Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Ana

What is it like to live in Coimbra? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Coimbra is a small city, 1 hour from the sea and is really marked by the University. Around 90% of people living in are students.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

The student lifestyle in Coimbra is around the academic spirit which you can belong to a Tuna (students music group), Tertulia (the purpose is to meet and discuss points of view about politics, social,...life. But is also a way to meet more people and have a group in the university that actually watch for your back), or just to the normal circle students are - 'Associacao', 'Jardins da Associacao' or in the up old part of the city near Se Velha (old big church).
Actually I think is one of the best cities to study in Lisbon. Besides known that the Coimbra University was consider one of the best.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

Coimbra is cheaper for a student comparing with Lisbon. To rent a room is between 150-250 euros, with all the expenses included. The drinks are also more cheaper and the public transportation.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Coimbra? Is there any advice you can give?

No, is not. Go to the University and ask if they have a residence, if is not possible find out near the students union. Or even in the middle of the streets is possible to find a lot of posts by landlords trying to rent rooms. Is a small city, so is really easy to find a place to stay, for short or long period of time.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is nice, but not so may fish because Coimbra is not so close to sea. Still you can find the typical portuguese dishes (codfish), but you will find more meat. Pork, cow,...there are really nice 'aperitivos' you can try. Specially in small restaurants - tascas, in the old part of the town.

What places would you recommend visiting in Coimbra?

Museu Machado de Castro, Portugal dos Pequenitos (is a special place for little kids, but is great for all ages), Docas (for a drink or walk near the river), Se Velha e Se Nova (2 beautiful churchs), Casa dos Fados (Fados house, great place to hear Fado - typical portuguese music), ...

Is it good to eat out in Coimbra? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

If you go to the down part of the town you will find really good places to eat out for a nice price and nice food. Is just to pick.

Is the nightlife good in Coimbra? Where is good to go?

Yes is really good, but is based more in bars like pubs. I mean is one of the best cities to drink and have great conversations with young people who are full of beliefs and desires. Also to bounder new friendships, because those will be forever.
Where to go? - Praca da Republica for a start, in a bar called 'Tropical' and then go to 'Associacao' and after students normally start to climb to the up part of the town which is full of university bares. Really nice ;). You have a possibility to choose your shot according to the course you are sign in. The music also it depends where you go, but for example - 'Piano' is a good spot.
Also, the University comemorates two big times during the year - one is in around October and the other is in May. The first one represents the beginning of a year, the freshmen introduce to the university world, being like a ritual. During 5 days there are concerts all nights. But the biggest event is in May called 'Queima das Fitas', during one week is full of concerts and nightlife during day and night. Also, in a specific day there is a parade with a decorative car from which university course. All the city stops to see the parade offering free drinks to everyone and see which car wins the competition. Is another ritual to mark the end of university to many students.
Is really nice, I always end up with a beer shower. ;P. But of course, no abuse in alcohol, there were a lot of experience around me really scary. So be safe at the same time with you.

What advice would you give future students heading to Coimbra?

Have fun! Coimbra is a beautiful and calm city to live, but at the same time crazy student lifestyle, in a good way. ;)