FAQ's about Erasmus in Porto

Before starting the biggest adventure in your life, you might have a lot of questions going round in your head. Therefore, I will try to give an answer to some of them.

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1. Which semester I should choose?

If you are going just for one semester, choose the second one (from February until May). In this period there are a lot of events going on for students: the carnival, the Queima das Fitas festivity, the Festa de São João do Porto festival, and so on.

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There is another reason why you should choose the second semester, and it is amazing weather. On the contrary, during the fall semester, the weather is terrible. It starts raining in November and it doesn't stop raining until January. Porto is in the north of Portugal and during the winter there is heavy rainfall.

2. Should I look for accommodation before leaving or once I am in Porto?

It depends. If you are patient and are not afraid of sleeping in hostels, you can try to look for somewhere to stay when you are in Porto. But I recommend you to start searching before your arrival. On the Internet, you will find a wide range of accommodation, so don't worry.

Once you have chosen a place to stay, check if the apartment is in the city center or close to metro line D. Avoid apartments that are far from the center or bus stops. I don't recommend you to live near the beach since it is far from the center, where pubs and clubs hold parties for students. Moreover, buses don't run on a regular basis around the beach area at night.

3. Is it necessary to be fluent in English?

Not necessarily. You will meet people who don't speak English very well, so you can practice your English with them. You don't need to know Portuguese in order to follow a lesson. English alone will do.

4. Should I learn a lot during the Erasmus?

Of course not. Erasmus students haven't so many responsibilities, so don't worry.

My strongest advice is to keep in mind that Erasmus is not a year during your life, but an entire life during a year.

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