Student 30 Housing Guide
celebrating years
Contents About Prague.............................................................................................1 AAU Housing ..........................................................................................2-4 AAU Housing FAQ’s ...............................................................................5-9 Private Dormitories for Students ............................................................10 Housing Maps Relative to AAU ...............................................................12 Real Estate Agencies ...............................................................................13 Websites ..................................................................................................14 Private Apartments .................................................................................15 University Dormitories ............................................................................15 How to Avoid Scams ...............................................................................16
ABOUT PRAGUE An attractive destination for students to live in, Prague is teeming with cultural diversity and a plethora of activities to do. Its central location in Europe has long been a crossroads of history. You will not only be fully immersed into local Czech culture, but also into a booming community of expats who call Prague their new home. This lasting impression of Prague stays with you even after departure. Being one of the safest countries in the world, the Czech Republic offers an affordable cost of living, easy commuting around the city, and an open-minded environment with the Anglo-American University campus at its center. AAU is proud to offer its students the opportunity to live together with their classmates from different countries and cultures right in the heart of Prague. AAU’s housing is located within 25 minutes of the AAU Campus in Holešovice, a lively district full of art galleries, parks, and restaurants. Aside from AAU’s provided housing there are numerous resources for accomodation within the city ranging from private apartments to student dormitories and flat sharing for long term or short term rent. Whether it’s AAU housing or an alternative our Students Services Team will be happy to help you secure safe and comfortable housing for your stay in Prague.
ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY HOUSING Available until capacity is reached
Zeitraum Student Housing U Průhonu 56, Prague 7 Tel.: +420 257 530 202 E-mail: housing@aauni.edu www.aauni.edu/student-housing Time to AAU: 24 minutes by tram (Tram 12 is direct) About Zeitraum Located at U Průhonu 56, in Prague 7, in a newly refurbished building, Zeitraum offers housing for AAU students and other young professionals in Prague. The building is approximately 20 minutes to the AAU campus by public transport and offers facilities equipped for comfortable student living. The building has 7 floors, 111 total rooms and the possibility to choose from double or single rooms. PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19 only single rooms will be available for Fall 2020. Students who have already reserved a double room for Fall 2020 will be contacted by housing@ aauni.edu with updated information.
About the Neighborhood It’s no mistake that Holešovice has been named one of the top 10 coolest neighborhoods in Europe according to TheGuardian.com. AAU students have the opportunity to live in Prague 7, the original industrial quarter, where factory buildings and abandoned warehouses have since turned into art galleries and breweries on the banks of the Vltava River. Thanks to the convenient location and recent surge in popularity Holešovice is home to an eclectic group of students, international expats, and locals alike. In this up-and-coming district, you can find: • • • • •
The National Gallery DOX Contemporary Art Centre Výstaviště Praha – the cities premier fairground and exhibition space Letna Park & Stromovka Park- two of Prague’s largest green spaces Numerous refurbished markets, cafes and restaurants 2
Housing for Students Anglo-American University
Options & Pricing
Accommodation is offered for the full Fall (September – December) or Spring (February – June) semester, as well as for the entire academic year. If capacity allows, students can also be accommodated in the Winter (January) and Summer (June/July/August) terms as well. PRICE PER SEMESTER SINGLE
CZK 75,000
DOUBLE
CZK 65,000
The price includes utilities, wifi, government fees and use of common spaces. The price does not include a refundable security deposit: CZK 12,000 Additional costs include: Cleaning 650 CZK / bed / month (3,250 CZK / bed /semester)
Deposit & Payment Information
It is possible to make payments in full or through our installment plan. Payment deadlines are as follows: FALL 2020
SPRING 2020
MAY 20
NOVEMBER 16
50% INSTALLMENT + JULY 20 SECURITY DEPOSIT (2ND PAYMENT)
DECEMBER 16
50% INSTALLMENT (1ST PAYMENT)
*Please note these payments include an 11,000 czk processing fee that is non-refundable in the case of cancellation.
