Back in Southampton, I study Archaeology and Anthropology, but in Prague I wanted to focus on Anthropology. My love for the subject revolves around its flexibility and variety – if I wanted to, I could study language, philosophy and art and it would all be anthropology… so I did. Charles University is a lot more accommodating to academic exploration; as long as 51% of your courses come from your main faculty, you can study what you want. I took classes in philosophy, art, language, archaeology, anthropology, film, gaming and mythology. In my second semester the list expanded to include environmental studies. As much as a year abroad is an opportunity to travel and experience new things, you are still studying, and it would be pointless to be bored by your primary form of occupation. In my biased opinion, the Faculty of arts has the best modules so I recommend looking there, but there are interesting courses in all the departments.
Important note: the faculties release modules on different dates, so keep an eye out so you don’t miss them. Furthermore, you aren’t guaranteed places in other faculties since they priorities their own students, but if you’re put on a waiting list, go to the lectures anyway because they are likely to add you for the commitment.
October let me get used to the academic calendar, so in November I was much more comfortable. I knew some of my lecturers very well, and they are very eager to help in different ways. In particular, I have some very significant contacts for my dissertation topic and at the very least, they can refer helpful books for my research.
Additionally, now that I’d settled in I could explore more of the city with friends, and try to find fun places to visit. I’ll try and add a few places at the end of my future blogs that I recommend visiting.
- Laskava cafe bistro
Cute cafe near Narodni Trida, very fairly priced in comparison to other cafes in the city centre, and has wifi. There’s a bathroom and outdoor heating at the back too. It is quite small though so not recommend for massive groups though they may be able to fit you.
Anglická 390, 120 00 Vinohrady
- Bohemia Boards and Brews
This is a great board game pub!! It has a wide variety of games and the staff will give you recommendations if you don’t know what to choose. They do snacks, bar food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all of which are also decently priced. They ask for a 60kč as an insurance price incase games are damaged, but for the 3 hours you get to play the additional charge is more than reasonable.
Charkovská 441, 101 00 Praha 10-Vršovice
- Prague Castle
This castle is beautiful and well worth the trip. Its just off of the Old Town if you take the 22 tram but there are a few different ways to get there. You can explore some of the castle for free but the main sights require tickets. A little pricey but they do student discounts and group prices too. I highly recommend getting a ticket that lets you enter the cathedral as the building is beautiful and probably my favourite part of the visit!