Erasmus Experience in Braga, Portugal by Sonia

Why did you choose to go to Braga, Portugal?

Because i wanted to go to Portugal and it was the only city i could go to with my university. It was really pure coincidence, but it turned out to be awesome.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Mine was for 11 months. I come from France and for the whole year i had something like 3000€ (accumulating several scholarships)

What is the student lifestyle like in Braga?

It is great. Tradition takes a very important place, some of the students wear uniforms, there always are parties or trips organized by the student association of the university. And you can go out every night; Braga is a really young city.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Braga to other students?

I would absolutely recommend it!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Braga?

No, in like a day, I had found an apartment.

How much does it cost to live in Braga?

You'll have to count between 150 and 300€ (if you want something really fancy and big all by yourself) for rent, then food is cheap, alcohol is cheap, cigarrettes are cheap... I would say that if you have 500€ per month you can live a pretty good life :)

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

There are language courses available. The language is easy if you speak italian or spanish, even french.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Braga from your city?

The easiest is by plane, you arrive in Porto and then take the train for an hour and you're in Braga.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Braga?

Bar académico, sardinha biba, some other club (which name changes all the time) that is near the campus! And if you go to the city center, there are some really nice bars, but there is no more student vibes.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Braga?

Tasquinha bracarense! Cheap and good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

So many. If you like architecture you'll like this city. If you like churches you'll love this city! The best-known is Bom Jesus do Monte, it's so beautiful, and also the Sameiro. You have an amazing view of the city from there.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Braga in the future?

Just, if you are hesitating: don't. You will not regret it. You may think the city is too small, but i think that's what makes it great, that's why all the erasmus know each other. You will never feel alone, and you'll make friends for life. And also you will fall in love with this beautiful country, this great city, and its people, so generous and simply nice... Just go! I know i'd give anything to relive that year!