Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Gaia

-View from the castle-

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I chose Lisbon in Portugal because I was attracted to this country. The fact of not knowing almost anything intrigued me and also the desire to test myself by learning a new language has contributed. Many friends and acquaintances have told me about Portugal in an absolutely positive way after having been on vacation, and this increased my curiosity. The city is wonderful, from every miradouro on one of the hills on which it is built you can have a different view of the city, but above all a different sunset. The colors of Lisbon are magnificent, especially when sunlight reflects on the azulejos of all the houses. Everything in this city makes you be in a good mood. It's a city where you can quickly feel at home, thanks to the fact that it is not too big, but at the same time of sufficient size to allow you to never get bored and always have something to do and discover.

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

My exchange lasts 10 months, and I receive a share of 260 euros a month, and at the end, we will eventually receive something extra but still don't know how much. It is very useful to have financial help, even if not sufficient to cover all expenses. Rents in Lisbon are quite insane when measured with the city's living standards and especially in the rest of the country. Lisbon is generally more expensive than the rest of Portugal, although never with inaccessible prices. For a single room with a window (not guaranteed) the average price varies between 300 and 350 euros per month. The living cost is not high, especially because for students there are often facilities such as for transportation passes.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Being Lisbon a capital, it is not just a city of students, but that is what makes it interesting. During the week there are many students who crowd the bars and parks between one lesson and another, and if there is one thing that characterizes the people from Lisbon is the fact that they always pack lunch in super cute bags.

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

Absolutely yes! It is a city that is not too big and not too small, which therefore results in being student-friendly, but also allows you to never get bored. There are many activities for students and places where students meet each other, but to break the monotony there are also many places not just for students.

There are two great public universities in which there are many faculties that are the Universidade Nova de Lisboa and the Ulisboa, both of which I think are very valid. My experience at the Nova Medical School is very positive: the organization is very good and Erasmus students, although put on the same level as the Portuguese students (they don't treat you different in lessons and exams) are helped to do their best in every activity. Obviously, you have to prepare yourself for something different from your home university, and start without prejudices.

What is the food like?

Portuguese cuisine is an experience to try! I completely fell in love. The first two things that come to mind when you think about Portuguese cuisine are bacalhau and pasteis de nata of course. When you taste the first pastel you will have to eat one each day, falling into a real addiction, they are small puff pastry and cream cakes, but it's impossible to describe them, you have to taste them! But it is not the only dessert that characterizes the city, another typical and very good one is the pao do deus, with coconut, or bolo de arroz, with rice flour, and another thousand. Bacalhau is the main dish, cooked in a thousand different ways, and one of my favorites is the bacalhau com natas, or the pasteis de bacalhau, but sardines are also a typical fish of Portuguese cuisine, often served with potatoes. Of course, meat is not missing. To taste the typical Portuguese cuisine it is better to try the small and very simple restaurants such as those found in Alfama or Bairro Alto, which offer traditional flavors in abundant portions and low prices.

-Pasteis de Belem-

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

Finding the apartment was not an easy search. The houses for students are many, but often there are old and untended houses or owners who do not make regular contracts, and the requests are a lot, especially in the months of August and September. For Erasmus students, there are several associations and websites that help you find apartments usually with other Erasmus, and for a little higher price, but it allows you to have a certain security. Obviously, there are Facebook pages that allow you to avoid these other systems. Overall I can say that it is quite difficult and takes time, especially if you have particular needs of position or number of people to live with. I highly recommend moving ahead of time with research.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

The cost of living in Lisbon is not very high according to my Italian comparison terms, slightly lower, although higher than the rest of Portugal. It is not at all difficult to find very cheap places to eat well or to shop. Obviously, the closer you are to the center, the higher the prices are, but as soon as you move a bit out, prices drop.

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

The language is not altogether difficult, especially for those who already speak a Romance language. Reading is quite easy, while at first understanding the Portuguese talking to each other can be quite difficult for the speed they are used to talk, and for the amount of "s" that are in the words. With some basic grammar rules and some exercise after a month, you can understand well and start talking a bit. The Nova University offers courses for its students of all levels at very low prices (60 €), but there are also many other courses offered for Erasmus students more or less demanding at an economic and time point of view, to which can be accessed. Obviously, for those who have to attend lessons in Portuguese, these are strongly recommended, but also for those who have lessons in English, learning the local language can help a lot in the daily life, and it is still a pleasant way to get in touch with the culture and the locals.

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

From my city in the north of Italy, the best way to get to Lisbon is by plane. The Lisbon airport is not too far from the city center and is connected with the underground line, making it accessible and economic. But I also met several people (especially Germans) who came to Lisbon with their car: it may be useful to have a car in the city to move around, but the cost of gasoline is quite high. From this year there are also discounts for Erasmus students on Ryanair tickets which make flights even cheaper.

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

To spend a typical student night in Lisbon you can start by taking a beer or a sangria in one of the city's miradouro, even if the most crowded between 6 and 9 in the evening remains the miraduro of Santa Caterina, with a wonderful view on the city. After dinner (one of my favorite areas to have dinner is Alfama, where you'll find very cheap, spartan places and often with Fado music) the obligatory stop is Bairro Alto: Lisbon's youthful nightlife district, full of small bars that offer beer and sangria at low prices. People are used to staying outside the bars and crowd the streets between 11 pm and 2 am. After that for those who want to continue the night, the best place to find clubs is the area of Cais do Sodrè and in general by the river, where there is the so-called Dock that host clubs and pubs. Keep in mind also the many rooftop bars that characterize the city and from which you can have a breathtaking view of the Tajo river and the city.

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

Obviously, all those who visit Lisbon should go to Belém and try the famous pasteis de Belém, but other places that I recommend to eat the pasteis are de Manteigaria and Fabrica de Nata. Also, Padaria Portuguesa, a chain located in many areas of the city, offers desserts and different options for lunch. The mercado da Ribeira is a real covered market where there is also an area where there are long tables and several "small restaurants" to choose from. But in general it is not difficult to find good places to eat throughout the city and not just Portuguese cuisine, but also everything else (as the famous illegal Chinese or the crazy place called Pop cereal).

-Belem's tower-

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The city is full of history and there are many places to visit. First of all, the castle stands out thanks to the walls from which you have a wonderful view of the city, near the cathedral and the church of St. Vincent. The Baixa area is the one with the famous Praca do Comercio, Praca Rossio and Praca dos Restauradores. A characteristic and very nice place is the Convento do Carmo near Bairro Alto. Slightly far from the center there is the Estrela area with the basilica and the gardens, a place crowded on weekends by the inhabitants of the city who make picnics on days where the weather is good. You can not miss Belem with the famous tower, the Jeronimos monastery and the relaxing gardens. So in the city, there is something for everyone, and the more you live in the city, the more you discover unknown but wonderful places.

-Praca do Comercio-

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

To the next students who arrive in Lisbon I say to prepare for an incredible city, open and available people and wonderful weather. The life by the Tajo is relaxing, and listening to the seagulls in the morning for me is therapeutic. The strategic location of the city and the small size of Portugal will allow you to discover the country and admire the breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.

-Sunset-