When we go as a tourist to a new place, the most we had to do in order to get to that place is to check if we need a visa or not, or we need to fill out a form before arriving at the airport or to the country. But when you come to a new country in order to study the process is very different.
When I came to Brno the first thing I did was go to the Foreign Policy. Many confuse this with the Ministry of Interior but it’s actually closer to the city than the MOI. The first thing they requested was my passport and my contract of accommodation. But it’s important to go to the foreign police within 3 days of arriving in the Czech Republic if you go around 8:00 am, there are barely any people so you will pass fast and with no issues. If you are staying at the dormitories they may register you (it depends on your visa – see here), and you do not need to go in person – however, it is very important for all foreign students (EU and not) who are in private accommodation to register with the foreign police.
The next thing I did was Check in at my dormitory, they needed my passport for that. After checking in they gave me some documents to fill in and the keys to my room. I proceeded to check if it was okay and nothing was broken later I cleaned a little bit to disinfect the room, cause it was still Covid time. After that, I also bought the sheets from the reception and some groceries to survive the first night. I also bought by accident water with gas which is perliva, for water without gas is neperliva. After that, I decided to go to the center to explore.
The best tip I can give you in your first days in a city you don’t know is: get lost during the daytime. Getting lost reinforces your mind to remember everything so it doesn’t happen again. I went walking to Ceska and I didn’t know how to get back to my dorm, the only thing I knew is which number of the tram I had to take (Remember to buy a ticket for the tram or you could be fined). I did some shopping while getting lost and then I got to my dorm.
The next day I could use the tram and clearly know where I was, I went to the faculty to do the prior degree recognition, and then I went to Vodafone to get my phone number ready. Be mindful that for some student plans although you don’t have to do a contract you may have to pay a deposit. And you need your ISIC and passport to open a student account.
After that, I had to go to the Ministry of Interior to report that I was there. I tried to go a little ahead of time cause it was pretty far away and I booked an appointment on the site about two weeks before, although now it’s better to do it 4-5 months ahead, and got there a little bit late, but thanks to the nice receptionist I got my ticket and I got to report myself with the ministry and they told me that I just needed to come back for the issuance of my residence permit later in the year. This step will depend on your residency status in the Czech Republic.
All my legal issues were officially over, so I could rest easy on my status in the Czech Republic and enjoy the rest of my days. The last thing for my first week was going to IKEA to buy the necessary supplies, I needed a pan, a knife, glasses, cups, and plates (however if you’re here for orientation week – check out the thrift shop organized by ESN on the first day). Going to IKEA is dedicating one whole day to go there, not only to buy but also to try the amazing food they have. I went with some friends and we got to try the amazing meatballs with gravy and jam. And the desserts were as good as they looked as well. I ended up buying things to decorate my room, cooking supplies, and hangers.
