am – 2:30pm

*Please note that the opening hours may change during the academic year and during su- mmer holidays. Friday opening hours are usually shorter than stated above. Menza user terminals.

34 35 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS TYPICAL CZECH MEALS • Health Centre “Poliklinika” Olomouc, •  dentist YOU SHOULD TRY MEDICAL CARE třída Svobody 32, MD Radomír Hanos www.poliklinikaolomouc.cz +420 585 506 303 • Vepřo-knedlo-zelo There is a basic health care centre on Envelo- Roast-pork with dumplings and sauerkraut pa (J. L. Fischer Student Dormitory, Šmeralova • Olomouc University Hospital, PHARMACIES • Svíčková 10) with a general practicioner and a dentist. I. P. Pavlova 6, Sliced beef sirloin with vegetable cream Although the doctors do speak basic English, www.fnol.cz, www.fnol.cz/pdf/fnol_cz_ There are a number of pharmacies in the sauce, cranberries, and whipped cream, we recommend bringing a Czech-speaking mapa.pdf centre of Olomouc. While basic medicine and served with dumplings friend along (your buddy). vitamins or tea are available over counter, for • Smažený sýr All the doctors below from the Health Centre more specialized medicine you will always Fried cheese with potatoes DOCTORS “Poliklinika”are guaranteed to speak English. need to have a prescription. A good idea is to • Bramboráky bring along an empty container when you go Potato pancakes • MD Ševčíková, GP, • surgeon see the Czech doctor. It will help them to find • Ovocné knedlíky tel.: +420 585 224 204, MD Ondřej Kroupa a substitute. Fruit dumplings, topped with sugar and email: [email protected] +420 585 506 233 cream • Palačinky • MD Davidová, dentist, • gynaecologist Crepes served with fruit or jam tel.: +420 585 220 463 MD Imad Hamdanieh • Koláče +420 585 506 223 Fruit-filled pastry For other medical specialists and services, • GP, psychiatrist • Czech beer & Moravian wine visit the main Olomouc healthcare centres MD Dagmar Přikrylová World-famous, an important part of the such as +420 585 506 146 culture

36 37 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS PART 3 PART 3 PRACTICAL INFO UPON ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE WHO IS WHO Several departments are in charge of inter- Academic authorities for international national relations at Palacký University. The relations central office – the International Relations The international relations of the university Office (IRO) – is at the Rector‘s Office and or- are managed by the Vice-Rector for Internati- ganizes the orientation week and incoming onal Relations who is appointed by the Rector. student coordinators are ready to assist you Each faculty has its Vice-dean for international with general administration (confirmation of relations who manages international issues study period, etc.) during your stay at UP. In and their specifications of the relevant faculty. each faculty you can find a faculty IRO. Facul- ty international relations officers administer Administrative staff all other international programmes, such as The administration of international relations CEEPUS, AKTION, DAAD, Freemover, mobility is overseen by the faculty IROs and by the within international agreements of the Czech central IRO. Ministry of Education, etc. • The ERASMUS+, EMA2 EURICA program- mes are run by the central Internatio- PART The faculty IROs are also in charge of the nal Relations Office (Central IRO) – the electronic study agenda – STAG (see Chapter Rector’s Office, Křížkovského 8,http://www. STAG) concerning ALL international program- upol.cz/en/menu/erasmus-exchange/ 4 mes including Erasmus+, i.e. STAG registrati- • All other international programmes on of exchange students, student registration (e.g. CEEPUS, AKTION, Visegrad Fund, in selected courses, verification of the results Freemover etc.) and degree programmes at the end of the student placement, and the in foreign languages are managed by the Transcript of Records, including its submission Faculty International Relations Offices to the student‘s home university. (Faculty IRO)

STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY

39 PART 4 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONAL & FACULTY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICERS system that manages and records your PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY PORTAL studies • ordering meals in canteens FUNCTION/POSITION WORKPLACE/FACULTY NAME CONTACT DATA The gateway to all important things at the uni- • links to web interfaces for reading your Institutional Coordinator and Rector’s Office Yvona [email protected] versity is at http://www.portal.upol.cz/. Since university email Head of the International Relati- Vyhnánková as a UP student you will be using it almost • manuals and instructions (e.g. how to co- ons Office daily, we recommend browsing through the nnect your laptop to the UP network, site to get an idea of what it is all about. • how to set up mail forwarding, etc.) Incoming student coordinator Rector’s Office Zuzana [email protected] (Erasmus+) Hamdanieh • maps and plans of the university buildings The UP Portal simply contains most of • links to the website of the library, inclu- Incoming student coordinator Rector’s Office Štěpánka [email protected] what you need: ding a catalogue of books, magazines and (EURICA, non-EU students) Bublíková videos Faculty International Faculty of Kateřina [email protected] • a directory of people (emails and phone • access to UP Portal applications (DMS, Relations Officer Theology Hamplova numbers of your classmates and in- Courseware etc.) Faculty International Faculty of Medicine Zuzana [email protected] structors) • other useful links Relations Officer & Dentistry Kullová • access to student admin (STAG), an online Coordinator for degree Faculty of Medicine Jana [email protected] programmes in English & Dentistry Osmani Faculty International Faculty of Arts Dana [email protected] Relations Officer Sztwiertnia Hellová Coordinator for degree Faculty of Arts – Eva [email protected] programmes in foreign Students Office Gyuránová languages Faculty International Faculty of Dana [email protected] Relations Officer Science Gronychová Faculty International Faculty of Jana [email protected] Relations Officer Education Dostálová Faculty International Faculty of Zuzana [email protected] Relations Officer Physical Culture Hanelová Faculty International Faculty of Law Radana [email protected] Relations Officer Kuncová Faculty International Faculty of Irena [email protected] Relations Officer Health Sciences Jedličková