Check-in & Check-out Dates
*Please note all dates are subject to change. FALL 2020
SPRING 2021
CHECK-IN
SEPT. 14-20
JAN. 28-29
CHECK-OUT
DEC. 17 (OR BY ARRANGEMENT)
JUNE 18
To arrange a later check-in date please contact housing@aauni.edu directly.
Housing for Students Anglo-American University
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Refunds & Cancellation (Policy effective as of January 1, 2020) • 100 % Refund in case of official government-issued travel restrictions Cancellation of reservation 60 days prior to check-in date: • 100% refund of paid rent minus 11,000 czk processing fee Cancellation of reservation 30 days prior to check-in date: • 50% refund of paid rent minus 11,000 czk processing fee Cancellation of reservation 0–29 days prior to reservation date: • 0% refund Cancellation or postponement due to visa problems: *In the case of postponement or cancellation, the 11,000 czk processing fee will be kept by AAU and applied to your new reservation. • Students must provide evidence of reasonable efforts to apply for the visa in a timely way, and notify AAU in writing of delays or denials. • VISA DELAY: Students who have paid at least 50% of the rent and are unable to attend for the planned semester due to visa problems may ask to be placed on a wait list by notifying AAU Housing in writing at least 30 days prior to check-in date. Housing fees already paid will be fully refunded (including the deposit) if there is no capacity in AAU housing. In such an occasion AAU will help the student find alternative accommodation. • VISA DENIAL: Housing fees already paid will be refunded (minus the non-refundable deposit) should the visa be denied and AAU has been informed at least 30 days prior to check-in date. Letter from the embassy or consulate detailing the visa denial must be provided in order to consider a request. • Students who do not receive their visas and do not notify AAU housing at least 30 days prior to the move-in date will receive no refund.
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Housing for Students Anglo-American University
AAU HOUSING FAQ’S Before Coming Are the prices on your website final? Do I have to pay for anything else? AAU prices include all the utility bills as well as the wi-fi. The only additional fees apart from using the washing machine or the dryer (special tokens for these are sold at our reception, each costs 60 CZK) is cleaning fee 3.250,- CZK per semester which is invoiced after the check-in. How do I make a reservation? Make a reservation via the following link: https://www.aauni.edu/accommodation-inprague-for-students/ The reservation process is very simple; just choose your preferences and your favourite room category. To complete the reservation, fill in the questionnaire and await further instructions with the AAU Housing payment instructions. When can I move in? You can move in after 3 in the afternoon on the first day of your contract. The details for check-in days will be specified in advance. It doesn’t matter if that day falls on a public holiday or on the weekend – we are ready to accommodate you anytime! If you know you’re going to arrive at night, just drop us an e-mail and we will prepare an envelope with the keys and instructions, which will be handed over to you by the night security. How do I apply? Once you are admitted, along with your acceptance letter, the Admissions Officewill send you the link to the registration form for accommodation. The link is also above. How quickly should I complete the online application form for housing? As soon as you are admitted. Capacity is limited and rooms are reserved on a firstcome, first-served basis. Housing is not guaranteed. For how long can I rent a student room through Anglo-American University? You can rent a room for one semester or the full academic year. How will I know that you have received my payment? You will receive confirmation via email by the housing coordinator. Will you provide a housing confirmation for visa purposes? Yes, the confirmation will be sent to you via DHL unless otherwise requested as soon as the payment is processed. Please note that it is your responsibility to send us payment and all the data for the housing confirmation in time to proceed your visa application on time. Housing for Students Anglo-American University
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AAU HOUSING FAQ’S CONT. When do I sign the accommodation contract? You will sign the accommodation contract during check-in at the reception or at the Student Services Center. The accommodation contract will be issued in bothCzech and English. Who should I contact for more information regarding housing? Further details regarding housing can be found by emailing housing@aauni.edu. Can I share the accommodation with my partner or friend? You can, but you must both request the other person. It is not guaranteed that you will live with your requested person, but we will do our best to accommodate your request. Can I stay in the dormitory during break periods? Yes, you can stay in the dormitory during the break periods as long as it falls within the period that you have rented the room. Will you pick me up at the airport/train or bus station upon arrival? AAU does not offer pick-up service; however, Prague is very well connected and the airport has access to public transportation. Prague’s international airport Vaclav Havel Airport is located 12 km west of the city center. Click here to see the easiest way to AAU´s dorms from the airport.
