Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Alžbeta

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

Well, the first reason was the high ranking position of the university I was applying for. Another reason was the sunny weather and the fact that I´ve never been in this country before so that I wanted to get to know it.

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

My scholarship is for one semester and I´ve received more or less 400€ per month but it´s definitely not enough money for living here so if you´re planning to live in Lisbon you should prepare yourself for spending about 600€ per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Hah, funny question :D
Well, as I said, I was expecting a lot from my university but the reality was diferent. It´s not that interesting for me and I have a lot of free time.
If you like to dance as I do, you can buy a monthly entrance to Jazzy studios (jazzy.pt), which I definitely recommend. There are many different dance style and great teachers. They have two spots: Santos and Saldanha.
If you prefer spending your time at the beach I recommend Costa da Caparica on the other side of the Ponte 25 de Abril. You can get there by TST (Transport sul Tejo) buses. You can find there also a surf instructors - worth to try!! It costs 10€ with all equipment.
Well, I cannot mention nightlife! There are plenty of pubs, parks, dance clubs...you name it. The main spot for the party is Bairro Alto...anywhere there. The main party mostly begins after the midnight, about 1am-2am.

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

I will definitely recommend the city! Worth to live here.

My university is Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema - not recommended.

What is the food like?

Pastry, Bacalhau, Sangria and Porto wine.

Thank to the ocean, Lisbon is always well supplied of the quality fish. "Bacalhau" (codfish) is their traditional meal, they can eat it all day all night, but it´s also worth to try grilled tuna or salmon - delicious!
One special product, which I recommend, is Pastel de Bacalhau. The traditional shop is close to Praça do Comércio.
Another special product is Pastel de Belém (Pastel de Nata), which, obviously, you can find in Belém.
Pão De Deus - best ones are in Padaria Portuguesa. (and only there - as my flatmate said ;)
Sangia - anywhere (I prefer white one).
Porto wine...you know, Portugal - Porto - Porto wine ;)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

I don´t remember. I found my accommodation through the Uniplaces.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It depends on the location but the it mostly costs about 300€.

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

Portuguese people talk.....FAAAAST! According to me it´s not that easy to understand them.
Yes, there are. Some of them are for free, the rest is not.
At IPL you can have a language course for free - intensive one (A1 level - 2 weeks/40 hours) or regular one (A1/A2/B1 level - 10 weeks/40 hours).

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

I´m from Slovakia so my only option was to go to Vienna/Prague/Budapest and fly to Lisbon from there. I know that some people get here by car but I think that it´s only longer and less comfortable way to get here.

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

As I said - Bairro Alto. There are also some clubs close to the Cais do Sodré. I heard that the best club in Lisbon is the Lux Club, but pretty expensive ;)

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

Pastéis de Belém, Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau, Padaria Portuguesa....then any restaurant at the city centre.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Historical monuments....everywhere! I fall in love with Belém.
Go to the restaurant/park to listen Fado.
And check the events for free Kizomba lessons at the street.

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

...take a sun cream and sunglasses with you.