Bragança, cold Winter semester with lots of parties

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

For Winter semester, it's the worst place if you're a poor student, because buildings have no central heating nor normal walls - they are made of cardboard. Thus you will freeze at night unless you use 3 quilts.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bragança?

There are a lot of parties and lots of promotions for Erasmus students. Teachers at school are lenient and are okay with the absence of students during the first party weeks. Even though teachers don't pressure students on schooling, they require a lot on exams; unexpected.

How much does it cost to live in Bragança?

House rent is not expensive, but buildings are old, sometimes in poor conditions. The rent for a flat for 4 people with 4 rooms, 5 beds, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a balcony and a terrace costs 100 euros per person + 30-35 euros per person for municipal services and 5MB/S Internet.

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

Start searching as soon as possible and preferably via special services such as Rriskivector (best one so far) or Ultimo Pilar (worst ever imagined). If you are late in Winter semester (supposing you come on November) get ready to get a flat in poor condition or stay in queue for weeks to get a better one.

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

There is a school canteen where you can obtain a massive full-packed meal for 2, 30 euros if you buy a ticket 3 or more hours before lunch or dinner. Don't try sea food in the canteen though, they are poorly cooked, however in another places fish can be quite good. Eating out is expensive and as a poor student I only drunk tea in cafe, price varied from 0, 80 to 1, 70 euros.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bragança?

Bragança city castle on the hill, there's a museum inside and the entrance costs 1 euros only. You can see the whole city from the towers of the castle and on the other side you see a landscape of hills and mountains, some of them are actually in Spain. If you like parties and meeting with Erasmus people, go to Lagoa Azul, a not expensive club in city centre; music is good, although it is repeated over and over every day, unless there's an occasion for a party, which happens every 2nd or 3rd week of the month.

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

I have not been eating out in Bragança, because dishes are expensive and of small portions, not worth it.

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

If you want to sit, drink and talk to people, go to Viaduto, a small pub-like club with slow and boring music.

But if you want to meet Erasmus people, drink great shots (ask for Fire shot) and dance to Portuguese, Brazilian and Spanish songs, go to Lagoa Azul.

If you want to get drunk and dance to fast paced, well put music, go to Mercado; a big and expensive club.

What advice would you give future students heading to Bragança?

Go to every event ESN Bragança is offering. First, there will be speed meeting sessions which allows people to meet other Erasmus people, then go to Lagoa Azul and have a great party with your new acquired friends. Never be shy, don't forget you're not alone here, everyone is a bit shy here in a totally different country and if you make the first step towards making a friendship, you will benefit a lot!