Rafa's Erasmus Experience in Braga, Portugal

Why did you choose to go to Braga, Portugal?

Actually, I didn't choose Braga. At my university, we were asked to choose ten destinations and I randomly placed Braga as the fifth or sixth choice and that was the one I was assigned.

Source

How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive to help you with living costs?

It was 10 months. I received approximately 3000 euros in total, which is enough to live on without almost any extra help from your parents.

What is the student lifestyle like in Braga?

The student environment is great. Almost all city life revolves around the university and the environment is very much like that of American universities. They play jokes on the first year students and everything is for and by the university. It's an unbeatable university environment. There is an academic festival that is great and there are quite a few parties organised by the university student association.

Source

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

Absolutely yes. It's a small city, but with a lot of life. Besides, it is very close to Porto, which is always a good change of scenery if you get tired of the same thing.

What is the food like there?

Food is really nice. The set meals are very good and also very cheap. Near the university you can eat for €3. 50.

A very typical dish is the Francesinha, which is a kind of sandwich with meat, cheese, egg and a very rich sauce, with a side of chips. There are also hamburger places and restaurants that have spectacular dishes at even better prices.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Braga?

No, I just filled out a form and got a double room in a university dorm. The price was quite affordable (€92) and if you don't mind sharing, sharing a room is the best option. Another problem is that there is no kitchen in the residences, only microwaves, but with the practice you can become a chef with only a microwave. However, the university has a fairly inexpensive dining room (€2. 50) and the food is quite good. I lived in the Lloyd Braga residence, which is much closer to the Uminho and also in a safe area of the city. There is another residence, Santa Tecla, which is located in a somewhat dangerous neighbourhood and it is not recommended to go there alone at night. It has more facilities than Lloyd Braga, but if you like to go out at night and such, it is not as good.

Another option is to live in a flat. They are not very expensive (€120-150) and they are usually close to the university. The best place to live is between the Universidad do Minho and the Braga Parque shopping centre, because it is close to the university (and also this area around the university is where there is a party during the week) and it's also relatively close to the centre (where there is usually a party on weekends).

How much does it cost to live in Braga?

For €400-450 a month you can live quite well, without worrying about money. It's a pretty cheap city.

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

The language is something I'm really good at and I came home with a pretty good level. I didn't go to the course that the university gave because it clashed with my class schedule, but even so, I learned a lot more than attending the course, because the course was quite bad. If you spend your daily life with Portuguese people, you will learn the language without any problems.

Moreover, the teachers in general are quite understanding and (usually) always try to help and make it easier if you are not native.

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

From Malaga there are three options. Take a plane from Málaga-Oporto with stopover in Lisbon (if you book in advance it can be quite cheap, about 70-100 euros). Bus or train Málaga-Madrid and Madrid-Porto by plane (€90approx. ) or bus Málaga-Porto (€100-120, but without having to book it too far in advance), I mean round trip, not just one way. Keep in mind that from the airport of Porto to Braga there is a direct bus that costs 8 euros and the train from Porto-Braga costs 3 and a bit euros.

Which places would you recommend to go out to party in Braga?

Keimódrumo, BA, Stephane Bar, 33, Carpe Noctem and Sardinha Biba. If you have a more alternative taste, Juno, Insólito, Convento do Carmo and the downtown bars.

Is it good to eat out in Braga? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

Taberna Belga, DeGema, Tasquinha Bracarense, Chivarias, Bira dos Namorados, etc.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The city centre, Bom Jesus, Sameiro, etc.

Source

What advice would you give future students heading to Braga?

Make the most of the time, which will fly past and getting together with Spaniards is very good, but also try to spend time with the Portuguese, who are spectacular people, you can practice the language and learn a lot from them. Oh, and I forgot, always carry an umbrella in your bag !