Student Guide

1. Who are we?

The history of CZU‘s formation dates back to 1906 when, on 26th of October, Emperor Franz Joseph I approved the establishment of an independent agricultur al department at the Czech Technical University in Prague. Important agricultural expert Professor Julius Stoklasa became the dean at the time. In 1920, the depart ment was transformed into the School of Agriculture and Forestry Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague. The independent University of Agricul ture was founded in 1952 and was named the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague on 1st of January in 1995. Since then, the university has educated tens of thousands of experts, many of whom have worked in leading positions throughout Multiple sectors of Czech and world businesses.
They have significantly contributed to the development of both the national and world economy while also participating in the development of scientific dsciplines and education of new experts.

The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague offers students education at six faculties and the university institute: 

  • Faculty of Economics and Management – PEF 
  • Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources – FAPPZ 
  • Faculty of Environmental Sciences – FZP 
  • Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences – FLD 
  • Faculty of Engineering – TF 
  • Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences – FTZ 
  • Institute of Education and Communication – IVP 

Other parts of the university include the CZU Farm Estates, CZU Forests, 

CZU Winery, Department of Physical Education or the CZU Library. 

The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague is part of a number of prestigious international networks, such as the Euroleague of Life Sciences Universities (ELLS), Association for European Life Science Universities (ICA), Danube Rectors‘ Conference, Central and South Eastern Europe (ICA Regional Network), Agrinatura – The European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge for Development or the European University Association.

2. Practical information

Your first days on campus will be fast-paced. You will be occupied arranging the necessities for your studies, such as the student identity card, textbooks, dorms, etc. To help you navigate, we have prepared a downloadable map of the premises with a list of all classrooms.  

 

The university is located in one place. This means that all commonly scheduled classrooms for teaching are in this area (except for the Institute of Education and Communication). Each classroom has a specific numerical designation. When the number is in Roman numerals (II, III, V, etc.), these are lecture rooms and are usually on the ground floor of the buildings. For other rooms, the first digit always indicates the floor where the room is located.

A distinctive feature of the university is its integrated campus where you will find everything you need during your studies – accommodation, places for relaxation, and a rich variety of food and sports facilities. The individual faculties offer modern teaching and research facilities in the form of lecture halls, laboratories, seminar rooms, greenhouses, experimental and demonstration stables, or libraries. The advantage of these premises is its location on the outskirts of the metropolis, ensuring a sufficiently calm environment while also being easily accessible from the city. By bus (line 107 or 147), which runs every two minutes during peak hours, it is possible to reach the city centre easily in twenty minutes.

Parking capacity on the CZU campus is limited; therefore, we recommend primarily using public transport for commuting.

Entry to the premises requires the use of a student card or an automatic plate number recognition. After logging in to is.czu.cz – User settings – Data settings, enter the license plate number of your vehicle. However, the change will not be applied to the system until the next day. The gates will then automatically let you into the student parking zones. We recommend the large-capacity parking lot, P1, to the left of the main entrance. It is forbidden to park e-bikes and e-scooters inside the campus. For their parking, use outdoor racks or designated areas (e.g. bike rack on track F).

You can connect to the Internet on the campus through eduroam Wi-Fi (eduroam.czu.cz). The eduroam network is used at universities and other institutions abroad. Therefore, during your travels around Europe, you can connect to the eduroam Wi-Fi using the username and password you set up at CZU. 

IN ADDITION, THE UNIVERSITY OFFERS COMPUTER ROOMS   

THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR USE AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES   

(UNLESS TEACHING IS UNDERWAY): 

  • PEF classrooms (7:00–21:00); 
  • FAPPZ, mezzanine of the rear staircase (6:00–21:00); 
  • FAPPZ classrooms A55 (8:30–18:00); 
  • TF classrooms (7:00–21:00); 
  • Vestibule of the rear building of FZP and FLD (6:30–21:00); 
  • Ground floor of the FLD (PWS) (6:30–21:00); 
  • CZU Library (3 study rooms with PC) (8:00–20:00). 

 

For connecting, you must activate your account and create a password first. You can find guidelines at eduroam.czu.cz.  In case of technical issues, contact the CZU IT Helpdesk. You can reach them at helpdesk@czu.cz or call +420 224 384 444. It is recommended to visit the oikt.czu.cz website first, where you will find many instructions for the operated services (Microsoft 365, Moodle, UIS, Teams, etc.). You may find the answer to your problem there. 

