Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Estel·la

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

Because Lisbon is an important cultural capital, and as Portugal is a small country it has interesting cultural peculiarities. Also, the language is one of the most important anguages nowadays in the world and the ound and rythm is authentic. Lisbon has something magic, maybe the weather, maybe the views, maybe the old-fashion style, the people or the cultural live it has. And probably is all this together! :)

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

My scolarship was for 9 months and i received just 200€ per month (i got first one part in december and now in october i'm waiting for the rest of the scolarship). And that helps, but not that much..

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

In Lisbon students seem to be always having fun. They have this tradition between the "old" students and the new ones, and they do some games in the street and in the university campus. Also, they have every year this "Queima das fitas" party, which is like a farewell party for the students twho finish the studies this year. And it's amazing! The most important "queima das fitas" party is in Coimbra, in May. Don't miss it.

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

I would recommend the city to other students for sure!! The University is not really special, nothing to declare. I mean, is not a high-quality university but they have more enlish lessons than in Spain, so it's more international.

What is the food like?

The food is healthy, basically fish because of the Atlantic ocean close to everywere. Codfish (bacalhau) and sardinhas (sardines) are the most traditional fishes. They love to eat soups (all kind of soups!) and they also love sweet pastries, as for example,the most traditional one (and really good): the "pasteis de nata" (better the original ones, "pasteis de belém" that you can just eat them in Belém). Coffee and pastry is everywhere and quite cheap.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

Find accomodation in Lisbon is really easy. In Lisbon there are lots of student flats and so erasmus people use to stay in that flats than in residences, because is normally cheaper and it gives you more freedom. There are websites where you can find rooms for rent, aswell as facebook is a good way to find accomodation.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It depends on your way of life, of course. The rent is aprox. 300€ per month (you can find less) and prices are cheaper than other countries. A coffee is less than 1€ and food is more or less 75€ per month (supermarket). The nightlife... beers can cost less than 1€ and lots of bars ans pubs you don't have to pay an entrance.

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

Normally in the universities there are languages courses for foreigners from which you can get ECTS.

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

From Barcelona the easiest and most economical way to go to Lisbon is by plane. If you book it some time before, it can cost you 30-40€!

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

The first days you will discover the popular "Bairro Alto", an area in the center full of bars and full of people in the street. Then, i recomend you to go to different bars tipical in Lisbon that are kind of high in old flats or similar. On example is the one called "primeiro andar", where there is always something going on: concert, live music, video exhibition, etc.

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

There are lots of restaurants to eat in Lisbon. For me, the best ones are that small, old and traditional ones that prepares traditional portuguese food. You can find a lot of these in Alfama, one of the most beautiful districts.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are lots, just take a guide and visit them. But Lisbon is magic for the streets and basically also for the miradouros (sightseeings) from where you can have really beautiful views from the city.

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

Enjoy it as much as you can!! And don't stop discovering ne places, there is always something that can surprise you! ;)