40 41 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY PART 4 PART 4 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY HOW TO LOGIN port. Although the system is in Czech, it is very INTO THE UP PORTAL easy and intuitive. “Název” and “Adresa” refer to the name and address of the building you 1. Open www.portal.upol.cz, switch to the are searching for. Using the box “Místnost”, English language version and click on you can track down the exact class room you “Contacts”. need. The number is in the schedule and is 2. Type your name in the student search. given for each course you are registered in. 3. Check your Portal ID. This will be your lo- After filling in all the fields, start the search by gin name. clicking “Trasy” (Routes) – “Trasy k objektům 4. Your password is your personal identifi- UP” or “Místnost” (Room). cation code that was generated when you filled in the on-line application form before arriving in Olomouc. If you have forgotten STAG – MANAGING YOUR STUDIES your password, the faculty international relations officer will provide you with it. STAG refers to the online study 5. Click “Login” (upper right corner). and records at UP. It is a system that serves 6. Enter your login data. to manage study programmes, disciplines, 7. And welcome to the UP Portal! curricula and courses in order to compile schedules, register for courses and exams, After logging in you will be prompted to grade records, as well as records of bache- change your password. The password to the lor’s and master’s theses. Apart from this, it UP Portal (the personal identification num- has many other features. ber) is only temporary. For security reasons, the password must have at least eight cha- Below are STAG functions that you are racters, of which at least one must be special certain to use: (digit or symbol). A change of password will be required every six months. The password • registration for courses, through which you reset is under “Edit my profile”. will get your individual study plan • viewing and searching other data (your USE OF MAPS own schedule, information about courses, study programmes, disciplines, instructors, English version – Administration – Maps and departments) plans of UP buildings Log into the system at www.portal.upol.cz. Thanks to this UP Portal feature, you can find In the menu, select “Studying and teaching any UP building or room. The system will (STAG)-Preregistration”. show a detailed map including public trans-

42 43 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY PART 4 PART 4 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY COURSE As exchange students (in programmes of tion, students of FoM must have passed all to the presentation, while at seminars, acti- REGISTRATION up to 1 year), you have a double obligati- the pre-requisite courses of the individu- ve participation and homework in the form on to register for courses: al programmes at their home university. of readings, essays, exercises or seminar pa- You can select courses and register for them A detailed presentation of the registration pers are required. UP students may combine online only once you are here, not befo- • online (see above) via STAG, applies to all exchange students: disciplines freely and attend courses outside re your arrival at UP! During Orientation • on paper – by filling out the Exchange Stu- www.upol.cz/en. their home departments or even faculties. It Week you will learn how to register in cour- dent Enrolment Form (EF). It may happen may happen that a course primarily designed ses online via the STAG UP Portal. Instructi- that the class is full and you will not be able for one particular year is also attended by ons for online registration of courses are to enrol for it online. In this case, enter ORGANIZATION OF STUDY students of higher or lower years. Everything available on the UP website or on your fa- the course in the EF and see the instructor depends on the capacity of the course and culty’s website. in the first weeks of the class to find out ACADEMIC YEAR the instructor’s decision. whether you can register for the course While the main language of instruction at even though it is full. If the instructor agre- The academic year is divided into two semes- UP is Czech, many courses use a variety of es, he/she signs the EF to confirm the - re ters. Each semester is 13 weeks long. Winter Medical students follow their own speci- foreign languages. There are now a number gistration. Then submit the EF, including all semester starts in late September; in the last fic rules and a fixed schedule which they of courses in English, designed for exchange selected courses (also those that you have week before Christmas there are no classes can complement with optional courses. students coming for short-term (i.e. one or registered in online), to the faculty interna- because it is a “credit week”, which is one two-semester) programmes. tional relations officer. The faculty inter- week of mostly written tests which are either national relations officer will register you a completion of the courses themselves or As the method of instruction and course To find and choose courses and information in the remaining courses. Keep the EF and a prerequisite of registering for an oral exam requirements are determined by the in- about courses, please refer to the UP Course hand it in, together with your study results, in the exam period. The exam period goes structor, always check with them for details Catalogue on the UP website: www.upol.cz./ at the end of your stay, before you leave on through January until mid-February. The before registering in the course! en -> Studying -> Course Catalogue for home. The EF then serves as the basis summer semester runs from mid-February A list of courses taught in English, which are for an officialTranscript of Records, which to mid-May. The last week is again a credit COURSE COMPLETION primarily designed for foreign students, is the faculty international relations officer week, with the exam period lasting until the also available at the Faculty International Re- will send to you and the coordinator at your end of June. Some courses may be completed through lations Office. Theoretically, you can regis- home university within 30 days of the end good attendance and the fulfilment of -con ter for any course of any UP department of your stay. (Does not apply to exchange CLASSES tinuous tasks throughout the semester or and faculty, but please always keep in students of the UP FoM.) by submitting a semestral project or paper, mind your language skill levels. The schedule and instruction methods logi- without the need for another exam. Howe- Online registration in courses does not apply cally vary between faculties and disciplines. ver, completion of the majority of courses Before registering for any course, please al- to exchange students of the FoM and fre- Classes can start in the early hours of the requires first the acquisition of a “credit” and ways check with the relevant instructor/tea- shmen of the FoM (English programmes) morning (7am) and run until 8pm at the la- then passing an exam. The “credit” is usua- cher. It is best if you see them right after the and students of the Faculty of Education. test. Individual classes are 45 mins or 90 mins lly a written test. It may consist of an essay, opening class. (Does not apply to exchange In these cases, the courses are registered long. Lectures tend to be longer, followed by but mostly it is a classic test with open- or students of the UP FoM.) for the students by the faculty IRO or study shorter, more practical seminars or exercises. closed-ended questions. Credit tests are department. However, before the registra- At lectures, students mostly passively listen mostly held in the last week of the semester.

44 45 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY PART 4 PART 4 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY By acquiring the “credit” you either comple- how you are performing in the exam. If you te the entire course or qualify for an exam. fail your “credit” or exam, you can do up to Exams are held in the exam period. They may two retakes. Note that many courses are con- be written, but are very often oral. Prior to cluded only with a credit or “kolokvium” (oral the exam, students receive relevant topics or assessment through discussion), i.e. only the questions and need to revise the contents of pass/fail evaluation, without a grade (A, B, C, the course in the semester. At the oral exam D, E, F). If your home university requires gra- you discuss the selected topic with the in- des, remember to choose courses that are structor; the test can take anywhere from 15 concluded with an exam. UP cannot give you minutes to 1 hour or more, again depending grades for courses that are concluded with on the discipline, instructor, and logically on a “credit” or colloquium.