All CZU students can get their university identification card at the Card Centre. The card serves as an identity card and confirmation of student status throughout the study period (including repeated, follow-up, interrupted, etc.). The card also allows access to the university premises, meal discounts, loans in the library. It is used to record attendance at selected subjects and as an identity card during exams. You will receive the card based on a proper enrolment for study and uploading a photograph in the correct format (jpg, max. size 5 MB) to the university information system (UIS). It is also necessary to grant the relevant consents in the UIS in the section Personal data protection/Approvals by a user. The card will be issued for you in the Card Centre (CC) on the ground floor of the CZU Library building. You must present an identity card or other proof of identity. CC is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 15:00. For the card to be functional, it must be activated within five working days at the student cash desk (ground floor of the CZU Library building). Activation of the student card is charged at CZK 150, activation of the student card with an ISIC license is CZK 420. After the payment, it is possible to use the card from the next day.

Refectory  

Some of the first steps of new students usually lead to Menza. The one in Suchdol offers lunch and dinner. You can choose from sweet, salty, meat, vegetarian dishes, salads, and desserts. Moreover, each student may use the subsidy programme. CZU covers the operation of the catering facility up to the amount of the actual costs, excluding the value of the raw materials. The student covers the value of raw materials as part of the refectory price list, and this item is listed as the price of the CZU. It is not necessary to order food in advance. Payments are made in cash, by credit card, or by meal voucher payment card. Students of other forms of study who do not have a student card can, of course, use the catering services in the canteen, but they may only pay for them in cash or by credit card without the right to a subsidy. 

Lunch: 11:15–14:15  

Dinner: 16:45–18:15 

Other food options 

  • buffets – at individual faculties, in the CZU Library and Aula Ceremony Hall;  
  • You can also try Řeznictví u Rudolfa (Butcher Shop at Rudolf) next to the International Relations Office at the main entrance to the premises;   
  • restaurants – Club C, Restaurant G (entry via Academic Club at Menza), Hodně dobré jídlo (PEF and FAPPZ), Crêperie Café Girafe (Zemědělská univerzita bus stop);  
  • Bars and clubs – JIH (JIH dormitory building) 
  • stands – e.g., Burger&Coffee TIME at the entrance to the premises (year-round, others in the season); 
  • there are also markets every Thursday at the entrance to the CZU premises. 

 

Food point  

All full-time CZU students can buy food with subsidies at most catering facilities on campus. A sticker with the FOOD POINT logo quickly identifies them, and you can always find he selection of subsidized meals on the menu labeled with this logo. For other information, visit food.czu.cz. 

The residence halls are on the university campus, so commuting anywhere is unnecessary. The guests have everything at their fingertips. Prices range from 4,980 CZK to 9,180 CZK for standard accommodation and from 9,000 CZK to 13,000 CZK for premium accommodation for one month, including fees.  

Students need to request accommodation electronically via the iskam.czu.cz portal. Whether a dormitory is allocated to a student is determined by several criteria, such as the distance from residence, commuting time, health reasons, or grades. The guests have at their disposal rooms with bathrooms for one or two rooms or with bathrooms shared in the corridor, computer network connection, Wi-Fi, laundry services, gym, library, standard rooms, ping-pong, student club, or cinema hall. Moreover, students can stay in the accommodation even during the summer holiday months for standard accommodation price.  

CZU also offers short-term hotel-type accommodation for students and employees. On top of that, the university provides accommodation outside the campus, currently in two external accommodation capacities: 

External accommodation  

  • West in Prague 6-Řepy (Mrkvičkova 1091/2, 163 00 Prague 6)   
  • Hloubětín Hostel in the eastern part of Prague (Slévačská 744/1, 190 00 Prague 9). 

3. Studies and everything it involves

The academic year at universities starts in October and ends in September. It consists of two semesters (winter and summer). Each lasts three months, followed by an exam period of several weeks. The schedule of the academic year is specified for each year and is posted on the official notice board of the university. 

The CZU offers three degrees of study – bachelor, master and doctoral. Each is concluded with a final thesis and state exam. Here you can gradually obtain the  academic degrees Bachelor (Bc.), Engineer (Ing.) or Doctor (Ph.D.). If you decide to stay and work at the university, you can proceed to other degrees, such as associate professor or professor. 

The determining legislative regulation governing higher education in the Czech Republic is Act No. 111/1998 Coll., On Higher Education Institutions and Amendments to Other Acts (Act on Higher Education Institutions). The primary document governing the organization and activities of each university is its Statute. Throughout your studies, the Study and Examination Rules, which set out the exact rules, rights and obligations of the student, are especially relevant to you. There are two of these study and examination regulations at the CZU, one regulating studies in bachelor‘s and master‘s study programmes and the other for doctoral studies.  
  
