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Summary for: ‘Every day looks different’: Inside life at an international university in PragueMoving abroad for university is a major step, and many students want to know what daily life actually looks like before they commit to studying in a new city. Academic interests and support networks will always play a role in where they land, but finding an English-language program in a setting that feels safe, accessible, and easy to navigate is just as crucial.
Prague has always been a popular choice for international applicants, and many institutions, such as the University of New York in Prague (UNYP), tick all the right boxes. How does the urban environment shape the university experience, though? The real insight comes from students who live it day to day. We spoke with psychology student Maya Anna Drahokoupil, who gave us a glimpse of what a typical experience feels like at UNYP. Here is what a day of studying in Prague can look like from the inside.
From selecting her degree to settling into daily routines
Because many universities require upper-level mathematics or specific subject prerequisites for each degree, Maya knew she had to choose her program carefully. “I completed A-levels in psychology, biology, and business, which limited my options across Europe,” she tells Expats.cz.
According to her experience, applying to UNYP was helpful in this regard based on their straightforward, flexible, and accessible process. Applications are accepted throughout the year, with simple criteria: an online form, proof of previous education, and English proficiency, if required.
Once accepted, Maya packed up and moved from her small hometown in England to Prague. Unlike some students, she was no stranger to Czechia; she spent summers with her family in Pardubice and was already familiar with the country and customs.
Growing up in a multicultural environment made me want a university with students who share an international background,” she says. She decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology at UNYP, where she’d be part of a diverse student body—one that represents more than 80 nationalities, to be precise.
UNYP’s cooperation with student accommodation providers offers newcomers basic housing guidance during their transition. Maya also felt comfortable with Prague’s scale and rhythm. “It is more manageable compared with London, with a pace of life that creates a sense of safety and well-being,” she explains.
Balancing studies and life in Prague
A typical day for Maya includes productive mornings that start with some exercise, either at the gym or outside for a quick run. “Every day looks different,” she says. “That’s what I love about UNYP, the schedule gives me time for hobbies and social life.”
Classes last around two to three hours, providing students with a flexible schedule and time for activities outside the university. Maya usually spends afternoons working on her assignments or catching up with friends in one of Prague’s many cafés, followed by volleyball or dance club in the evenings.
Outside campus, she embraces Prague’s vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle. “I am training for a half-marathon, so I enjoy running across the city and discovering spots that are not well-known to tourists,” she states.
The campus location in Vinohrady, one of the most popular neighborhoods, helps her and other students feel connected and central without the overwhelm of the city’s main tourist areas. “One place I visit often is the Náplavka farmers' market,” she explains. “It has become a Saturday morning tradition where my friends and I stock up on fruit and try Czech foods.”
Building global connections on campus
Initially, Maya worried about fitting in, but the support networks at UNYP helped ease the transition. Her classes are small, around 20 to 25 students each, which makes it easier to connect with people. Professors emphasize active learning through group projects and discussions, which gives them a chance to truly get to know each other.
We collaborate, share perspectives, and get one-on-one feedback,” she elaborates. “That kind of diversity expands your awareness in ways you don’t expect.”
Beyond academics, UNYP provides a rich extracurricular life. Orientation sessions, international days, and opportunities to engage in sports and cultural activities helped students like her integrate more easily.
“I feared that people around me would feel foreign and that I would struggle to adjust,” she admits. “That changed once I joined the volleyball club and attended networking events.”
Taking part in campus activities is one of Maya’s recommendations. Her main advice for future students? “Join clubs and attend events. It’s the best way to meet people and adjust to a new city.”
As Maya describes her days, it becomes clear how much the small moments matter when you move abroad to study. Routines turn into comfort, classmates become friends, and the city begins to feel familiar. From her roots abroad to new routines in a capital city, Maya’s experience is just one example of how international students can build structure, find community, and settle into life in Czechia while at university.