Location Where is Zeitraum U Průhonu located and how to get there? Click below.
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Housing for Students Anglo-American University
AAU HOUSING FAQ’S CONT. Is Zeitraum U Průhonu far from the city center? Not at all! AAU Housing has a very convenient connection to the city center. Just hop on a tram and you’ll be in there in just 15 minutes. To find a connection to your destination, visit http://www.dpp.cz/en/ How long does it take to get to the AAU campus and how do I get there? There is direct tram number 12 and it takes about only 20-25 minutes to get to AAU campus. You can search for a specific public transport connection within Prague at: http://www.dpp.cz/en/ This site will also provide you with a lot of useful information about the transport around the city.
Facilities & Equipment Is wi-fi available in the rooms? Yes, the high-speed wi-fi connection is available throughout the whole building. You’ll get the password at your arrival. Is the bathroom shared with the entire floor? The bathroom as well as the fridge is shared between 3 people (one in single and 2 in double room). How big is the room and what’s in there? Single room is 10 sqm and has a single bed, desk, chair, closet, bed table. Is the kitchen shared with the entire floor? There is one shared kitchen on the floor but it’s never crowded. It’s big enough for everyone. In the shared kitchen on the floor you can find a kettle, cutting boards, glass stovetop, microwave and oven. Also there are small individual kitchen cabinets that you can lock with your card to store dry groceries there. Each tenant is provided by fork, knife, tbl and tea spoon, plate, bowl, kitchen towel, glass and cup, plastic fish slice and ladle, one pan and pot. Is it possible to borrow cleaning stuff if needed? Vacuum cleaner, mop, broom as well as iron are available at reception for free. Is there a study room? There are few smaller common lounge areas in the building, studying room on the 2nd floor. Housing for Students Anglo-American University
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AAU HOUSING FAQ’S CONT.
What does the housing include? • Furniture (bed with mattress, pillow, and duvet, set of bed linen, desk, chair,wardrobe with the following dimensions 200x120x60 plus extra chest of drawers • Note:towels are not included. • wardrobe is 200x120x60 plus extra chest of drawers • Shared kitchen (plates, bowls, glasses, pans and pots, kitchen towel, kettle,glass stovetop) • General cleaning and maintenance of common areas • Cleaning of individual rooms and changing of sheets twice per month • The building is staffed 24 hours a day with a security guard and a receptionist • You will need to provide your own towels, bathroom rug, and any other decorations to make your room feel like home. Can I hang pictures? You cannot put holes in the wall, though posters and/or other lightweight wall hangings that are put up with tape or sticky tack are acceptable. Can I paint my room? No, no changes can be made to the overall integrity of the building. How will I be matched with my roommate? You will fill out a questionnaire and your answers will be used to match you with the most compatible person. Is AC provided? No, most buildings in the city do not have AC and instead rely on fans for the few months a year when heat is an issue. 8
Housing for Students Anglo-American University
AAU HOUSING FAQ’S CONT. What if I lose my key? You can visit the reception desk and they will make a new key for you for a small fee. What happens if I lock myself out of my room? Please visit the reception desk. Where will I get my mail? Reception at the housing building. Will AAU replace my personal property if it is lost or stolen? AAU will assume no legal responsibility for missing or stolen goods/items.Students are responsible for their personal belongings. Are pets allowed? No, pets are not allowed. Can I remove the furniture that I do not want/need? No, the furniture must remain in the room; however, the arrangement of the furniture can be changed. Will I need curtains? Blinds are included. You can bring curtains, however, you cannot drill holes in the wall or make any similar adjustments. Are the beds bunked? No, the beds are separated.
