Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Neda

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I applied for the Erasmus programme in Lisbon, since I have always wanted to visit one of the oldest cities in the World. Since I travel a lot, I enjoy experiencing and exploring authentic cultures, and I believed studying in Portugal will be a great juxtaposition of culture experience and career enhancing.

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

My mobility period lasts five months and I am receiving 800 EUR per month, which, as I found out, is basically the average salary in Lisbon, so it will cover everything I need.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

:) I don't have much time to engage in these activities, since I am a PhD student and I am working a lot on my dissertation and confereneces, but this is not a reason why you should not take the best of Lisbon along with your peers.

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

Yes, for sure. It has a special atmosphere and vibe you won't find in any other city. And believe me, I have really traveled a lot.

What is the food like?

Since I am a vegan, I dislike the amount of meat you find in a Portuguese cousin, but there are a lot of vegan and vegetarian options both in supermarkets, take-away, regular and vegetarian restaurants. There are really a variety of veggies and fruits in shops on every corner.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

Yes, and this is the part I dislike the most. I booked via Uniplaces (from the section trusted landlords). Guess what - they are not so trusted. I was purposely mislead by the landlady about how many people I will share the apartment with, and the apartment itself is really filthy. Since I didn't know where to go, and since I would have lost my first rent payment that I paid via Uniplaces, I stayed. But it really diminished my experience of Lisbon. I can't even use the kitchen and spend a lot of money for disinfection products. So, my recommendation to future students is - book a cheap hostel during the first couple of days, then find an apartment yourself after visiting first.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

The reasonable rent price should be 250-350 EUR. Since I walk everywhere, I rarely use public transport, but if you don't feel like walking, you can whether buy a Viva Viagem ticket, depending on how often you use the transport, or you can buy a student ticket for about 30 EUR. Regarding food, it takes me around 100-150 EUR per month. Depends on how you what to feed yourself. The rest is leisure, books etc. You will get enough funds from the scholarship, but it's really on you how you will organize the money.

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

There are a lot of language courses, whether at universities or via different student organizations. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted, I couldn't find time to enroll in any, but it is certainly my recommendation. The language itself is beautiful, but it is a challenge to learn it, since Portuguese has many "unwritten" rules regarding pronunciation etc.

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

By plane, of course. Since I come from Serbia, that is the only reasonable means of transport (about 3000 km). :)

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

Sorry, no experiences from me so far. But I will certainly go to see some fado night, or perhaps some jazz band.

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

There are really a lot of restaurants all over the Lisbon. Just explore depending on your preferences.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Belem Tower, Sao Jorge Castle, Jeronimos Monastery, Carmo Convent....You should see Sintra as well.

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

Organize your time and work. Enjoy. Don't be a nerd like me. :)))