Practical information
Accommodation
The University provides accommodation in student halls of residence located in various parts of Ostrava. Students are responsible for arranging and booking their accommodation themselves. Students can also arrange their accommodation in private flats – we suggest using the service of Foreigners.cz and/or Sreality.
The University provides accommodation in student halls of residence located in various parts of Ostrava. Students are responsible for arranging and booking their accommodation themselves. Students can also arrange their accommodation in private flats – we suggest using the service of Foreigners.cz and/or Sreality.
Cost of living
The Czech Republic in general and the city of Ostrava boast one of the lowest costs of living compared to the rest of Europe.
The Czech Republic in general and the city of Ostrava boast one of the lowest costs of living compared to the rest of Europe.
Student life
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic, a centre of industry, and a university town where students comprise approximately 14% of the population. Ostrava is excellently located, with superb public transport links that allow travel to five European capitals within 4 hours for less than EUR 40. Ostrava is also home to the Colours of Ostrava and Beats for Love music festivals, which feature artists from around the world each summer.
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic, a centre of industry, and a university town where students comprise approximately 14% of the population. Ostrava is excellently located, with superb public transport links that allow travel to five European capitals within 4 hours for less than EUR 40. Ostrava is also home to the Colours of Ostrava and Beats for Love music festivals, which feature artists from around the world each summer.
Student guides
International Student Guide serves as a comprehensive guide for all students coming to Ostrava, providing useful tips about the city, the University, your studies, public transport, accommodation, the EDUROAM Wi-Fi network, university services, all the necessary contacts, and more.
Information Systems Guide
Information Systems Guide is a document produced by our Centre for Information Technology that serves as a manual for students on matters such as the student accounts, ISICs, and payment procedures at the University. One of the most important aspects of your studies is the University of Ostrava Student Portal, without which your studies would not be possible. You will also find instructions on how to connect to the Wi-Fi network and how to get the Microsoft 365 package.
International Student Guide serves as a comprehensive guide for all students coming to Ostrava, providing useful tips about the city, the University, your studies, public transport, accommodation, the EDUROAM Wi-Fi network, university services, all the necessary contacts, and more.
Information Systems Guide
Information Systems Guide is a document produced by our Centre for Information Technology that serves as a manual for students on matters such as the student accounts, ISICs, and payment procedures at the University. One of the most important aspects of your studies is the University of Ostrava Student Portal, without which your studies would not be possible. You will also find instructions on how to connect to the Wi-Fi network and how to get the Microsoft 365 package.
Getting to Ostrava
There are many options for getting to Ostrava, whether by bus, train, or plane. However, we recommend you travel to Ostrava by train (from Prague, Vienna, or Poland), as this is the most common and practical option.
Travelling by plane
The best connection from abroad is available via Prague International Airport. There are several flights from London and Warsaw to Ostrava's Leoš Janáček International Airport. Vienna International Airport is also widely used by travellers to the Czech Republic. International airports in Krakow and Katowice (both in neighboring Poland) are also good choices for travelling to Ostrava.
Getting from Ostrava Airport
The best and cheapest option is to use public transport. For around CZK 60 (EUR 2.50), you can get to the main bus terminal in Ostrava (ÚAN). For information about bus departures, ask at the airport information desk. If you miss all the connections, use a personal transportation company (cheaper than a taxi). Alternatively, you can take the train from the airport to the city center.
Travelling by train
Ostrava has two main railway stations, Ostrava hlavní nádraží (Main Station) in the north and Ostrava-Svinov in the west of the city. Both stations are served by fast and international trains.
- From Prague – there are direct high-speed trains (SC Pendolino) connecting Prague (Main Station / Hlavní nádraží) with Ostrava (Svinov Station and Main Station / Hlavní nádraží) 9 times a day, the journey takes about 3 hours. Airport Express bus service operates between Prague Airport and Prague Main Station. Direct EuroCity and InterCity trains between Prague and Ostrava depart every two hours and the journey takes about 3-4 hours. Other companies are LEO Express or RegioJet.
- From Vienna – from the airport, you can either take the City Airport Train or the underground to the Vienna railway stations, where you can change to a direct train to Ostrava-Svinov. Another option is to take a bus, for example, RegioJet (the journey takes about 3 hours).
- From Katowice – you can go directly from the airport to Ostrava for about CZK 400 with several operators: CheckMyBuss, LEO Express, RegioJet (the journey takes about 2 hours).
- From Krakow – there is no direct connection between Krakow and Ostrava, except for two night trains arriving in Ostrava early in the morning; the journey takes about 4 hours. Another option is to combine trains and change in Katowice or Bohumín.
- From Warsaw – three EuroCity trains a day, one night train (all trains to Warsaw stopping in Katowice); the journey takes about 4.5 hours.
Travelling by car
Make sure you buy purchase the electronic vignette for Czech motorways.
Travelling by bus
The city's main bus terminal is Ostrava ÚAN.
Updated: 03. 03. 2025
