Student Life at the Institute of International Studies, FSV UK
We are proud that the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University offers a vibrant student life. Students join student councils and various associations, organizing a wide range of activities—from academic lectures and discussions to balls, theater visits, trips, pub quizzes, and parties. You can be sure that you will never be bored here.
Let’s take a closer look at how students at the Institute of International Studies, FSV UK, come together and what kinds of activities they engage in.
SIMS Student Council – Here to Advise, Support, and Entertain
SIMS is an informal association of elected IMS students whose primary mission is to address student concerns and bridge the gap between students and professors. Representatives have the right to participate in meetings of the Institute’s leadership, where they not only receive important information but also share student perspectives, wishes, and feedback directly with the management.
Another highly popular role of SIMS is organizing social, cultural, and educational events for IMS students. These range from welcome and Christmas parties, karaoke nights, breakfast meet-ups, and pub gatherings to academic initiatives such as lectures on current issues and debates with distinguished professionals. SIMS also arranges a variety of trips—traditionally skiing, canoeing, and excursions into nature.
In addition, SIMS occasionally collaborates with the FSV Circle to co-host events that enrich community life across the faculty. These joint activities foster interaction between international students and their Czech peers, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and socializing. Annual highlights include board-game evenings and sports competitions that strengthen bonds across diverse student groups.
SIMS representatives regularly take part in webinars for newly admitted students, welcome events for first-year students, and other activities. It will be easy for you to reach out to them, ask any questions you may have, or even bring forward your own initiative. You can follow SIMS on Instagram and Facebook, or contact its representatives by email—they are here for you.
IMS Events for English-Language Program Students
The Institute of International Studies (IMS) hosts a wide range of events designed specifically for students enrolled in degree programs taught in English. These activities serve not only as an introduction to academic life at IMS, but also as an opportunity for international students to experience Czech culture, explore the city of Prague, and connect with their peers. They combine academic and social engagement, helping students settle into their new environment and build a supportive community.
Recently, our students enjoyed activities such as admiring Prague from the Žižkov TV Tower, taking a guided tour of the National Theatre’s historic building, and visiting the National Gallery and the Antonín Dvořák Museum. They also joined us for an Advent trip to the historic town of Tábor and for a hiking excursion to Humpolec and the ruins of Orlík Castle. Each winter semester traditionally includes a festive Christmas gathering with carols, coffee, tea, and Christmas cookies, while the summer semester concludes with a pedal-boat outing on the Vltava River. We trust you will also be eager to take part in such activities.
Some events are organized in collaboration with SIMS to encourage interaction between Czech and international students, bridging cultural differences and strengthening the sense of community within the faculty. Examples include speed-friending sessions and pub quizzes.
Through these events, IMS strives to create a welcoming atmosphere that brings together diverse cultures, fosters strong student connections, and enriches the overall experience of studying in Prague.
FSV UK Circle – Connecting International Degree Students
As an international student, you can join the FSV UK Circle, an association at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSV UK) dedicated to international degree students and their community life. Founded in 2022, its primary mission is to bring together students enrolled in international study programs and to provide a platform for community building, cultural exchange, and mutual support.
The Circle aims to create a broad community for international students in Prague, engaging participants in English-speaking student life at the faculty and enriching their overall experience through both social and academic integration. What makes the organization unique is that it is entirely run by international students, ensuring that its initiatives reflect the needs and perspectives of the community it serves. While primarily focused on international students, its events are also designed to connect them with Czech students.
You can explore the FSV UK Circle Instagram to see the variety of activities they organize. Recent highlights include a ghost tour through Prague’s Old Town, a Prague city tour, an open-mic night, a barbecue, a cultural picnic, a murder mystery evening, a Christmas craft night, and a hike through Prokop Valley.
The Circle seeks to support international degree students who may feel caught “in the middle”—neither fully integrated with established Czech students nor with short-term exchange students, and therefore lacking opportunities to build connections beyond their own program. By creating inclusive opportunities for interaction, the association helps students expand their networks, fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the faculty and the wider university community.
Study at IMS FSV UK and discover the wide range of opportunities our vibrant student life offers.
