Erasmus Experience in Faro, Portugal by Nicola

Why did you choose to go to Faro, Portugal?

Because I wanted a nice place to live, not a big city, not a expensive place. also I wanted to live near to the beach and learn a new lauguage.

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

My scholarship is 9 months, I spend something like 250 for the rent, bus monthly pass and 3 weeks of food in supermarket. The life is not expensive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Faro?

well, in Faro I usually go out in monday, Wednesday and friday with erasmus, in the week end the city is good but not to much, the university day of party is Thursday.

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

Of course, is a beautiful city, not big, but you can meet new people and stay with them and become friend. Also the UAlg is really good, the professors and the structures are really nice.

What is the food like?

Really good the coffee, the bacalhao and pastel de nata. Also really good the price in supermarket, is really really cheap.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Faro?

unfortunatly, yes. This year there was so many erasmus so it was difficult for us to find the accomodation. i suggest to try to find it 4 months before the erasmus.

How much does it cost to live in Faro?

Something like 250 for accomodation, bus pass and food. then the beer is cheap and also the wine.

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

I come from Italy and for latin launguages is easier to learn it, with the course that i did now i can ask for something in the city and also i understand, portuguese is not really hard, only the pronunciation is difficult. But for friends that come from Poland or something like that is really hard to understand, i suggest to try to see something before to go.

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

I took 2 planes and before the 1st i spent 2 hours in car, so for my is not easy, i suggest to try to find a flight to Faro or Sevilla.

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

Monday "Fabbrika", i don't remember how is exatly called but for me is fabbrica, nice place to speak, chill and stay with friends.

then wednesday "first floor" disco club, cheap beer and a lot of people (usually) mostly erasmus.

Thursday is the portuguese night, at 01. 00 in the morning portuguese people go out to have a party in every single disco of the city.

Friday there is "patrimoni", nice place, big, but good for dance all together.

weekend nothing, usually dinner with friends, beer and chill

REALLY IMPORTANT: every day there is Fernando, cheap beer, for us is a must before the disco.

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