Erasmus Experience in Coimbra, Portugal

Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

It seem like the best choice for me out of the options available.

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

Mine was only for six months, and I got €200 a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

It's awesome! It's a university city, but above all an Erasmus city! It's full of students from all over the world and being a pretty small city, you get to know a lot of people. I would recommend it 100% if you want to live your Erasmus experience to the full.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Coimbra to other students?

Yes, absolutely. It's not a very big city, but you'll find everything you need there. What's more, it's really near to Porto and other amazing towns. It's very easy to get around in Portugal.

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What is the food like there?

It's pretty normal and it isn't much different to the Mediterranean diet either. The food is pretty basic. And you can eat at the university canteens for less than €3.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Coimbra?

No. I opted for a residence so I would be able to meet more people from all different places. And I think this is the best option, although I don't think that it's hard to find an apartment in a city like Coimbra.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

Living in Coimbra is cheap. Food is cheap, nights out are cheap, etc.

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

Portuguese is quite similar to Spanish, initially it might seem difficult to understand and you'll feel like you're never going to be able to hold a conversation in Portuguese. But actually, Portuguese people speak "Portuganish", a mix of Portuguese and Spanish, so in the end, it's easy to understand and to make yourself understood by Portuguese people. Yes, I went to a course at the university and actually it didn't do me any harm.

What is the cheapest way to go to Coimbra from your home city?

Fly to Porto from Barcelona and then take the train to Coimbra.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Coimbra?

All of the bars are on the Praça da República.

And to eat in Coimbra? What are some of your favourite places to go?

Restaurante Passaporte, Casa de Chá, Restaurante Brasileiro at the Alma shopping centre, Kyoto Sushi.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The University of Coimbra, of course.

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Coimbra in the future?

Have as much fun as possible and take advantage of the activities that the ESN organise.