Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Andrea

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Why did you choose to go to Coimbra, Portugal?

Because I thought that if I didn't go on Erasmus, I would never go to Portugal in my life.

Also I liked that Coimbra is a small, university city and life is easier there than in a bigger city.

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

It's 5 months. I got 2250€ as a scholarship.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

It's amazing! There are hundreds of Erasmus students in Coimbra, and a lot of Portuguese students of course. When you walk in the street you always meet at least one student. There are a lot of parties and programmes for the Erasmus students, you just can't be bored.

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

Absolutely! And actually, I did. One of my classmates is coming to Coimbra in the next semester, and I had some influence on her decision.

What is the food like?

The typical Portuguese food is really great, for example, every Erasmus student has to try "Francesinha".

Anyway, in Coimbra there are many international restaurants, for instance the burgers are amazing! And in the university canteen you can have lunch for only 2, 40€.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Coimbra?

I just had to send 50 euro deposit.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

Without the rent money it's really cheap but the rent is cheap also. You can find rooms for around 150-250€ per month.

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

I couldn't speak Portuguese but there is a free language course for Erasmus students in the Faculty of Humanities, from beginner to advanced. And it's 6 credits!

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

The airplane. But it's not cheap from Budapest at all.

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

NB is the place where the Erasmus parties are. And the Se Velha is a good pub which every student loves, it's near the university.

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

The university canteens, there are many in the city. And near the Praça de Republica there are really good restaurants.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The university. It's beautiful, with historical buildings. Or the main library of the university, the aqueduct, the cathedral and there are really beautiful botanical gardens.

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

Come! If you want to spend your semester with other students from around the world, this is the best place, and the living costs are not so expensive.