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Summary for: ‘I found a real community here’: More university students are choosing life away from PraguePrague has always been a quintessential study abroad option in Europe, but a new wave of international students is proving that more enriching opportunities lie beyond the Czech capital. For them, university is more than just study programs; these future changemakers seek a place where they can connect with others, feel part of a community, and make the most of the whole experience.
One growing option is just a short train or bus ride away. At the University of Hradec Králové (UHK), students are drawn to qualities they can’t always access in a metropolis. These include a mix of strong academics, supportive community, and quality of life students outside of Czechia find appealing.
Those who are already here often talk about how smaller classes and approachable professors make it easier to take part, ask questions, and gain confidence, while the area itself adds to the experience: calm and welcoming, affordable and full of culture.
To understand what makes studying in Hradec Králové unique, we spoke with students themselves, asking them what stood out most about their time there. Here’s what they had to say.
Supportive international community and opportunities to connect
For many students, studying abroad is as much about the people you meet as the classes you take. Originally from France, Charline Monnier, a PhD student in chemistry who has lived in the Palach dorms, emphasizes how easy it was to find friends both on and off campus.
As a foreigner, you quickly create a kind of solidarity with other international students,” she explains.
She’s part of UHK’s international ambassador program, a prestigious initiative that connects cultures, builds global ties, and enriches the international student experience by fostering collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.
“I’ve met people from many faculties, and that has made my experience even richer,” she adds, and also admits that, while language barriers do exist, they are often smaller than expected.
“I was positively surprised by the level of English level students have here. And when I tried to speak Czech, even if badly, people appreciated the effort and made an even greater attempt to connect.”
This openness extends beyond campus. With student dormitories and local events, Monnier finds it easy to build friendships, creating a strong sense of community within the city.
Growth through approachable faculty and new experiences
For Isabelle Bhering, adapting to new academic systems abroad has been transformative. From learning to navigate language barriers to adapting to local cultural aspects different from her life in Brazil, she's seen massive growth personally and academically.
One of my favorite aspects of UHK is the interactive style of classes and how approachable professors are. You don’t feel intimidated to ask for help, and the professors genuinely care about your learning process,” she says.
She’s learned to participate more actively and welcomes opportunities to engage, think critically, and contribute to discussions. The programs are structured in a way that allows students to focus deeply on building a strong foundation, rather than rushing through content.
“In my experience, professors care about whether you are truly learning and will always support you if you need help,” she adds. “While it has been a challenge to navigate it all in a foreign country, it has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me discover more about myself, and made me more resilient.”
The typical college experience for Bhering is heightened through this newfound independence, and making friends. These and more elements helped her realize UHK was the right choice.
Advantages of studying in Hradec Králové compared to larger cities
While Prague offers big-city excitement, students in Hradec Králové appreciate the advantages of a more balanced lifestyle. For Andres Sosa, the city’s pace of life has been one of the most rewarding aspects.
Studying in a place like Hradec Králové is a big change,” he admits. “The calm and quiet vibe may not be for everyone, but there’s real charm in being able to reach nature in seconds, whether by walking in the parks or running along the river.”
The city’s size also means less time wasted on commuting. “You can bike pretty much anywhere, and travel is really easy from Hradec and Pardubice. It feels peaceful, but you’re still well connected to Prague and beyond.”
This mix of accessibility, affordability, and livability makes Hradec Králové an attractive alternative to larger, more expensive university cities.
The experiences of Charline, Isabelle, and Andres show that studying abroad is never just about academics, but about finding a place where you can learn, grow, and belong. For those considering studying outside Prague, UHK proves that smaller doesn’t mean less; it can mean closer connections, greater opportunities for personal growth, and a lifestyle that feels both balanced and inspiring.
