Experience in Aveiro, Portugal by Marcelo

What is it like to live in Aveiro? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It is not a large city and you should not expect to party a lot in here. But you will feel like at home since people are very sympathetic, helpful and you will surely find young people and students everywhere. The whole Aveiro University is stated in single area and you will never feel alone in here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Aveiro?

Students seem to prefer to meet in a pub during the night than partying all night long. Spend your day wherever you want: At the river (Ria de Aveiro), on the beach (Very close), in the large students' square or in any pub around where you will find students having a nice talk.

How much does it cost to live in Aveiro?

Aveiro is a cheap city. You may be able to find accommodation for 150-200 euros with everything included. The prices, in general, are lower than Porto and, if you have a nice scholarship you will never feel poor surely.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Aveiro? Is there any advice you can give?

If you are foreigner it may be hard for you to find accommodation since majority of accommodation ads are in Portuguese. Probably it is easier to find accommodation by walking few hours along the road. But, you can always try to ask for some help to find it online, in some specific Portuguese websites.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You will be able to find very cheap fish over here as well as traditional sweets and cakes. A lot of men have been dedicating their working life by the deep ocean and well as fishing in surrounding rivers and lakes. Sweets are normally characterized by the high quantity of sugar and eggs ( :D )

What places would you recommend visiting in Aveiro?

Aveiro is not large at all. You will find marvelous places easily and surely people from Aveiro and students know exactly what you should visit. But you should always try the short trip across the stream. Some people often call Aveiro as the "Portuguese Venice" because of this chance of tripping Aveiro by boat.

Is it good to eat out in Aveiro? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

You will find several "Tascos", "Cafés" or "Snack-Bar"s where you can eat. Restaurants are normally not aimed for students whose prices may be higher due to higher usefulness quality of the restaurant. By, in these place referred above you will surely find "faster-food" or "dish from the day" for much lower price (meals for lower price than 5 euros).

Is the nightlife good in Aveiro? Where is good to go?

As referred above you will find more people looking for pubs or "cafés", where they can play foosball or play cards. Aveiro in also characterized for good school of music so you can always expect to find bands' concerts (rock, jazz, etc. etc.) without spending a penny.

What advice would you give future students heading to Aveiro?

If you are in Aveiro you are well located to travel. You can easily reach Porto or Coimbra for a very cheap price. Look for accommodation, but do not be afraid to share flat with someone, mainly with other Erasmus. If you think your problem will be the expenses, surely you are not aware that Aveiro can provide you a relatively low-cost life. Don't stay at home: Go to the square and to other pubs to meet with your classmates and friends.
Enjoy the beach whenever the weather allows you. Be happy :)