Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by JB

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I didn't have a choice but no regrets!

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

For me it's different, I didn't receive scholarship. But I think you can, like me, find a association which helps the students who want go study in an other country.

But one French friend receive 190€ per month and other 240€ per month. One Belgium received 440€ per month and one girl who is in Porto received 400€ per month. So it depends.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Party in flat, bar, Bairro alto, clubs... or football, baskets, surfs. Restaurants, friends dinners, barbecues, concerts... and sometimes work!

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

Yes, the historic center is very beautiful and not very big so you can go everywhere when you want by walk or bus, subway, tram, taxi (so cheap! ). You have a lot of place to go!

What is the food like?

It's not a gastronomical food, but familial and typical food. I mean you can eat in a small restaurant where Portuguese eat everyday, for 5€! If you come in Lisbon you have to eat Pasteis de Belem or de Nata, Bifana, Bacalhau or others fishes.

You will enjoy the illegals Chinese restaurant...

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Depends of the places. But it's between 200 and 400€. But if you are lucky you can have a good room in a good flat for 250€. It's enough to have a great apartment. To be sure of the flat you have to speak with the others roommates to know what are the bad things and the good things in the flat.

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

I think for the French, Spanish, Italians it can be easier than for the others. But it's very difficult to understand what they say!

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

The plane is the best.

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

Bairro alto for the bars (1€ for 50cl of beer) but they close at 2h00 after Pink street with the night bar and some club and after in a club like Urban Beach, Main, Luxe...

But if you want a quiet night you can go in a cool bar, where you can have a very beautiful Lisbon view.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cabo de Inferno, Cascais, the Castelo, of course Lisbon, Cristo Rei, Belem...

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

When you arrive go in Bairro alto to meet the association to have more information about the city, parties, trips... And they can give you a member card, and map of Lisbon...