You can find them together along with other important internal regulations at www.czu.cz in the Study – Study Documents section. Different rules to get acquainted with at the beginning of your studies are the CZU Scholarship Rules, the CZU Disciplinary Rules, the Schedule of the Academic Year, Determination of Study-Related Fees and Payment Amounts for Provided Services. It is also essential to follow the safety rules, rules of the dormitory network etc. 

Go abroad with the Erasmus+ program. From the first year, you can go on a practical internship and from the second year, you can go on a study stay. Take advantage of this excellent study opportunity that will enable you to gain experience worldwide. Along with gaining experience, you will receive a scholarship of up to 810 EUR a month for studying or working abroad. Doctoral students can participate in short-term mobilities for doctoral students. CZU students can also join Short-term Intensive Programs in cooperation with their faculty. Students with limited opportunities (with a disadvantage or an economic obstacle) can also apply for a further increase in the scholarship. In addition to Erasmus+ mobilities, there are other opportunities to go abroad not only for semester studies at universities worldwide but also for summer schools, for example, to Asia or North America. Explore the goabroad.czu.cz website to discover exciting destinations, delve into the adventures of Erasmus alumni, and uncover the invaluable benefits of gaining international experience. 

Also, don’t forget to follow @CZUgoAbroad on Instagram and listen to their podcast. 

Talented and hardworking students have the opportunity to obtain a merit scholarship at CZU. Individual faculties are in charge of these contributions. Another benefit is an accommodation scholarship. 

The rules and requirements for receiving scholarships can be found at: czu.cz. Up-to-date information for scholarships can be obtained via a school email or in the Study Information System. 

Accommodation scholarship 

Entitlement to the accommodation scholarship arises if the student studies full time, does not study at another university in the Czech Republic, has not exceeded the standard length of study, lives permanently elsewhere than in Prague or is on a study internship abroad (in this case, students in the distance form of studies are also eligible). You can apply for the scholarship electronically in the University Information System. The accommodation scholarship is paid retroactively over three months in January, April and July. The scholarship is not paid for the period July-September. 

Remember that you must enter your account number in the UIS; otherwise, no awarded scholarship can be paid to you! Only accounts in banks located in the Czech Republic can be entered into UIS. You can add the account in the University Information System in the section Student‘s portal – Study financing – Bank connection. 

Students have unified login data to access all information systems at CZU, i.e. one login name and password. The login is unchanged throughout the study period. It consists of five letters and three digits. Students can change their password during their studies at any time. The password can be changed in the University Information System is.czu.cz in the Information system set-up section. You can reset your password on the website password.czu.cz. The login and password are published in the e-application within 10 days of enrolment. Current students still use the same information to log in. You must change your password after the first login. 

WI-FI EDUROAM  

  • login: xname@czu.cz  
  • The password can be set in the My CZU app or the UIS in the Technology and its administration section  

STUDENT E-MAIL   

  • login: xname@studenti.czu.cz  

UIS AND ALL OTHERS  

  • login: xname  
  • Change the generated password for both in the UIS 

University Information System (UIS) 

Here, students will primarily find:  

  • personal schedule;  
  • overview of grades; 
  • enrolment in compulsory-elective and elective courses;  
  • news;  
  • possibility to register for exams;  
  • student‘s personal information; 
  • electronic application for accommodation scholarship; 
  • information on paid scholarships and fees associated with studying;  
  • teaching evaluation forms;  
  • password set up for Wi-Fi eduroam;  
  • theses system. 

Moodle CZU 

Moodle (moodle.czu.cz) is a university-wide e-learning system designed to support teaching. In Moodle you will find courses on individual subjects and study materials, discussion forums, assignments, lectures, chats or polls. 

The Moodle system at CZU allows you to:  

  • track current events and deadlines;  
  • browse individual courses containing information and materials on selected subjects;  
  • communicate with other students and teachers;  
  • submit assignments online directly in the course;  
  • write tests and continuously check your knowledge;  
  • monitor the evaluation of course activities or the overall assessment for the course;  
  • have a constant overview of the current academic year. 

Microsoft 365 and school mailboxes CZU uses Microsoft 365 services. Students not only get an e-mail, but also other additional services, such as online document editing, instant messaging and video conferencing, OneDrive disk storage and the ability to install MS Office 365 on their device with Windows or MAC OS. Licenses for Microsoft 365 A3 products and services are free for the duration of the study (the condition for installation is the CZU student status). The student e-mail can be found at mail.studenti.czu.cz and is used for communication between the school and the student. Relevant information from the Study Department, from teachers, information about dates and exam results are sent to this email. Only modern authentication methods can be used – IMAP and POP3 protocols are not supported.  

