Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Helena

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

The city is very much about the students and the academic life. There are a lot of young people, from different countries. However, I don't think there are a lot of cultural activities.

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

In Coimbra, the traditions of the student life are taken quite seriously, which os something very interesting for internationals to come and are.

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How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

Coimbra is relatively cheap. A full meal on the canteen of the University is 2. 40€. You can easily find a good room for 200€(inc) or a studio for 300€.

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

Because I live at home with my parents, I never had to look for acommodation in Coimbra. But I know from my friends that it is not a difficult task, there are a lot of rooms in the market for students to occupy. Just come a couple of weeks before classes start and do a little research on the part of the city where you would like to stay, and you should find a good acommodation.

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

The food is very good on general. Coimbra also has some japanese and mexican restaurants, tapas bar, pubs, etc.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Coimbra?

The Botanical Garden, the University, Jardim da Sereia, downtown.

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

I don't really out enough to tell you what is good and what is not.

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

The nightlife is very good, there are always people on the street. Usually the favourite places to go are Uptown and in the Praça da República.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Coimbra?

Learn some portuguese, because English os not very institutionalized, although students themselves have no problem in talking with internacionals in English. And have fun!