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Housing for Students Anglo-American University
PRIVATE DORMITORIES FOR STUDENTS Botič Student House K Botiči 5, Praha 10, Vršovice, 101 38 Tel.: +420 725 996 882 E-mail: info@studentresidence.cz www.shbprague.com Time to AAU: 30 minutes (bus, metro, or tram) Good to know: central location, good availability of services, grocery store nearby (Tesco – open 24h), gym and ping-pong in the building, housing confirmation for visa purposes can be sent directly to your embassy via data box, study room, meeting room, laundromat, common kitchen
DC Rezidence Novodvorská 1061/10, Praha 4, 142 00 Mobile: +420 776 270 000 Tel.: +420 222 997 511 E-mail: recepce@dcrezidence.cz www.dcrezidence.cz/en
Time to AAU: 35 minutes (bus or metro )
Good to know: 2 restaurants within 2 minutes walking distance (1 also serves breakfast), grocery store nearby (Lidl), gym, tennis courts and other services around, laundromat, bike storage, located next to Modřanská rokle park and Kunratický park
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Housing for Students Anglo-American University
Prague Residentia Tyršova 3, Praha 2, 120 00 Tel: +420 224 247 190 Mobile: +420 774 563 616 E-mail: info@pragueresidentia.cz www.pragueresidentia.cz Time to AAU: 15 minutes (tram) Good to know: close to downtown, laundry services, printing facility, common lounge, common kitchen, reception
Residence Kinskych Náměstí Kinských, Prague 5, 150 00 Mobile: +420 723 292 922 https://www.facebook.com/ ResidenceKinskych/ Time to AAU: 8 minutes (tram) Good to know: self paid laundry services. Includes bedding, dishes, dishwasher, cutlery, access to a fitness center, wifi and cleaning once per week.
Cosk House Smichov or Mala Strana, Prague https://www.coskhouse.com/ Time to AAU: 10-15 minutes (tram) Good to know: flatshare providers that offer affordable rooms in flats to students and international young professionals. Cleaning services, all utiltieis and wifi included.
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Housing for Students Anglo-American University
HOUSING MAP RELATIVE TO AAU
Click here to see the most direct route from AAU to Zeitraum Student Housing via Google Maps.
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Housing for Students Anglo-American University
REAL RealESTATE Estate Agencies AGENCIES
Foreigners.cz Students who wish to rent an apartment can contact the following real estate agencies specializing in assisting foreign students looking for accommodation. All agencies offer flats or apartments all around Prague of various sizes with various services. AAU recommends students to contact them with their individual requests.
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Housing for Students Anglo-American University
This agency additionally provides visa support and assistance, acknowledgement of studies abroad, apostilization, document translations, and plenty of other services. Please note that all of these services are paid. We highly recommend this agency to anyone in Prague for the first time. Just let them know your housing preferences and if you have any other requests and they will help you out. E-mail: info@foreigners.cz www.foreigners.cz
Happy House Rentals
Home Sweet Home
Please state “Enquiry from an AAU Student” as the subject of your email should you choose to contact this agency.
Please state “Enquiry from an AAU Student” as the subject of your email should you choose to contact this agency.
Tel.: +420 224 947 623; +420 224 946 890 Mobile: +420 774 480 450; +420 775 666 345 E-mail: info@happyhouserentals.com www.happyhouserentals.com
Tel.: +420 222 312 488 E-mail: info@homesweethome.cz www.homesweethome.cz
WEBSITES The Facebook group FLATSHARE in PRAGUE is a great place to find shared accommodations and roommates.
