Erasmus Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Irene

Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

At first because I wanted to learn another language and portuguese seemed extremely interesting to me. I choosed Coimbra randomly, and just then I discovered that it is the best and oldest University in Portugal, with so many wonderful student traditions and an awesome nightlife.

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

My scolarship lasted nine months. Each month I received 230 euros, according to the quotes established by my home University.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

Awesome. When they say: Coimbra university lifestyle it's like Harry potter, it means it's really like Harry potter. Students wear black caps and suits and they have strange traditions which always end in very big parties. Night life never starts before midnight and never ends before 5 a.m. What is more, is a very international city, with thousands of erasmus students which are always well welcomed.

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

Absolutely. You won't come back same person as you left.

What is the food like?

A bit simple. It's always fish and meat, basically. But they cook the best Balcalhau in the world and if you go out for dinner, you won't pay more than 10 euros for a very good meal.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Coimbra?

No, websites are available and if you go there you will find a room in not more than 2 or three days.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

Not so much. A beer is 1 euro, a meal is from 5 to 10 euro, bus tickt about 1,30 and a coffee usually 80 cent. Cheaper than the rest of Europe.

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

There are plenty of languages courses. It depends on where you are from, but I advice to take one of them before starting the erasmus.

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

By plane.

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

Sè Velha

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

Tasquinha do Fado, in Rua das Aceiteiras

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

If you go to Coimbra, please, remember is a city you must live. Don't go there just for studying or learning something from an academic point of view. Coimbra will teach you a lot about life more than university and job opportunities. It's definitely gonna be the time of your life, trust me.