Erasmus Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Margherita

Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

I chose Coimbra because it looked like the perfect city: not too big, not too small, full of traditions and also full of students.

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

Coming from Italy, the scholarship lasts six months and I received from the EU 230 euro per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

The lifestyle of an erasmus student in Coimbra is literally crazy: I suggest to subscribe as soon as you can to ESN, the Erasmus and Exchange Students association of Coimbra, which organizes events and parties every week.

Coimbra is the perfect city if you want good education and at the same time you want to party a lot. Just remember: the night life begins very, very, very late and goes on till 7 am, so get physically prepared!

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

I definitely recommend this city to every other student that wants to go in Erasmus. It gives the possibility of meeting so many other students of so many other countries and cultures, which really will enlarge your point of view. Its a cheap city, not very big and so very concentrated, everything is quite near and there is always something to do.

What is the food like?

Personally I don't like Portuguese food, but there are a few really good restaurants. As a student the best choices at lunchtime are to go or to the Cantinas (if you want to spend very little: only 2, 40€ for a complete meal) or just have a sandwich at a bar. During the evening most of the people don't go out to eat, because living with other Erasmus students means you can cook and have a great meal at home.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Coimbra?

Finding an accommodation in Coimbra is very easy. There are hundred of houses and residences. Obviously many can be not as nice as they seem in pics. So my suggestion is to go to there at least one week before classes start, sleep in a hostel or hotel and just go and check out the possibilities, so you can choose the best place depending on your needs and tastes.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

The cost varies: from 150€ to 300, some include the expenses and some don't. Average price is 200-230€ with expenses included.

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

Portuguese can be very very difficult for somebody that doesn't speak a language that comes from latin. But also can be difficult for French or Italian people.

They tend to speak really fast and just stick all the words together. So the point is that you just have to get use to it.

There is a portuguese language course to which you can subscribe (of 6 ects) and it's free because done by the university. But there are also many other private courses done specifically for people that come from certain countries and which have more schedule flexibility.

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

From Milan its not always economical: there are many low cost flights from Malpensa and Orio al Serio (Bergamo) which go to Porto or to Lisbon. But the price always depends on the period in which you are flying!

From both cities there are then coaches or trains that bring you directly to Coimbra-B. Usually from there you can catch a taxi to get to your house (recommended if you have cases) or get another train and go to Coimbra-A. Taxies are quite cheap, the busses instead are 1. 60€ and its always a mess to understand how their timetable works and their routes.

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

Everywhere. This is the good point: Coimbra is so cheap, and everything is so near, that you can actually decide to just change place every hour. My best place is Se Velha, where there are many different bars and everybody just hangs out there.

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

Best place I have been is Ze Manel, near Portagem: go there very very early (19. 30-20) because there is always queue and not many places inside.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Coimbra is full of culture and traditions. Obviously Polo 1, the antique part of the university is absolutely to visit. You will see many students wearing their typical uniform (Harry Potter style) and the antique structures of the university. Also there is the beautiful Biblioteca Joanina which is definitely a must.

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

An Erasmus in Coimbra can be very tiring: there is lots of going out, lots of alcool and visiting. And because of this it will be one of the best experiences in all your life.