Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Sasha

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I am currently doing Erasmus in Coimbra but decided to live in Lisbon for a month beforehand to attend a language course at ULisboa.

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

The scholarship was a month. I received £1000 which helped to cover the flights and rent.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

There's lots to do for students in Lisbon and the university is great as it organises trips and cultural activities for students.

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

Yes, I loved Lisbon and am missing it while I am in Coimbra.

What is the food like?

I wasn't too impressed by the Portuguese gastronomy as its not really unique. However, I did like the Bifana (beef sandwich) and of coirse, Caipirinhas! Also, eating out is very cheap which is a plus.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

Accommodation in Saldanha (one of the main metro stops and 20 mins metro from Baixa-Chiado Downtown) was 270 euro for the month, including all expenses in a flat with Portuguese and International Students and workers.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

The supermarkets such as Pingo Doce are generally quite cheap and its cheap to eat out. There are lots of lovely restaurants in Baixa-Chiado too which are great value.

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

I've been studying Portuguese for two years so I did have some knowledge beforehand but ULisboa offers courses in Portuguese based on your level which helped me to consolidate my language knowledge before I started my Erasmus.

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

I miss the metro in Lisbon, its so cheap and very fast and it is never late, not like the bus service in my hometown!

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

Bairro Alto is full of bars and has a great nightlife as its always busy with people.

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

There's a great gourmet hamburger place just down the street from Praça de Camōes in Baixa-Chiado. Also, check out the little Pastelarias which are basically on every street corner and try the Pasteis de Nata of course!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The main ones are the Castelo de São Jorge, Praça de Comercio, Praça de Camōes, Sé Cathedral and the Elevador de Santa Justa. All of these are in Baixa-Chiado so you can spend a day touring. Also take a day trip to Belém on the bus to see the Discovery Monument and the impressive Monastery.

And take the bus to Costa Da Caparica for a day at the beach.

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

Make the most of it and say yes to every invitation you get and also visit the surrounding areas of Lisbon as there is a great transport system in the city.