Accessibility

Accessibility at FSV UK

The CU Faculty of Social Sciences (FSV UK) warmly welcomes students with physical or mobility impairments, including wheelchair users. Please read carefully the information on accessibility below, and do not hesitate to get in touch with us should you have any questions. 

Welcome

We are committed to creating an inclusive, barrier-free environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We try to provide tailored support, accessible spaces, and individual approaches in collaboration with Charles University's Carolina Centre. 

First thing first

We are aware that the same set of arrangements may not be applicable for two students with similar mobility impairment, or two wheel-chair users. An individual approach is crucial, which is why we like to put emphasis on the importance of an informational online meeting - this online call will be organised by a member of the International Office at FSV UK, who may invite relevant colleagues from our support services to discuss your needs and our abilities to meet them

Accessibility at Charles University

We strive to make our buildings as accessible as possible, although our attempts can run into obstacles given the fact that the University's workplaces are located in dozens of buildings all over Prague, often very old and listed. 

FSV UK has 5 institutes in total (and a language centre) located in 3 faculty buildings across Prague. You can have a look at their locations to see where the courses relevant for your study field would take place - based on which institute offers the course.

(More on how to search for courses available to incoming students here.)

Do you need any other educational adjustments? 

If you require support in educational adjustments that are not related to physical or mobility impairments, e.g., due to dyslexia, anxiety, Crohn's disease, etc., please consult the webpage HERE

Charles University has a functional model for supporting students with specific educational needs, a tool called functional diagnostics (in the form of an interview carried out by specialist centers authorised for this task). Its purpose is to identify the needs of the student and subsequently propose suitable mechanisms and modifications to the conditions of study in order to meet or compensate for these needs.

  • Support during studies

    Together, we can find solutions that support your success and comfort throughout your studies. Our support includes: 

    • individual meetings - an online call is possible already prior to your nomination/application for the exchange 
    • barrier-free options at the CU dormitories
    • adjusted study conditions - assistance during study, digitalisation of study texts, loan of aids, special information, counselling services, etc.
    • cooperation with Carolina Centre

    Is there something specific missing that you would prefer or need to have arranged during your stay with us? Please contact the relevant faculty exchange coordinator, provide them as much relevant information as possible, and they will see if we are able to meet your needs.

  • Barrier-free accommodation at CU

    Charles University has 11 dormitories in Prague, some of which offer barrier-free rooms adapted for individuals with mobility impairments. We recommend applying for accessible rooms as early as possible. 

    You can learn more about the accessibility of CU dormitories on the Centrum Carolina website, where you will also find a virtual tour for each of the available dormitories. 

    If you encounter any trouble with your CU accommodation, please contact Simona Kostelanská from the Carolina Centre and your faculty coordinator as soon as possible so that they can assist you.

  • Buddy programme

    Buddy programme connects local and international students at Charles University.

    A "buddy" is a local student and a volunteer who takes the role of a guide and a friend for an international student. Buddies can help you get oriented in the new environment, take care of your first errands after arrival, and also help you discover the Czech Republic and the people, places, food, and culture here.  

    We recommend applying for a buddy in the app Broaddy as early as possible. A buddy can be of great help to you in the first days in Prague, can assist you with the check-in at your accommodation, or during your first commute to the faculty premises. 

How to request support

To support you better, we highly recommend scheduling an online meeting with your faculty exchange coordinator and relevant persons at Charles University. 

  1. Contact the relevant faculty exchange coordinator based on the type of exchange (or exchange programme) you wish to pursue.
  2. Schedule an online meeting with them to discuss your needs. It is recommended to provide the faculty exchange coordinator with as much relevant information in advance so that they can invite other colleagues from support services to the meeting.
  3. Together, we will see if we are able to support you and will make a list of necessary arrangements for your exchange. 
  4. We will keep you updated on the progress in the time before your arrival.
  5. During your exchange, we will keep in touch to make sure you are supported and enjoying your exchange.

All communication is confidential and respectful of your privacy. 

Relevant contacts

Charles University is decentralised and has 17 faculties in total. Some matters of your exchange may be managed centrally, while others will be taken care of on a faculty level - your faculty exchange coordinator is your primary contact. 

We work as a team to secure a smooth exchange and tailor all arrangements to your needs and preferences prior to your arrival in Prague and during your stay.

RESPONSIBLE PERSON WHAT THEY CAN ASSIST YOU WITH

Faculty exchange coordinator at FSV

i.e., Barbora, Martina, or Antonella

contact info HERE

your primary point of contact and support during your exchange

will organise an online call for better support during exchange - recommended long before the application period 

should be cc'd on all email communication 

Lucie Pištěková
& Lenka Lapšanská

specialni.potreby@fsv.cuni.cz

website section HERE

faculty coordinators - support for students with special educational needs

can help you apply certain study adjustments from your home university to your time at FSV

Simona Kostelanská
Centrum Carolina

simona.kostelanska@ruk.cuni.cz
+420 224 491 816

university coordinator of services for students with physical disabilities

mapping accessibility of buildings - including dormitories

counseling for outgoing/incoming students with special needs

Barbora Hirtová

barbora.hirtova@ruk.cuni.cz
+420 224 491 675

member of the CU European Office, incoming Erasmus+ students 

focuses on accessibility and inclusion in the field of incoming students with mobility impairments

Student experience

Erasmus+ student Shakil spent his summer semester 2024/2025 at the CU Faculty of Social Sciences. At the end of his stay, he was kind enough to share his experience with the UK Forum magazine. Read the full article here

shakil-uk-forum-article

Useful links

Carolina Centre - support for students with special needs, including psychological counselling & peer groups

Accessibility of faculty buildings at Charles University (including virtual tours)

Accessible Accommodation at Charles University (including virtual tours)

Location of FSV UK institutes

Hollar, Opletalova, Jinonice - get to know the FSV UK buildings

Public Transport in Prague

Accessible Prague