Erasmus Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Toula

Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

I chose to go to Coimbra after studying Portuguese at university for two years. I thought it was the ideal place to spend a semester to improve my language skills and experience the Erasmus lifestyle. It's a traditional university town with beautiful architecture and great weather. I knew there was a great Erasmus population there and it exceeded my expectations!

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

My Erasmus scholarship was for one semester starting from September until the end of January. I received approximately £750-800. This was a big help towards paying my rent and living costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

Coimbra is a traditional university town and there is plenty to keep students entertained, like the huge student celebrations such as the Latada at the beginning of the the year and Queima das Fitas at the end of the academic year. The Erasmus student network is fantastic and regularly organises parties, meals and trips to other parts of Portugal such as the Algarve and Serra da Estrela mountains. There is always something to do in Coimbra either during the day or at night in its great bars and nightclubs.

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

Definitely! The city is beautiful with so many things to do but at the same time everything is within walking distance. The university is one of the oldest in Europe with a beautiful campus and a wide range of modules to study.

What is the food like?

Firstly the food is cheap! You can eat at the university canteen and have three courses for around €3! You can eat traditional Portuguese food or find a wide range of fast food restaurants in the shopping centres. You must try the traditional Portuguese cakes!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Coimbra?

It was not difficult to find accommodation. I had previously organised my accommodation through Facebook. When you get to Coimbra the Erasmus student network can help you find somewhere to live or there are many advertisements around the city and university for rooms to rent.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

My rent was around €215 a month and bills an extra €30 a month. The supermarket Pingo Doce is very cheap and you can walk everywhere so there's no need to pay for every day travel.

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

I had been studying Portuguese before I arrived so I didn't have many problems in understanding. There is a great intensive course for Erasmus students that is really helpful and I'd recommend you do it especially if you haven't studied Portuguese before. There are different levels to suit everyone.

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

I travelled from London Stansted. I flew to Lisbon and then got the direct train from Lisbon to Coimbra. The transport links to and from Coimbra are great! It is easily reached by train or bus from Lisbon and Porto.

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

If you like drinking shots I would go to Cabido bar in Sé Velha. I went there nearly every night that I went out when I was there! It has a great atmosphere and is a perfect place to start the night. There are plenty of other bars in Sé Velha, and it is normal to buy your drink and stand outside with everyone. There are two main nightclubs called NB and Theatrix which are great and play good music, usually open til 6 or 7 am.

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

There are a few nice restaurants in Coimbra, but I especially recommend Jardim da Manga which has traditional Portuguese food and is very reasonable. Also, there is the Italian restaurant right on the Mondego River and the Indian restaurant which is opposite on the other side of the road in Baixa, both are fantastic!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In the city the most beautiful places to visit are the University, sitting right at the top of the city, as well as the cathedrals Sé Velha and Sé Nova. You can also go to the beautiful botanic gardens.

Pequenitos is a park featuring a miniature version of Portugal's most historic and interesting sites. Close to Coimbra you can visit the beach town of Figueira da Foz and the historical site of Quinta das Lágrimas.

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

My main advice would be to enjoy yourself! Participate in the Erasmus Network events and you will make some amazing friends for life! Make sure you go to the student celebrations and integrate with the local students for a true Coimbra experience!