46 STUDYING AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY PART 4 need to set a WiFi password through the UP ACCESS TO THE INTERNET Portal. Login to the UP Portal (see Chapters ‘UP Portal’ and ‘STAG – Managing your studies The main data you need to have to be able to online’). Click “Edit my profile” in the upper ri- connect to the Internet are your Portal ID and ght corner. After setting up a password, you birth identification code. With them, you can access the internet. can login to the UP Portal and connect to the KolejNET internet network in dormitories. The WIRED CONNECTION Portal ID is listed in the Contacts section. You can obtain your birth identification code from Besides the wireless connection, you can your faculty international relations officer. also connect your laptop to the Internet with a cable. To connect the cable to the If you experience difficulties logging in or designated outlets you need to have your get your access blocked, please contact own UTP cable with an RJ-45 connector. the UP Information Centre: The network you want to connect to at the [email protected], UP is called EDUROAM. To connect to the tel.: +420 585 631 842. WiFi you need to make a few adjustments on your PC. Instructions in English on how PART CONNECTING TO THE to connect are at the front desk of the UP Library (Zbrojnice). Feel free to ask the sta- DORMITORIES NETWORK ff. Remember you have to have your com- 5 puter protected (an installed and updated In the dormitories you can connect to the Ko- antivirus programme, downloaded and in- lejNet network. In addition to the general ru- stalled service packs of Windows, MS Offi- les of the UP network, it is necessary to also ce, etc.) It is mandatory to have computers observe the binding rules of KolejNET. An protected. overview of these rules, the office hours of administrators, news, and other information INTERNET CONNECTION are available at http://www.kolejnet.upol. cz/. To get Internet access in your room, you PROBLEMS need an ethernet cable. Simply ask for help at the front desk. If you have problems with the connecti- UNIVERSITY on, try asking Czech colleagues for help SETTING A WI-FI PASSWORD or check the UP Portal data again for in- correct login details. Consult the faculty FACILITIES Before you can connect to the wireless network administrator only after all of network around the whole university, you your previous attempts have failed. Ac- AND SERVICES 49 PART 5 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES curate and updated contact details of fortable sofas, a microwave oven, and an • All books and textbooks can be easily the administrator are available at the UP UP LIBRARY – ZBROJNICE electric kettle to make tea or coffee. At the located using the library computer or in Portal, section: Help and Guidelines – UP entrance to the library there is also a seating advance from home. Also, you can use computer network – Computer Network www.knihovna.upol.cz area with a vending machine. All the library the online catalogue to check your loans, Support. services are available only for holders of va- due dates, or to reserve another book. UP Library = UP Central Library (Zbrojnice), lid ID cards. Like in other libraries, you may be fined If the network has not been working to Library of the CMFoT, FoPC, LoF, FoS, FoM, for returning items past the due date. Re- your liking for an extended period of time, FoHS, the reading room at FoE, and the Bri- Please see the full list of library services member, therefore, to renew your loan in you can also contact the CVT help-line at tish Centre. provided at the UP Library (Zbrojnice) at time (maximum twice in a row). Loaned [email protected], tel.: +420 585 631 842. www.upol.cz/en. books can be returned at any section of The UP Library (Zbrojnice) is the largest libra- the UP library (with the exception of the In the case of problems with the dormitory ry at UP located across from the UP Faculty Practical tips for using the British Centre) and newly also via Biblio- networks, please contact the KolejNET sup- of Arts and the Rector‘s Office. Biskupské -ná library services Boxes at the passage to UP Library and at port at [email protected]. městí 1, tel.: +420 585 631 730 the Theoretical institutes of the Faculty of • If you top up your ID card at the B library Medicine. PUBLIC COMPUTER LABS UP Library (Zbrojnice) opening hours: desk, you can use it for cheap and easy • You can also get trained in working with printing and copying. Desk B is opposite electronic information sources to which The largest IT centre is located on the ground Po–Čt 8:00–22.00 the central desk, i.e. on the first floor, on the library offers free access at http:// floor of the UP Library (Zbrojnice) (over 100 the right, past the toilets and vending ma- ezdroje.upol.cz/. If interested, please well-equipped computers and a printer). Re- Mon – Thu 8am to 10pm chines. You will also need the ID card for contact [email protected]. Send an email to member to always carry your ISIC as it is vital Pá 8:00–19:00 loans. Reference items (red tape on the the same address if you need access for logging in. Fri 8am to 7pm back) cannot be removed from the libra- to specialized scientific articles and pu- ry; all others are available for standard blications; the office will help you find COPY AND PRINT SERVICES So 9:00–16:00 loans. them or will strive to obtain inaccessible Sat 9am to 4pm • If you need a book that is not in high de- materials. With the ISIC card you can make copies mand, it is likely to be on-site; simply fill • If you have any questions regarding the and print out documents at computer labs in the online booking form and within an operation and services of the library, and faculty libraries. The ISIC card also ser- Please note that changes may occur hour the book will be waiting for you at feel free to email to: [email protected]. ves for the payment for these services. You during important holidays and summer. the central desk. In the same way, you You can also get in touch with the library can charge (top up) the card at designated can loan older issues of newspapers and through Facebook: www.facebook.com/ charging terminals at the library desks). magazines, which are also stored outside knihovnaUP. Also, there are copy centres in the city cen- Aside from the tens of thousands of books the main halls. • Although the library feed is in Czech, it tre, which accept any electronic storage and other publications, the library at Zbroj- • The online catalogue: http://library. frequently refers to useful sources of device to make copies and print. On ave- nice is a good place for studying. It has wired upol.cz/arl-upol/en/search/ will guide information in other languages, and its rage, rates range from 1 to 2 CZK per A4 connection for laptops, wireless connection, you in creating a request. If you encoun- administrators are happy to answer any page. vending machines, computer labs, an over- ter difficulties, ask your librarian for assi- questions in English. Subscribing to their night reading room, a clubroom with com- stance with the request. Facebook page is definitely a good idea.

