Study Abroad in Prague: ISIC Discounts and Privileges
BY Sakshi Kumar
Need another reason to choose Prague as your study away location? As of this semester, NYU Prague students are officially registered as students of Charles University as well. This means we have access to the same facilities and discounts as Charles University students (let me tell you, they’re pretty good!). Here’s a guide to getting access to the student card and some of my favorite perks in the city!
Getting an ISIC Card
In order to be able to take full advantage of being a student in Prague, you need to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The process is super simple, and you’ll get specific instructions during orientation.
The building is just around the corner from NYU Prague’s school buildings and is a big brown door with ISIC written on it. Once you go in, the staff will take a look at your government ID (either passport or license), take a photo of you, and hand you your card. It only costs $11 – definitely worth it in the long run.
Transportation
The most useful discount available to students who have an ISIC is the transportation. Public transportation in Prague is extremely clean, punctual, and reliable, and most students use it everyday to get around the city. Between the metro, tram, and buses, you can pretty much get anywhere. When purchasing a three month pass on the Lítačka app, there’s an option to enter your ISIC number, bringing the cost down to about $15 from $67.
The main trainline for transport in and out of the city center, Česky Drahy, also has ISIC discounts! Although the price difference is not as drastic, you can still save around $2 for every round trip if you plan to take a day trip within the Czech Republic. I would recommend downloading the app because most people from smaller towns don’t speak much English (we found out the hard way!).
Restaurants
Plenty of restaurants have ISIC discounts around the city, especially around campus. However, many of them don’t advertise on the outside, so make sure you ask!
This semester, NYU Prague’s class favorite is Las Adelitas, a Mexican restaurant right around the corner from the Machova dorm. There are a few locations around the city and they all do a 15% discount if you have an ISIC! Plus, Wednesday is ladies night 🙂
Another quick lunch or breakfast is Bageterie Boulevard, a sandwich chain that you’ll see all around Prague. With ISIC, a sandwich, drink, and side of fries comes out to a little less than $5… and their fries are surprisingly very good.
Facilities
In the Faculty of the Arts, students now have access to the Jan Palach library and the bistro. NYU has a library, but it’s definitely nice to have access to a larger building right down the street. The library is always lively and filled with students, so if that’s more what you’re looking for, it’s a great place to study.
The bistro is another super affordable place to grab lunch after class. It’s cafeteria style and they always have at least one vegetarian option. They also have pastries and homemade lemonade that are quite good. The bistro may not be a Michelin star meal, but it’s a fun place to go with a group of friends between classes.
Finally, the ISIC gives students access to Kampus Hybernská, a Charles University and Prague City Hall building. It’s a new project that focuses on the vision for Charles University in the 21sr century. You can enter through the courtyard, which I’ve heard is beautiful in the spring. The building includes a cafe, workshop, galleries, lecture rooms, and the Library of Things, among other nice study places and things to see. If you’re in Old Town and looking for somewhere new to explore, I’d definitely recommend checking it out!