Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Tiago

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I was born in Lisbon and after going around living in a few countries I decided to settle down here again.

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

Right now I don't have any scholarship because I am working here. Portugal is not an expensive place to live. You can find a room in a shared house for less than 300 € per month. Also I don't spend more than 150/200 € per month in the supermarket per month and the public transport ticket for all the transports is 36 €.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

You can arrive easily to every university in the city. Also we can use public libraries and libraries from other universities without any problem. There are also a few libraries opened 24/7. There are many concerts and music festivals all year. To go out by night we have 3 neighborhoods: Cais do Sodré, Bairro Alto and Santos, hundreds of different bars selling cheap drinks. Clubs are a bit spread all-over, now only in these neighborhoods. I would say that is a very student friendly city!

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

Absolutely! Lisbon is a place to come for all the students!

What is the food like?

There is a lot of fish. Codfish is the national dish and the sardine is one of the Lisbon symbols! Meat barbecue is also in every single restaurant; beef, pork and chicken. Oh, and get ready for the thousands of deserts and sweet snacks!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

Not too much. Even with Airbnb changing the target of many rooms, there are still people renting lots of rooms for long term stay.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Around 500 € per month. Including accommodation, food and transport pass.

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

Portuguese is an easy language to learn, however the accent sometimes is not that easy, but don't worry. People will try to help you everywhere and also English is well spoken there in case there is a big language barrier. Yes there are courses available in the university and Erasmus organizations!

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

Lowcost air companies fly to many European cities. You can also use the public train lines or the bus companies to go to every corner in the country and also Spain!

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

There are 3 neighborhoods with hundreds of bars; Cais do Sodré, Bairro Alto and Santos. There is where people use to go to have a drink or to drink a bit harder before going to the clubs. Clubs are spread all-over the city, but most of them are in there neighborhoods-

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

Small restaurants far from the main squares and avenues are the ones with the best price quality relation. Look for the 6 € lunch meal-deal, you will find many. For diner is slightly more expensive, but having a meal for 10/12 € all included is a good price.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Portugal is the country with one of the biggest ratio "museum per person" in the world. There are museums about everything! Also in the country with more music festivals and concerts!

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

Have fun and enjoy Portugal!