50 51 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PART 5 PART 5 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES OTHER LIBRARIES PSYCHOLOGICAL Note that you need to handle the books IN OLOMOUC COUNSELLING LEARNING CZECH AND that you have loaned with care and OTHER LANGUAGES return them all before you leave. For • Research Library in Olomouc Study abroad is often described as an unfor- example, the Faculty of Law requires all www.vkol.cz gettable and entirely positive experience. A lit- SURVIVAL CZECH its exchange students to submit a docu- • The Municipal Library of Olomouc tle known fact, however, is that it is also a time ment issued by the faculty library that www.kmol.cz/en of major changes and a lot of stress. At some This is a short, four-day course held during confirms that the student has returned point of your stay, you are likely to feel down, the Orientation Week. It is designed for true all the books. Without this confirmati- UP BOOKSHOP lonely, anxious, homesick, lost in your new beginners as it teaches basic phrases, gree- on, you will not receive the Confirmati- environment, etc. If Skyping with your family tings, requests, and simple questions used on of Study Period. If you are looking to buy a textbook or publi- back home or hanging out with new friends in everyday life in the Czech Republic. If you cation, check out our bookshop opposite the does not help and you have been feeling out want to attend the Survival Czech course, you main entrance to the UP Library (Zbrojnice). of place for a longer period of time, do not be need to register in advance (a registration A short tour of the library for groups of Sale and distribution are also available onli- afraid to ask for professional help. Contact the form is sent to all students by email). students (by appointment only) ne: www.e-shop.upol.cz. Address: Biskup- Counselling Centre of the Department of Psy- ské nám. 1, Olomouc chology and Psychopathology, FoE, UP. Email: CZECH LANGUAGE COURSES This is especially useful at the beginning of [email protected]. Likewise, students your studies. Ask for more details at the front can get psychological help at the UP FoM. Con- Palacký University provides a free course of desk of the central library. If you find enou- COUNSELLING AT tact the Study Department for more. Czech for Foreigners for Erasmus+ students gh people to form a group, the librarians will PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY throughout the academic year. The course give you a tour of the whole library and its MULTICULTURAL starts at the beginning of each semester. You services. SPECIAL NEEDS CENTRE will be asked to take a placement test first to CONSULTING identify your language skills and select the Night study If you need assistance because of a physical appropriate course. There are always cour- disability, please contact the Support Cen- The Career Counselling Centre provides con- ses for beginners, intermediate and advan- A smaller reading room is available on the tre for Students with Special Needs: http:// sulting services and aid to all international ced learners. Students who regularly attend ground floor. Throughout the night there is www.uss.upol.cz/centrum-pomoci-handi- students. If you are in a situation you cannot the course, fulfil the tasks and pass the final access to the university network (wireless), capovanym/ The centre is at the Faculty of cope with on your own, have any academic exam are granted credits for the semester a toilet, as well as food and beverage vending Education. Counselling is available on perso- or practical problems that you need help course. Updated information regarding the machines. Entrance to the reading room is nal request. If need be, the counselling can with, feel lonely or have any other personal placement test, instructors, classrooms, etc. is possible via the student ID card. take place outside the Centre’s premises. problems, feel free to contact the centre at: provided in the Orientation Week and also at: [email protected]. www.kb.upol.cz/czech-for-foreigners/. For Opening hours: Address and contact: Faculty of Education, enquiries, email [email protected]. Mon – Thu: 10pm - 6am, Žižkovo nám. 5, Olomouc, Address and contact: The Career Coun- Fri: 7pm - 6am tel.: +420 585 635 323, selling Centre, The Faculty of Arts, Palacký The test available on the website needs to mobile phone: +420 775 124 696, University in Olomouc, tř. Svobody 26, Olo- be submitted to the same email address. email: [email protected] mouc., tel.: +420 585 633 250. Address and contact: The Faculty of Arts,

52 53 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PART 5 PART 5 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Department of Czech Studies, Křížkovského The British Centre www.bc.upol.cz 10, Olomouc If you love the water, check out the Olo- Sport programmes The Confucius Institute — the Centre for mouc swimming pool at www.olterm.cz/ Aside from Czech language courses designed Chinese Language www.konfucius.upol.cz plavecky-bazen/aktuality or the Aqua- There are two types of sport programmes for for Erasmus+ students, there are also tailored park water park – www.aqua-olomouc.cz. UP students. The basic programme “Základní courses of Czech language for prospective TANDEM OLOMOUC Interested in dancing? Visit one of the local program” covers a wide range of sport activities international students, who are planning to dance schools: www.coufalovi.cz, www. – ball games, dances, aerobics, etc. The specia- join a BA or MA programme. These courses Why not supplement what you learn in your tanecni-olomouc.cz, www.tk-mango.cz lized programme “Speciální program” focuses are organized by The Centre of Distance Le- courses by joining the Tandem Project which or try one of the Latin dance halls for more on the more exotic sports – climbing, indoor cyc- arning of the Faculty of Arts: http://www. connects international and Czech students information. You can also join the Facebook ling, archery, etc. The whole programme range ff.upol.cz/en/groups/studying/czech-lan- to promote linguistic and cultural exchange. group Salsa/Bachata/Zouk/WCS in Olomouc. is available on the UP website at the beginning guages-courses/ www.tandem.netsource.cz Before you start exploring the city, have of each semester (search in Czech). In order to a look at what the university sports centre participate you need to first buy a sports pass. Address and contact: The Faculty of Arts, tř. has to offer. Bring your ISIC and one passport photo. The Ba- Svobody 26, Olomouc, veronika.glogarova@ SPORTS sic Programme pass is about 600/1,000 CZK per upol.cz. ACADEMIC SPORTS CENTRE (UP ASC) semester/year. Although you are asked to select There is a great variety of sports activities to one sport of preference you want to attend, you UPLIFT – LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF choose from in Olomouc. The first thing to The contact point of the UP ASC is situa- are allowed to attend any other sport from the catch your eye are the concrete courts right ted next to the main entrance of the Palac- Basic Programme unless they are full. The cost THE FACULTY OF ARTS next to the dormitories (Envelopa area); sim- ký University Sports Hall (next to the bike of the Specialized Programme pass varies de- ply find a ball and a few sports enthusiasts shop). You can buy membership passes for pending on the selected sport. You can buy the Address and contact: The Faculty of Arts, tř. and you can go play , football or the sports programmes there as well. If you sports card in the first two weeks of the semes- Svobody 26, Olomouc, www.up-lift.upol.cz volleyball. The lawn by the river just begs have any questions about the sports pro- ter at the central canteen (třída 17. listopadu). to host (besides studying and barbecuing) grammes, please check the Facebook page The sports passes are available for sale at their LANGUAGE CENTRES AT a game of Frisbee. Bikers, in-line skaters, and of the Academic Sports Centre or email: office. die-hard joggers find their paradise in the [email protected], tomas.valenta@ FACULTIES vast Olomouc parks and on bike paths out- upol.cz. Are you into running? Check the regu- side of the city. lar running practices by Jogito ergo sum The Department of Applied Linguistics, FoA Throughout the year students can also take http://radostzpohybu.cz/general/Article. (STAG abbreviation/code: KAL) You can also join a local gym – Sportcentrum advantage of the Academic Fitness Gym aspx?id=4417, a project coordinated by the www.kal.upol.cz Best, Help Fitness Club, Omega or FitCent- www.akademikfitness.cz. Faculty of Physical Culture. rum Gambare. At the Regional Centre Olo- The Foreign Language Department, FoL mouc there is the Help Fitness Prestige gym, Address and contact: Sportovní hala (UP BAJKAZYL OLOMOUC & KOLOMOUC, o.s. (STAG abbreviation/code: KJA) and another sports venue, the Koruna Club, Sports Hall), U sportovní haly 554/2a, Olo- www.pf.upol.cz/menu/struktura-pf/ka- has great squash courts. There are also lots mouc, www.akademikolomouc.cz, www.fa- Bajkazyl Olomouc is the Olomouc branch of tedry/katedra-jazyku/ of places to play , miniature golf and cebook.com/Akademik-sport-centrum the Prague Bajkazyl, a bike shop and bar. Of- paintball. The same applies to bowling. fering full bicycle service, remanufacturing