The AAU facebook group is also a great place to ask current AAU students if they are looking for any new flatmates or available apartments.
These additional websites are forums/portals focused on student housing to help with finding apartments/roommates: www.spolubydlici.cz (Czech or English language) www.studentskebydleni.cz (Czech language only) www.studentreality.cz (for English, please contact info@studentreality.cz) Recommended by students: www.bezrealitky.cz (Czech language only, search for “spolubydlení” if looking for a shared flat) 14
Housing for Students Anglo-American University
PRIVATE APARTMENTS Privat Appartmants- Janáčkovo Nábřeží Excellent location, walking distance from AAU. Safe and comfortable apartments fully equipped, incuding high-speed internet connection. Minimum stay: 3 months Rent per room: 12 500 CZK per month Address: Janáčkovo nabrezi 729/31, Prague Tel.: +420 602 388 113 E-mail: richard@nezval.com
UNIVERSITY DORMITORIES For more affordable housing options (approx. 3,500–6,000CZK), check out dormitories of Czech Technical University and Charles University in Prague. Please note that the price varies depending on the building condition, available services, and whether you live by yourself or share the room with two or more people. *Please note due to the affordablity of this option there may be a noticable difference in quality or living standards as compared to other providers.
Czech Technical University (ČVUT)
No. of dorms: 8 Nearest dorms to AAU: Dejvice, Hlávkova, Sinkuleho, and Orlík Info. about all dorms: suz.cvut.cz/en/ dormitories Prices: Approx. 3,500-6,000 czk How to apply: Please ask Student Services Center to provide you with a study confirmation in order to complete the registration which can be done here: suz.cvut.cz/en/rezr/zadost-kolej
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HOW TO AVOID SCAMS What is a scam? Simply, the scammer’s goal is to steal your money by advertising a flat that either does not exist or is not available for rent. Once you transfer your money to them, they disappear. How can you recognize a scam? • The flat for rent is suspiciously large, suspiciously cheap, and in an excellent location. • The scammer tries to close the deal immediately. • The scammer says they live abroad, will send the key via mail, and asks for money to be transferred immediately or to be sent in strange formats (e.g. gift cards). • The scammer references some organization or agent that will show you the flat once you arrive, or who will hold the keys until you pay a deposit and rent.
TIPS • Only pay when you have everything in writing and have met the owner. • Always ask for a payment receipt. • Avoid identity theft: never send a copy of your passport to strangers. • Beware of hidden fees such as building maintenance, parking, and utilities (water, gas, electricity, furniture, etc.). • Examine your lease with a critical eye. Compare the original Czech version and the English translation. 16
Housing for Students Anglo-American University
How to Avoid Scams • Do your research! Learn about the average prices of flats across the various districts in Prague. • Google image search the photos of the flat to see if they have been posted previously or if the flat is being advertised elsewhere. • Join forums and groups where people are searching for flats. You can ask questions there if you suspect a scam, and people post when they’ve uncovered a scammer. • Google the landlord’s name and mobile number. • If possible, view the flat and the lease before paying any money. • Read the lease terms critically; be aware of hidden and additional fees. • Be aware of potential identity theft when handing over your personal information. What if you are abroad? • Work with an agency or realtor. • Book a room in a dormitory and search for a private flat only after you arrive. • Join AAU’s facebook group to see if any current students are searching for flatmates.
CONTACT
Have questions? Contact our Student Housing Specialist, Kateล ina Hudรกkovรก at: katerina.hudakova@aauni.edu Or for more information please visit: www.aauni.edu/student-housing
Join us in Prague! #AAUPrague ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AAUPRAGUE ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AAUPRAGUE ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Anglo-americká vysoká škola, z.ú. Letenská 120/5, 118 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic Tel.: +420 257 530 202, E-mail: admissions@aauni.edu www.aauni.edu Housing for Students Anglo-American University
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