Erasmus Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Elina

Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

Coimbra is well known as the student city of Portugal with one of the oldest academic tradition in the Europe. Although I wasn't studying there but doing my internship, I still managed to get involved in academic activities and by doing this enjoy completely different (and amazing) experience.

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

I did my Erasmus internship for 12 months and received around 600 EUR per month. To live in Coimbra it was quite enough, but once again, since I was a full time intern there I didn't have so much time to spend the money, so I believe for exchange students, who have more time for travelling around would need more.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - parties, parties, parties. In the free time I noticed that my Erasmus friends managed to attend some classes. It is pretty relaxed, except the exam period. But that what Coimbra is all about- enjoying the student lifestyle in the most positive way. For the local students, of course, the life is a bit more harsh, but in the same time they can be the part of the historical academic tradition.

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

Absolutely, 100% yes. I am feeling sorry for myself that I didn't arrive in Coimbra as a student in University of Coimbra, but as an intern in a company. If I had a chance at least for one semester to be part of this great and rich academic life, I would definitely use it.

What is the food like?

Lots of good quality seafood, fruits and cakes - all amazing and for good prices. And the wine- the main meal of the day.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Coimbra?

No, I had an Erasmus buddy who helped me to find my first apartment. Later on, I managed to find another place through local contacts.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

In average, the room to rent costs from 150-200 EUR (can be also more expensive, if you want extremely perfect conditions). It is worth to spend some extra time on searching different options and comparing prices, since it may happen that Erasmus students are charged higher prices.

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

For those who speak any Latin language it may be easier. For the people from Eastern Europe it may take some time and effort to get used to it. The basic phrases are quite simple, but if you are willing to learn more, you will have to study more. And yes, there is a language course available for international students- intensive one before semester starts, and also regular classes during semester.

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

There are no direct flights from Riga, so I have to buy 2 tickets to connect the flights. I have always used Ryanair. But if you are travelling with the big luggage then it is worth to compare also other companies because the money you spend for the checked-in luggage can be better spent on other companies tickets, and at least there you would have more friendly rules for the cabin luggage.

But of course, it depends from the place you travel from. Within Portugal the best way to travel between cities is train and bus - everything is well organized and easy to understand, and also prices are quite acceptable.

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

Coimbra is pretty small, so during the night you can manage to cover all the best places. The night, of course starts at Se Velha, where mostly everybody meet, and then moving around other smaller places on the way to Tapas bar, NB club or Rugby bar. Many people also prefer Rock Planet or NL (terribly cheap drinks there).

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

The only advice is just to go there, meet people from all around the world, be open minded and enjoy one of the best times of your life.