54 55 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PART 5 PART 5 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES and the sale of retro bicycles, it also sells and YOUTUBE repairs bike accessories and parts. Palacký University YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/Palacký University Address and contact: Wurmova 7, Olo- mouc, email: [email protected] FACEBOOK UPBike Facebook UP facebook.com/univerzita.palackeho The main goal of the UPBike project is to get our students, lectors and staff on their bikes STUDENT MAGAZINE on the way to work and back home and crea- te the best possible conditions for it. The UP- Student magazine ‘Helena v krabici’ Bike Points at all faculties offer basic service (Helena in the Box) tools and a bike pump for free. You can also Helena v Krabici is an unincorporated asso- use three UPBike Points in the city – Bajkazyl, ciation and an online and printed maga- Moolbike and Cyklo u Matesa, where your zine of Palacký University students. Right bike will be repaired for discounted price. All now it has two dozen permanent members you need is your student ID. The unique bike- on the editorial staff who work to -brin sharing project is for all university stu- ging news from university life, Olomouc, dents with a 50% discount. You just need to and the world of culture. If you would like register with your university email. https:// to join the team, please email the edito- www.facebook.com/projektUPBike rial staff at: [email protected], website: www.helenavkrabici.cz. MEDIA AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY

JOURNAL OF PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY

Stay updated and read the latest UP news in the Journal of Palacký University (Žurnál Online) at www.zurnal.upol.cz. Students are welco- me to contribute to the journal; if interested, please email [email protected]. The English version is available at: www.zurnal.upol.cz/ rubriky/news-in-english.

56 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PART 5 https://www.sectionbox.org, fill in your STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS profile and your Czech buddy will pick you. Olomouc is renowned for student activities. For further information please contact The following list will come in handy if you ESN UP at [email protected] are looking to join a student association, or- ganization or civic association. All the orga- During the academic year, ESN UP Olo- nizations welcome new members; students mouc organizes trips around Czech cities usually speak good English and, if not, you and abroad, parties, cultural and sports can always make yourself understood with events of all kinds. UP students and inter- a bit of effort. So do not hesitate and go ex- national students form an international plore the student world! team where they practice foreign langu- age skills, learn about different customs Please see the full descriptions of the stu- and cultures and make friendships that dent organizations at www.upol.cz/en can last a lifetime. To keep yourself updated about their events ESN UP OLOMOUC and to keep in touch with other international students, join their private group called Eras- PART As part of the international student organi- mus in Olomouc year/year. For more informati- zation Erasmus Student Network, each year on about the ESN mission, scheduled events, the ESN UP Olomouc is there for several contacts, partners, and the latest activities at hundred exchange students who choose to the ESN UP Olomouc branch, go to http:// 6 study at any of the eight faculties of Palacký www.esnup.upol.cz or check out the ESN University in Olomouc. They are volunteers UP Olomouc Facebook page. The ESN welco- who help you on the basis of students hel- mes all exchange students who want to join ping students. At the beginning of your stu- their activities; it does not matter which pro- dy abroad, you will especially appreciate the gramme you are enrolled in. buddy system and the afternoon programme of Orientation Week. ESN card

The buddy system is based on commu- A special card which gives its holder the pri- nication between exchange students vilege to participate in all activities organized and Czech ‘buddy’ students. This sys- by ESN UP such as trips, sports and cultural STUDENT LIFE, tem facilitates the foreigners’ integra- activities, etc. Last, but not least, it offers tion into the Czech environment and discounts at hostels, restaurants, shops etc. is beneficial for both parties. To get The card is valid for one year all over Europe. CULTURE, LEISURE your buddy, register at SectionBox http://esncard.org

