Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Edyta

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I ve been there earlier a few times, just as a tourist, without any special goals. I just felt in love with that city, since I saw it. Magical atmosphere, as well as modern western city connected with traditional atmosphere and typical culture made me feel great there. Whatever I will say will look cheesy, but anyway, I just wanted to come back there one day ad study. And that happened. I coudnt believe that. Everyone who experienced that will know what am I talking about, telling about magician atmosphere of that city.

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

Firstly I went to spend there one semester, later I prolonged fro another. I received firstly 350 euros by month, during second less. Obviously without parentsfinancial help, that all wont be posiible. Lisbon is expensive indeed, especially for polish.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

It is how you want that to be. If you want to go out every night you can, and you wont be bored. Thusands of places, especially in bairro alto- well known area for parties. If someone is interested in culture, many places of culture you will find there. Is someone loves surfing, coudnt choose better place to practice. Lisbon is for everyone.

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

I will even force into going there. Cause it was my best decision in my life, and came back as a different person. World changed for me. Lisbon gave me everything what I only could dream about.

What is the food like?

Foodis for me a bit heavy and hard to digest I am sorry. But anyway portuguese love cooking that, and i enyojed their cousine a lot. Sometimes they are putting to much salt at salty fish enough;p

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

I went to Lisbon 3 weeks before Erasmus to search for flat. That costmy time and money, but it was worthy.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Well... I was paying 700 euros per month in the cntre of Lisbon. It was too much

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

They indeed are, but I didnt have the best experience. teacher was taking for granted that everyone was Italian, Spanish or maybe even portuguese. I am polish, for us is not so easy. But now I am trying to learn that language. I think it is a good asset to know it better ;)

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

plane.

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

depends who likes what. Bairro alto for the beggining. It is good to be lost there. That way you could find some nice spots.

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

I am not a great specialist in that area.

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

If you are only thinking, and not going to use all "goods" that Lisbon is serving in every other corner, you will have your eyes everywhere, it is nothing to advise. Lisbon is rather safe, and truly lovely place, so just dont think to much and go there... and remember to take many pictures of that colourful city !