Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Deepak

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

Nice weather and Dean recommended me to choose Lisbon, Portugal

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

I got scholarship for 5 months. But erasmus office credited whole amount at once around 1600 Euro for 4 months. I got 5th month amount when i came back to home university.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

There are some very good places where you can have fun in the Night: Docas, Santos, Oriente, Bairro Alto (Mezcal is the meeting place of the Erasmus students). There is also a very nice place in Alfama called Chapito and a very good pastelaria in Baixa Chiado called Lua de mel. However, exchange students usually stick quite together.

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

If you want to dance the night away, Cais do Sodré is currently one of the trendiest spots. This area of bars bearing the names of the Northern European capitals and faraway countries that provided the fun for sailors who arrived in the port of Lisbon decades ago, is now one of the most relaxed in the Lisbon night scene, with cultural venues, restaurants, bars, clubs and discos. The music on offer is varied, from reggae through to African music, new wave, indie and Gothic rock, the club programmes are appealing and the atmosphere eclectic. For the more energetic, the excitement lasts throughout the night, until the sun comes up.

What is the food like?

As i am vegetarian person love to eat indian food than western food. I have no idea about food in lisbon. I just got nice indian shop with all grocery items and fresh vegetables.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

No, In ist alameda campus they have all the information about accommodations on notice boards. Must look at these boards

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

400 to 500 euro

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

As i knew little bit portuguese language before departing to portugal. But they do have language courses.

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

however, i was living in lisbon so the most economical way is public transport as always.

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

Lisbon is one of those European capitals where you can enjoy one of the greatest freedoms of city life: walking its streets at night in safety and with pleasure. There are some very good places where you can have fun in the Night: Docas, Santos, Oriente, Bairro Alto (Mezcal is the meeting place of the Erasmus students). There is also a very nice place in Alfama called Chapito and a very good pastelaria in Baixa Chiado called Lua de mel .

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

Better cook at home most economical.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Graca district is one of lisbon oldest suburbs, located on top of her highest hill. The most famous view point is the miradouro de santa graca, which offers up the whole of central lisbon and the castle to the north. Must visit !!!

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

Just enjoy osum weather but do study hard and party hard !!!