59 PART 6 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE PEPA (PALACKÝ ENGLISH backgrounds and levels of study. Website: http://www.ifmsa.cz/fakulty/ UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN www.facebook.com/ishaolomouc olomouc/ PROGRAMME ASSOCIATION) email: [email protected] (Local President) MOVEMENT OLOMOUC PEPA is a student organisation of the ex- CZECH ASSOCIATION OF UCM is a network of small Christian groups change students studying at UP FoM. www. STUDENTS OF PSYCHOLOGY PASTICHE FILMZ of students who share the same vision: They facebook.com/groups/126357197471370 want to bring the good news of Jesus Christ The platform Pastiche Filmz is run by stu- The Association is involved in psychology con- to their friends at the university. dents and non-students active in the field ferences and seminars on both the domestic Website: www.ukh.cz, www.skh-olomouc.cz AIESEC OLOMOUC of dramatic arts. Their activities include ru- and international level, student exchanges, email: [email protected] nning a film club, audiovisual projections, AIESEC specializes in study and work place- introductory events for freshmen, and the workshops, PAF (Festival of Film Animation ments abroad. You can join in the daily ope- traditional Psychoparty. Olomouc), outdoor cinema, film competiti- UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC ration of the branch or participate in multi- Website: www.caspos.cz ons, exhibitions, publications, etc. MOVEMENT OLOMOUC cultural events that AIESEC holds. email: [email protected] Website: www.pastichefilmz.org Website: www.olomouc.aiesec.cz Contact: [email protected] A civic association that professes Christian va- email: [email protected] ELSA OLOMOUC lues. Members include the students of UP and other Olomouc higher education institutions. GUILD OF THE DISABLED OF THE The European Law Students’ Association OLOMOUC JAPANESE CLUB Website: www.vkholomouc.cz CENTRAL EUROPEAN brings together law students and young la- email: [email protected] wyers in 42 countries across Europe. The The club holds regular screenings of Japan- HISTORIOGRAPHY main idea behind the association is coopera- ese films, lectures on interesting topics, cre- ATENEO JOINT ative workshops, food and drink tastings or tion between Europeans working in the legal CHAMBER CHOIR This organization aims to bring together industry or studying law. demonstrations of martial arts. the current and former students of the De- Website: http://www.japonskyklub.cz Website: http://www.elsa.cz/olomouc Consisting of students of the Palacký Univer- partment of History (Faculty of Arts) of the UP contact: Daniel Pospíšil, [email protected] email: [email protected] and other people interested in history. sity in Olomouc, the choir was founded in Website: www.cish.bloger.cz SPECIAL EDUCATION 2001 on the initiative of student -lovers email: [email protected] THE INTERNATIONAL under the auspices of the Department of Mu- FEDERATION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION sic Education of the Faculty of Education. Website: www.ateneo.upol.cz ISHA OLOMOUC STUDENTS ASSOCIATION This association is affiliated with the -Insti email: [email protected] (AN INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF tute of Special Education Studies of the UP STUDENTS OF HISTORY AND The organization is affiliated with the UN and FoE and its activities are designed for those RELATED SCIENCES) WHO (World Health Organization) as an inter- interested in special education, especially its RELIGION national forum for medical students. If you students. ISHA is an association which is open to all stu- are a medical student, you should check the Email: [email protected] The Czechs rank among the most atheist dents interested in history from all academic IFMSA out. nations in the world, however, your choice

60 61 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE PART 6 PART 6 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE to practice religion is respected here in Olo- sdays 6pm. Facebook: Baptist Assembly-Olo- PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY Adress and contact: Wurmova 7, Olomouc mouc. Below are religious organisations and mouc www.divadlonacucky.cz places of worship in Olomouc: ART CENTRE – KONVIKT THE JEWISH CENTRE Even if you are not an art student, you should CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES have a look around the Art Centre of UP at CENTER ARTUM • http://kehila-olomouc.cz/rs_english/ least once. The stunning Baroque building of • Caritas (English Mass). 2nd and 4th Sunday the former Jesuit college is the artistic hub of Cultural and social center provides enter- of the month, 10am, Křížkovského 6 MUSLIM COMMUNITY UP. It houses five art departments and most tainment in the form of concerts, dances, of the space is used for instruction as well as http://catholiceng-olo.blogspot.cz/ theatre performances, leisure activities and • Email: [email protected] for a variety of artistic activities. In the attic dance lessons. The center runs a café called • St.Wenceslas there is a theatre where you can see the mo- Déjavu designed in the style of the thirties. (katedrála Sv.Václava), Václavské nám. ORTHODOX CHURCH vies of the Pastiche Filmz cultural platform, It’s a really interesting and cool place to go. • St. Maurice Cathedral among others (www.pastichefilmz.org). Adress and contact: Sokolská 7 (katedrála Sv. Mořice), ul. 8. května • Church of St. Gorazd , Gorazdovo square There is also a music hall where the UP cham- http://www.artumcentrum.cz/ • St. Michael Church (Michalský kostel), ber choir Ateneo rehearses every week. Kon- vikt also holds a variety of cultural festivals – Žerotínovo nám. THEATRES AND CINEMAS CULTURE AND SOCIAL LIFE PAF (www.pifpaf.cz), AFO (www.afo.cz) and • Virgin Mary in the Snow Cathedral many others. Follow the UP calendar on the Do you want to relax for a while? You can visit (kostel P. Marie Sněžné), nám. Republiky There are many ways to find out about exci- main site and check posters for updates. some of our theatres and cinemas. ting places to go, where the gigs are playing, Adress and contact: Univerzitní 3 EVANGELICAL CHURCHES or where the sports matches are happening. www.upol.cz/en/art-centre/ THEATRES Probably the easiest way is to keep checking (PROTESTANT) the dozens of posters in the hallways of the CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY • The Moravian Theatre Olomouc dormitories, canteens and faculties or the • Czech Baptist Church (translation into Eng- VENUE W7 www.moravskedivadlo.cz ever-so-useful Internet. Take note of the • Tramtarie Theatre lish). Sundays 9:30am, Hotel Clarion, oppo- most popular websites: and www.upol.cz www.divadlotramtarie.cz site the main railway station (hlavní nádra- www.zurnal.upol.cz, which post invitations The cultural and community venue W7 runs • Divadlo Na Cucky ží). www.baptisteolomouc.cz to UP-related events and include an events the Divadlo Na Cucky Theatre, an indepen- www.divadlonacucky.cz • Olomouc International Fellowship (English). calendar. Information about programmes is dent scene open to art and dialogue. In ad- st • Na Šantovce Theatre 1 Sunday of the month, 6pm, Mariánská 3. also available directly on the websites and dition to Divadlo Na Cucky, the venue hosts www.divadlonasantovce.cz Facebook: Olomouc International Fellowship. the Facebook pages of the relevant theatres, Czech and international artists mainly from • Bible studies (English). Neředín on Friday cinemas, establishments and sports centres. the field of contemporary theatre and- dan evenings. http://www.ukh.cz/en/skupin- Lastly, there are also the Olomouc city webp- ce. The theatre regularly runs workshops on CINEMAS ky/international/international-olomouc ages (www.olomouc.eu) and the commerci- dance, juggling, storytelling, and many other • Baptist Assembly (English). Pavelčákova al sites (www.olomouc.cz, www.ol4you.cz, activities. It is also a venue of environmental • Pastiche Filmz 13, Sundays 11:00am; Bible study: Wedne- and www.i-olomouc.com). and civic activities. www.pastichefilmz.org

