Living in Ústí

Ústí nad Labem is a medium-sized city in the northwest of Czechia, located on the banks of the Elbe River near the German border. It is known for its industrial history, but today it is also a student city thanks to our university. Ústí nad Labem is smaller and less touristy than cities like Prague, it offers a lower cost of living and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a practical and interesting place to live—especially for students.

🏠 Accommodation

  • UJEP dormitories – more information available here

  • Shared apartments (usually 5000–8000 CZK/month)

  • Private apartments are more expensive, and usually hard to get

👉 Tip: Search via Facebook groups (“Koleje UJEP” or other) or on websites like Sreality.

💰 Living Costs

  • Basic monthly budget:

    • Accommodation: 4000–8000 CZK

    • Food: 3000–5000 CZK

    • Transport: ~400 CZK/ month with student discounts, ~ 600-800 CZK / month for adults

🚍 Transport

  • Public transport is operated by Dopravní podnik města Ústí nad Labem.

  • Trolleybuses and buses are available.

  • Students get discounts (ISIC or student card required).

  • Good connections to:

    • Prague (~1 hour by train)

    • Dresden (~1 hour)

  • Timetables of all public transport are available here.

🛒 Food and Shopping

  • Supermarkets: Lidl, Kaufland, Albert, Billa, Globus

  • OC Fórum shopping mall

  • UJEP Campus options:

    • University canteen – affordable meals (~70–170 CZK)
    • Kampuska Café
    • Pajda Bistro
    • Epultík
    • ForRest Café

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Free Time

The city is surrounded by scenic landscapes, especially the Bohemian Central Highlands and the Ore Mountains, which offer great opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. The city also offers many activities and events during the year. The calendar of events is available at the City Information Centre.

  • Popular places:

    • Střekov Castle
    • Chateau Větruše
    • Museums
    • Theatres
    • Cinema City – OC Fórum
    • Cinema – Veřejný sál Hraničář
    • Swimming pool and Spa – Brná, Městské lázně, Plavecký areál Klíše
    • City Zoo
    • Football and Hockey Stadiums
    • Castle Velké Březno
    • Open air Museum Zubrnice

  • Nature:

    • Lake Milada
    • Bohemian Central Highlands
    • Tisá and Ostrov Sandstones
    • Erben Viewpoint
    • Vaňov Waterfall
    • Blansko Castle Ruins
    • Ore Mountains

  • Nightlife: bars and clubs mainly in the city center

🌍 Language

  • Czech is the main language

  • It is recommended to learn basic phrases:

    • “Dobrý den” (Hello)

    • “Děkuji” (Thank you)

    • “Prosím” (Please / You’re welcome)

    • “Na shledanou” (Goodbye)

⚠️ Safety and Tips

  • The city is generally safe, but some areas (e.g. Předlice, Mojžíř) may feel less comfortable at night

  • Always:

    • carry your documents

    • use official transport

    • bevare of the pickpockets

💡 Practical Tips

  • Open a Czech bank account (e.g. Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Raiffeisenbank)

  • Get a SIM card (e.g. T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2)

  • For students – use ISIC discounts (transport, food, culture)