More information and instructions can be found at moodle.czu.cz in the Microsoft 365 course. 

The CZU Security Department is responsible for the protection of CZU as a whole, i.e. the protection of the life and health of employees and students, the protection of movable and immovable property and the protection of information. It sets security standards, methodically manages their implementation and controls compliance. See more at bezpecnost.czu.cz. 

It is forbidden to bring any weapons in all areas of the campus and any of its buildings, including all workplaces, facilities and dormitories. Smoking is prohibited on campus, including outdoor spaces unless within designated areas. These places are visibly marked “Smoking Allowed”. It is also forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages and abuse other addictive substances on the CZU campus and any of its workplaces. CZU security operates non-stop and also serves as a fire report office. It is located at the lodge of the Rectorate building. Quiet hours are from 22.00 to 6.00. In case of any problem or incident, do not hesitate to contact the security department. 

ACTIVITIES OF THE SECURITY DEPARTMENT:  

  • Physical security  
  • Transport  
  • Security systems  
  • Information and cybersecurity  
  • GDPR   
  • AED defibrillators   
  • Injuries   
  • Emergency management  
  • OSH, CCTV, FS 

The CZU Library (LIB) offers access to study literature and other information sources. You can access all library services after registering at the lending desk. Registration is completely free for CZU students, valid for the entire study period, and requires a chip student card. In the Library building, you will find various types of study rooms (computer, team, study room, and reading room for quiet study). The library staff will be happy to give you personal consultations or provide you with courses to help you find professional literature for seminar papers or consult with you on academic writing or citation issues. You can also go to the café in the building or visit exhibitions in the CZU Gallery on the 1st floor. 

In the library, you will find study literature that you can borrow for home (books, scripts) or study on-site (specialized collection in the Great Study Room, older bachelor‘s and master‘s theses that are not accessible through UIS, journals, and more). To search for available study literature, it is possible to use the online library catalogue (aleph.czu.cz) or the EDS system (search box on the main page of the LIB website). The catalogue searches in printed documents stored in the CZU and in e-books permanently purchased for the Library. You can search the catalogue without logging in. A user who registers in the library can easily log in and check their reader‘s account status, extend loans, or reserve currently unavailable books. Detailed information on searching the library collection, the procedure for lending, renewing, booking, and returning borrowed library units can be found on the LIB website bit.ly/LIB-vypujcky. 

You can find a lot of useful information at lib.czu.cz 

Students can purchase study literature, for example, at the PEF reprographic studio shop (PEF basement, see www.reprografickestudio.cz), FLD Copycentre (room DP 213), on our e-shop or at the Powerprint shop (Brandejsovo nam. 1219, 165 00, Praha-Suchdol). Further study literature can be obtained directly at the departments that provide teaching of individual subjects. 

At eshop.czu.cz you can find literature recommended for individual subjects taught at CZU. The distribution point for the publications is in the CZU Library. For promotional materials, university-produced items, or products from the business incubator, Point One, you can find them at shop.czu.cz. 

Students, staff, and visitors will find a wide range of university and faculty promotional items in the CZU Shop, which is on the ground floor of the refectory (Menza). The CZU Shop also offers packaging-free cosmetics, small items handy for students living in the dormitory, and a selection of foods focused on healthy nutrition. In the store, you will find, among other things, products from university facilities, such as wine or beer, or the results of students‘ work within the Point One business incubator. More information at eshop.v2.czu.cz/cs. 

Opening hours: Mo-Fr 09:00-16:00  

4. University Counselling Centre (CPS)

Studying at university has never been easy, and in the 21st century, it is becoming increasingly difficult. It‘s not just about the rigor of the studies but also other factors that affect students.  

For first-year students, the most challenging aspects are:  

  • New environment and making new friends   
  • Different styles of work, learning, and knowledge testing  
  • Administrative procedures  
  • Feelings of loneliness, panic from being overwhelmed, and shame of not meeting expectations are entirely normal 

 

For more experienced students, there are additional challenges:  

  • Thinking about future careers  
  • Balancing study and work  
  • Relationship issues and increasing academic demands  
  • Choosing and writing the final thesis 

 

Our Counselling Services have been offered at CZU for many years, and now you can find them all in one place – at the University Counselling Centre. We provide counselling services to all CZU students in both Czech and English and offer dozens of workshops and seminars focused on personal development. 

For any mental discomfort, it‘s better to spend half an hour talking rather than hours thinking. It‘s great to have many friends you can confide in, but if that‘s not possible or you want a professional perspective, you can come for a consultation with our mental health specialists. 

We will help you navigate the job market and expand your employment opportunities. Together, we will identify and describe your strengths, review and improve your CV, and help you prepare for interviews. We will also plan strategies for gaining work.