62 63 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE PART 6 PART 6 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE • CineStar Olomouc • Beerfest • Vertigo www.klubvertigo.cz PIZZA & FOOD DELIVERY http://cinestar.cz/olomouc Czech Octoberfest • Jazz Tibet Club www.jazzclub.olomouc.com • Metropol www.beerfest.cz • Ponorka A legend among legends located When you get tired of the university canteens www.kinometropol.cz • MusicOlomouc on třída 1 máje 8. and do not feel like cooking, you can head to • Premier Cinemas – Galerie Šantovka International Festival of Contemporary one of the many restaurants in the city. Most www.olomouc.premierecinemas.cz Music WINE BARS of them offer daily specials at very reasona- www.musicolomouc.cz ble prices (for an overview see, for example, • VZÁŘÍ/Septembeam www.olomouc.cz). If you want to try Czech Kaštánek, U dvou strašidel, U Dómu and FESTIVALS The Festival of Light and Video Mapping cuisine, why not try Drápal (www.restaura- others. All three wine bars are between the Fa- http://septembeam.eu cedrapal.cz) or U Červeného volka (www. culty of Education and the U Dómu tram stop. • Majáles of Palacký University • Jeden svět/One World ucervenehovolka.cz). At Saint Wenceslas They all also sell draft wine and bottled wine. Traditional student party in the month of The International Human Rights Documen- Brewery you will find a pleasant atmosphe- May www.majales.upol.cz tary Film Festival re, homemade beer and a beer spa (www. “Majáles” is a student party that has a rich http://www.oneworld.cz TEAROOMS svatovaclavsky-pivovar.cz). history at universities in the Czech Republic. It • Festivaly Moravské Filharmonie Olo- is basically a celebration of the spring, mouc / Festivals by the Moravian Dobrá Čajovna (Havelkova 7), Čajovna Wabi There is also vegetarian cuisine (www.green- and civil liberties. Students hold concerts, film Philharmonic Olomouc (Šemberova 64/13), Té&Café Kratochvíle bar.cz) and vegetarian Indian cuisine (www. screenings, theatre shows, elect their king Festivals of classical music (Sokolská 36), etc. Fancy a wide range of teas govinda-olomouc.cz) in the city. Or you can and organize an allegorical masked parade http://www.mfo.cz and possibly a shisha? All three Olomouc te- try Nepalese cuisine (http://www.nepalska. through the city. Student and non-profit arooms have an extraordinary setting and cz/menu.php). Pizza restaurants are a whole organizations get to present themselves and, much more. new chapter. Olomouc has so many of them basically, it is all just one big party. CLUBS & PUBS that they compete with each other to offer • Academia Film Olomouc students better prices and flavours. It is up The International Festival of Science Docu- Please see the full list of the best Clubs & CAFÉS to you to find out where they have the best mentary Films Pubs at www.upol.cz/en and cheapest pizza. Most of them give ISIC www.afo.cz • Doga A pub located in the dormitory area Olomouc is packed with coffee shops. There and quantity discounts. Likewise, you can get • Flora Theatre Festival – J.L. Fischera is one round every corner in the centre. For sandwiches and burgers delivered to your The International Theatre Festival • U-Club A club located in the dormitory instance, Café 87 at náměstí Rebubliky, Café door. Lots of Asian and döner kebab restau- www.divadelniflora.cz area – Generála Svobody www.u-klub.cz La Feé (Ostružnická 13), and Café Sant’ An- rants deliver food, too. • PAF • Belmondo Student party club in the city gello (Denisova 11). Kafe Kodo (Ostružnická The International Festival of Film Animati- center http://www.belmondo.cz 342/40) roasts their own coffee and makes on www.pifpaf.cz • S-Cube www.scube-ol.cz excellent coffee-to-go. Another cosy coffee- • Noc Kostelů/ Night of Churches • 15minut Music Club -and-read-books place is Druhý Domov, The Night of Churches offers a free look at www.facebook.com/klub15minut located right next to the Bystřice river. But of many churches, and monaste- • Arktic Music Club www.arktic.cz course, different strokes for different folks, ries around Czech cities. • Varna www.republicadevarna.cz/club so be sure to have a look for yourself.... www.nockostelu.cz • Black Stuffwww.blackstuff.cz

64 65 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE PART 6 PART 6 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE SHOPPING

UPOINT

The Information Centre and Shop of Palacký University Olomouc.

Gift Items

UPoint offers a variety of souvenirs and use- ful items (ranging from pens to picnic blan- kets to university-produced honey). Each item we carry has been carefully chosen for our customers from quality local suppliers.

What else you can find at UPoint ...

