Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Eve

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I studied Portuguese as part of my degree and it was obligatory to spend time in a Portuguese-speaking country. I chose Portugal because it's in Europe (unlike e. g. Brazil! ) and therefore would be cheaper, and I would get the Erasmus grant. I chose Lisbon because it is the capital and I had already visited on holiday and really liked it.

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

10 months. I got about 300 a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Excellent! I didn't have to do that much work and had loads of time for parties. The weather is pretty good (apart from the winter rain! ) and there's lots of beaches you can go to. There's shopping, cinema, lots of places of interest and some stunning architecture - you won't get bored! Drink is cheap (at least compared to my home country) and Bairro Alto is the ideal place to spend your first night (or the whole year! )

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

Absolutely.

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What is the food like?

I'm a fish lover so Portugal suits me perfectly. The bacalhau and other fish/seafood dishes which are to be found in every restaurant are delicious, and the "sobremesas" and pastries here are just amazing. Unfortunately I have found the university canteens to be fairly lacking in comparison.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

I didn't have to pay anyone to find me an apartment if that's what you mean. Naturally I had to pay a deposit on the apartment, which I got back.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Average of 300 a month to live centrally in a good location. You can find cheaper ones (and more expensive ones of course! ) but it all depends on your own needs, where you are willing to live, whether you are prepared to put up with not having a window etc.

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

The language is very difficult in my opinion. I had already studied it before coming to Lisbon and it is so different to what I thought it would be. People speak so quickly and seem to mumble a lot! In addition, most Portuguese speak great English, so you have to be very determined if you want to speak Portuguese with them.

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

Since I don't live in continental Europe I have to fly.

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

Start in Bairro Alto or Cais Sodre. The latter is more expensive but has some very interesting bars, and tends to have more Portuguese people than the very touristy/"Erasmusy" Bairro Alto. Having said that, Bairro Alto is very fun and is very cheap! Of course, you can always go to both areas in one night. There's a wealth of clubs in Lisbon such as Urban Beach, Lux, Musicbox, Opart etc. You won't be short of places to go.

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

I love the Hamburgueria do Bairro (the burgers and chips are great), Tease (a cafe near Largo Camoes with amazing cupcakes), Brasileira (for people-watching), Mezzogiorno (nice pasta and pizza), Casa da India for good grilled chicken... I keep hearing that the Decadente is a very good restaurant, isn't too expensive but is always incredibly popular so you need to book in advance. I haven't booked it myself yet though!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

So many I can't mention. Alfama, Martim Moniz, Belem, Sintra... Don't be afraid to venture outside of Lisbon to see what some people consider 'the real Portugal' too.

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

Just have a blast! :)