The Office for Students with Special Needs at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague provides professional counselling and technical support to enhance study comfort and mitigate difficulties for all students with special needs. 

Spiritual support, socio-economic counselling, and much more at cps.czu.cz 

 

Education and personal development  

The Central Counselling Centre offers a wide range of workshops and programs that complement academic university education and support personal and career development for students.  

 Academic Assistance 

Studying at university can be challenging. Courses focused on organising study, structuring notes, using AI, and exam preparation help increase academic success. 

Socialisation and Making Friends  

Informal support groups are available throughout the year, providing a space for sharing difficulties and finding new friends with similar interests.  

Personal Development  

Employers look for communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and time management skills. The Centre’s workshops focus on developing these essential skills.  

Career Development  

As part of preparing for future careers, the Centre offers programs focused on job searching, using LinkedIn, and succeeding at job fairs. These programs are created in collaboration with employers preparing students for the working world after graduation. 

For more information, visit cps.czu.cz 

5. Leisure

The university‘s campus offers a variety of ways to spend leisure time. Libosad, an arboretum located behind the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, is a popular place to relax. Libosad has an area of over two hectares full of rich vegetation and a calming atmosphere. It is open from February to November on weekdays from 7 am to 6 pm and at weekends from 7 am to 3 pm. 

The campus also features several restaurants and bars, as well as multiple sports facilities that are available for students and staff. 

Sports at CZU are organized by the Department of Physical Education (DPE). The university is well-equipped for active students, offering an extensive range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The campus features an indoor pool, two gyms, indoor basketball courts, a weight room, workout, a grass football field with athletic track, a football field with artificial grass, tennis courts and tennis hall, volleyball and beach volleyball courts. 

 In addition to compulsory physical education, which most of the students of the first years of bachelor study have (except for students of specific programmes at FAPPZ, FLD and FZP), all students can participate in sports according to their interest. Sports courses organized by the DPE for all students without restrictions are also top-rated. You can participate in these courses throughout your studies. In winter, ski courses are taught in the Czech mountains and the Alpine ski resorts in Slovakia, France, Austria and Italy. In summer, there are many courses offered for the bold and adventurous. Some highlights include paddling lessons on the Vltava river and across Europe, hiking courses in the Czech and Slovak mountains, cycling courses in Austria and the Czech mountains, windsurfing and yachting courses, mountain climbing courses; sports stay in Spain and Croatia. The university also has the TJ CZU Praha sports club, which is good for athletes and those interested in recreational sports. The most successful sports include basketball, volleyball, football, futsal, cross-country skiing, frisbee and mountain biking. Talented students can represent the university in these sports all year round and develop their sports performance. Popular sports with recreational focus include aerobics and other forms of exercise (yoga, Zumba, etc.), as well as canoeing, diving, bodybuilding, floorball or swimming. All sports are inteded primarily for CZU students, which DPE organizes in cooperation with student organizations. 

 Top-level athletes from the ranks of students represent CZU at the Czech Academic Games, national academic championships and significant sports competitions and tournaments. During the year, traditional sports events for students are held at the university (Rector‘s Sports Day, CZU Rector‘s Cup Run and various sports tournaments). 

 An integral part of sports life at CZU is the university ice hockey team, CZU Farmers Prague, which represents our university in the University Ice Hockey League (ULLH). The team was founded in 2024 and offers students not only the opportunity to play, but also to get involved in its organizational operations. The Farmers bring together sport, community, and student life at CZU. 

Several student associations and groups host programmes for those with an active social life. If you want to get involved in events, there is a wide selection to choose from. These associations organize events of all kinds, such as university newspapers, special interest groups, and engaging in volunteering or sustainable development.  

For international students, the most significant student association is most likely ESN CZU Prague (Erasmus Student Network). Their mission is to represent international students by providing opportunities for cultural understanding and self-development under the principle of students helping students. They organize a variety of events which you can check on their website: esnczu.cz or Facebook page (@esnczu). If you are interested in any kind of their activity, you can also join them as a volunteer. For that, contact hr@esnczu.cz. 

 

Traditional events on and off-campus  

A variety of events take place on the CZU premises during the year, whether directed by students, the university or other entities.  

  • Miss Agro  
  • Prague Science Film Fest  
  • CZU Ball   
  • Job Fair  
  • Rector‘s Day  
  • Garden Fest  
  • Board game nights  
  • Wine Festival  
  • And many others 

 

Did you know that it‘s good to have many different groups of friends to complete university successfuly? (Janice M. McCabe, 2016)  

Student organisations are a good start.