Fashion Collection, Books and Publications, Posters and Photos, Coffee & Services

MAJOR SHOPPING CENTRES

• Globus & OlomoucCITY Shopping Mall www.globus.cz, http://www.mojecity.cz/ • Olympia Shopping Mall www.olympiaolo- mouc.cz • Centrum Haná Shopping Mall www.ochana.cz • Galerie Šantovka www.galeriesantovka.cz

67 PART 6 STUDENT LIFE, CULTURE, LEISURE AROUND OLOMOUC AROUND THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Here are several tips for places which you can Below you will find some tips on places worth visit around Olomouc. Please see the full list seeing in the Czech Republic. Please see the with descriptions at www.upol.cz/en full list with descriptions at www.upol.cz/en

• The Kroměříž Archbishop’s Castle and • Mikulov www.mikulov.cz/tourism Gardens • Ostrava www.czechtourism.com/t/ostrava/ • Bouzov Castle • Slavonice www.telc.eu • Dlouhé Stráně pumped-storage hydro- • Český Krumlov www.ckrumlov.info electric power plant • Cheb www.tic.mestocheb.cz • Mladečské Caves, Javoříčské Caves, Javo- • Kutná Hora www.kutnahora.cz říčko • Tábor www.taborcz.eu • Velké Losiny Handmade Paper Factory • Veselý Kopec u Hlinska and Chateau www.vesely-kopec.cz • Tovačov • Prague www.praha.eu • Loštice Museum of Tvarůžky Cheese • Sovinec Castle PART • The Hranice Chasm 7 • Helfštýn Castle

PLACES TO VISIT

69 PART 7 PLACES TO VISIT Days when you have a day off and (almost) all and rituals as well as with several secular the shops are closed. You could take advan- customs mostly kept by people from small tage of your free time and visit some of the towns and villages. Easter represents a ce- places mentioned above. lebration of spring when nature is reborn. People decorate their houses with Easter symbols: coloured eggs, chicken and bunny CZECH PUBLIC HOLIDAYS motifs, etc. It is also common to bake an Eas- ter lamb, a cake in a form of a lamb decora- • 1 January – New Year’s Day/Restoration ted with sugar or chocolate. Easter Monday Day of the Independent Czech State is a festive day. The younger boys (and also • (March or April) – Easter Monday adult men) make a special handmade plaited • 1 May – Labour Day, (Day of Love, EU whip (“pomlázka” or an “Easter stick”), which Accession Day) they decorate with colourful ribbons. On Eas- • 8 May – Liberation Day ter Monday they visit houses in the neigbou- • 5 July – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day rhood and while reciting a rhyme they ten- (introduction of Christianity and the first derly whip girls and women to preserve their written form of the old Slavic language) health and beauty. The girls reward them • 6 July – Day (religious reformer with decorated eggs or sweets. PART burnt to death) • 28 September – St Wenceslas Day WITCH BURNING (Czech Statehood Day) 8 • 28 October – Independent Celebrated on 30 April, this is an old pre- (founded in 1918) -Christian feast for warding off the evil- in • 17 November – Struggle for Freedom and fluence of malign forces, especially witches. Democracy Day – International Students’ It likely originated from the Celtic/Gaelic Be- Day commemorates the German storming altaine holiday, as Celtic tribes inhabited the of Czech universities in 1939. Czech lands before the arrival of the . • 24 December – Christmas Eve People usually make a fire on the highest • 25, 26 December – Christmas hill to avoid the bad influences. People also create their own witch figure which is burnt at midnight. To be honest though, nowadays TRADITIONS this festival is a time to meet with friends, have fun, dance around the fire and drink HOLIDAYS AND EASTER a beer or two. TRADITIONS Easter is connected with religious traditions

71 PART 8 HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS MAY FIRST tatoes. On top of that, they would be put in A FEW TIPS AND RULES THAT WILL COME IN HANDY AT PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY the Devil’s sack and taken to hell. If you would Although Valentine’s Day is now celebrated in like to see the St Nicolas, the Angel, and the 1. Remember to read all the information about UP, your faculty, your department, your disci- the Czech Republic, the original day celebra- Devil, simply take an evening stroll around pline, and to study ... it‘s worth it. ting love in the Czech Republic is 1 May (also the streets on December 5th. Labour Day). On that day every man should 2. If you do not understand something, instead of immediately contacting the international kiss his sweetheart under a blossoming cher- CHRISTMAS relations office, first try asking your friends or classmates. Often it pays off! ry tree and surprise her with a little gift. In the Czech Republic it is Ježíšek (the Baby 3. If tips 1 and 2 haven’t worked for you, then you can go and ask your Faculty International SAINT NICOLAS Jesus) who brings the presents, not Santa Relations Officer or Department Coordinator. Claus. The most important part of Christmas (MIKULÁŠ IN CZECH) is the evening of December 24th when the 4. Say “Hello!” (or “Dobrý den!”) to your teachers (even if they sometimes fail to respond). family gathers at Christmas dinner (traditio- It’s culturally polite and respectful. Together with the Devil and the Angel, St Ni- nally fried carp and potato salad) to eat and colas, who descends from heaven, visits chil- then the presents are opened. Afterwards 5. Observe office hours – that way you show respect for the other person. dren at their homes to ask if they were good the family sings carols or does other traditi- over the past year. If this is the case, the chil- ons such as halving an apple or pouring lead 6. Regularly check the Central IRO’s website and your email. Ignorance is no excuse. dren are rewarded with sweets, nuts or fruit. (or wax). Several weeks before Christmas, Naughty kids, however, as the traditional sto- women bake special pastries and put up 7. Keep track of the academic schedule, deadlines, days off, etc. ry goes, would only get a sack of coal or po- beautiful Christmas decorations. 8. Rely on yourself. You are a university student.

72 73 HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS PART 8 PART 8 HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY MAPS

313 x 135 mm ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jana Hořáková, Lenka Kernerová

EDITORS: Štěpánka Bublíková, Zuzana Hamdanieh, Yvona Vyhnánková, Klára Henzlová

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Anna Dostálová, Ondřej Martínek, Martin Višňa, Jiří Šmoldas, Eva Čížková, Jana Kufová, Monika Lebedová, Monika Meislová, Pavla Polívková, Alexandra Spurná, Renata Štolfová, Jana Kufová.

EXECUTIVE TRANSLATION: Eva Černínová, Matthew Sonter and Trisha Pospíšil

PHOTO: Palacký University photobank + doplní grafik podle použití

PUBLISHED BY: Palacký University, Olomouc, Křížkovského 8, 771 47 Olomouc

DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Dalibor Peřina, Olomouc

PRINTING: ProfiTisk Olomouc, Kyselovská 125, 783 01 Olomouc

Olomouc 2015 Not for resale Full version of this International Student Guide is available at www.upol.cz/en

„The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.“