Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Patrycja

Why did you choose to go to Lisboa, Portugal?

I wanted to run away from snow in the winter. But really I was convinced by my friend- he recommended me Portugal as a great place for Erasmus experience.

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

I'm here for 1 semester. My scholarship is 350 euro per month. In first month I got 80% of all money, after 3 month I had on my account the rest of money (20%).

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisboa?

In first months there's a lot parties and trips organized. You have opportunity to take part in many events. With Erasmus cards (ELL and ESN) you have a lot of dicsounts for example: surf lessons, portuguese course, clubs entrance, drinks and many others.

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

The city is great, I love the atmosphere and people (they are very helpful). City by night is safe and full of atractions. Views from Miraduro's are amazing. I'm studying in Escola Superior Náutica in Paço de Arcos, it's about 30 min from center of Lisbon. The teachers are demanding, but they are trying to help. You will have a lot to do in your classes- after classes too. The people are so friendly and they really taking care of you (especially when you are a girl).

What is the food like?

You have many option of what you can eat, there's a lot of fresh sea food and it's amazing how many kind of it you can find here. There's no problem with finding normal meat- so don't worry. Of course you have to try bacalhau- national treasure. Another "must try" is pastel de nata. Portuguese people love pastries- on every street you can find at least one. They love cakes made of egg yolk. Sometimes they eat sweet croissant or brioches with ham and cheese or chorizo. Everyone can find somethig for himself.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisboa?

I found my room on Uniplaces. It costs me 95 euro service fee (paid once). Service fee depends from duration of your staying in this place and from price of the room. Room for a couple with double bed, balcony, shared bathroom and really poor kitchen in Santos cost us 350 euro per month.

How much does it cost to live in Lisboa?

About 500 euro per month is minimum. In that price I include: room with bills, transport, food, partries, trips (2 trips that lasted about 4 days each, till the end of February I want to go to 2 more places), portuguese course, cosmetics, some clothes if necessary, but not much. Of course how much you spend, depends of how much you need. I don't eat the cheapets food and I like to visit new places, but I'm not going to many parties and I don't like to drink too much alcohol. That's why budget looks that way.

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

It's not the easiest language, but it's interesting to learn it. At my university there's no portueguese course. I was attending portueguese course in Language Craft school, I had a discount and it costed me 99 euro per 30 hours course. It was the lowest price that I found, but the course wasn't the best.

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

By plane is the easiest and the best way.

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

Bairro Alto and Chiado- many pubs and nice restaurants. Near Erasmus Corner you have many cheap pubs with Sangria or beer for 1 euro. In Santos you have a lot of clubs where you can dance till the morning. 'Urban Beach'- nice club with amazing view, but not the cheapest. Stay there till the sunrise and you won't regret it.

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

The best portueguese steaks are in "O Tachadas" for about 16 euro for 2 persons. You should try original Pastel de Bacalhau in Baixa (3, 5 euro) and original Pastel de Belem in Belem (1, 05 euro).

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Visit Belem, Bairro Alto, Alfama- basic in Lisbon. Free entrance to museums are in every first Sunday of month! Outside of Lisbon, but still close: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. Everything is in any good guidebook. If you want to discover more Portugal go to Porto (cheap flights from Lisbon) and Algarve. If you have more money to spend choose Azores or Madeira- both great choice.

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

If you want surf lessons get Erasmus card, you have great discounts there. It's cheaper to surf in Carcavelos than in Costa da Caparica. Have fun!