Erasmus Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by EjohnGold

Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

Affordability of living and the unique pristine and rustic city outlook... full of history and the age of the university

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

I have no scholarship funding yet for my PhD studies... but because of the low living expenses I have managed a bit so far...

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

For me with a previous african experience I love the simplicity and easy class schedules, students are not under so much work pressure and can combine school and evening pleasure... there are very good malls that allow students to study and read and refresh... free WiFi access and surely better indoor climate at the malls instead of securing more heating expenses at home/rooms.

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

Yes I will because, it’s very open to International students, I have felt welcomed, and no forms of biases, classes are easy to manage and the town is absolutely safe to live in. We have very good professors too

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What is the food like?

There are so many cafes and bars and restaurants with reasonable pricing and many mall food courts have student discounts... with € 3 to € 8, you have varieties to eat.

I came from Lagos where the food is different however Coimbra offers me options and indigenous tastes. There are Asian stores to buy affordable stuffs too.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Coimbra?

Well, there are platforms to quickly secure apartments or rooms... some charge service fees some don’t but well for relocating here without any experience I would say I have been fortunate even with my accommodation.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

From € 130 above, accommodation is possible... average about € 200 for a good place...

With € 60-80 a month or more feeding works

Utility bills average about € 30 to € 50 a month but some apartments cost already include utilities.... it depends on you. The student plan of € 15 monthly bus pass works all over and good for me

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

There are language classes everywhere and also the university to easily access but the city/government has language classes too that are almost free... it’s good to ask the municipality questions

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

Buses are good.

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

Praça de República has several hangouts and student nightly activity

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

I recommend checking several mini restaurants in the city malls... the prices and foods are good however there are a few restaurants

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Joanina library and the catholic cathedral at the city center.

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

Always ask questions around people are always willing to guide. They have good host mentality