Erasmus Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Jessica

Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

I came to Coimbra because that is where my program was.

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

I do not have a scholarship, but if you are frugal you can live on under 300 Euro a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

Student lifestyle is very relaxed, beers after class, laid back afternoons, if you are a party person there are parties every weekend.

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

Yes.

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What is the food like?

I found it savory if a bit bland. Most foods are flavored with cheese, wine, or beef and in my experience, everything needed salt and could have benefitted from a heavy-handed spice kit.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Coimbra?

No, I found it for free.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

Average rent is between 150 - 300 Euro when you factor in bills, but it very much depends on what you as a person are willing to live in.

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

There are language courses available, but my courses all were taught in English, and most of the people here speak English as well.

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

A 13-hour+ plane ride followed by a bus or train that is also long (around 2-3 hours).

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

Just go to the Praca de Republica and follow the noise, also the Aqui Base tango bar (on Praca) and Academico Cafe are great options. Seriously though, just go to Praca and find a group that you think you would want to party with and follow them. There are bars and pubs everywhere, I will say though that nightlife doesn't start till midnight, so keep that in mind.

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

Cafe Atenas, Academico Cafe, Cafe Mozambique, Brunn's Diner, the Kebab shops, there is a really great Chinese place down from Praca, if you are hungry, go to Praca around 12 and follow your nose to the food that suits you. Praca has everything. Another great food resource is the Alma shopping center, the top floor of what is essentially a mall has several fast food joints as well as some more Portuguese style spots and a fantastic Brazilian buffet.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Literally the entire city, the university, the huge cathedrals, and the river Mondego. When you have downtime just walk around the city and follow the old wall road (it's well-marked) and you will see and read about a bunch of cool historical stuff. There is also the Botanical Gardens and several really awesome museums.

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

Just do it, go out have fun, its a shockingly safe city and the people are very open.