Erasmus Experience in Lison, Portugal but Virgile

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I was looking for a city with a softer climate than in France - a big student city, a city with a history, an affordable city, a city where the people are simple and cool and a city, full of life and open to the world. On the other hand, I wanted to stay in Europe, so for me Lisbon was the best choice.

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How long does your trip last for? How much financial aid do you receive?

1 year. I receive an AMI grant from my region, being for me around 400 euros a month, which a is very good amount to live in Portugal on.

How is student life in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a capital city of 3 million inhabitants. Therefore, there are many universities of all the domains which means many students. The student associations and Erasmus and really well known and have a lot of influence and they constantly organise parties, visits, trips and activities... I love to party in this city. From reggae to techno passing commercial music and Latino, there is something for everyone to party to, and on every day of the week.

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

Of course I recommend it. I've had the opportunity to spend time in an enourmous amount of European cities and I have never felt as good as I have in Lisbon.

How is the food in the country?

Portuguese food is quite good: The desserts and viennoiserie are excellent, their meat is not bad without being exceptional, the fish is good, but too often cooked in a too fatty way and the deli meat isn't bad. Overall, their cuisine is more fatty than that of France but well, in a capital like Lisbon you can eat all types of cuisine.

Pastel de Belem

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Did you have any difficulties in finding accommodation in Lisbon?

Lisbon is much more expensive than the rest of Portugal and it's the only thing that isn't much cheaper than in France. It's around 250/300 euros a month for a room in a shared flat, and 350-500 euros for a private apartment. For the Erasmus, the most secure and well known website is uniplaces.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It's much less expensive than France: 1 euro for a half pint, 4. 50 euros for cigarettes, 5-6 euros for a McDonalds meal, 10 euros to eat in a restaurant and 35 euros a month for unlimited metro and bus travel.

How is learning the language? Have you been to any language courses organised by the university?

Each university organises more or less expensive language courses. The learning is easy because it's similar to French and especially to Spanish. In practice, it's more complicated. The Portuguese have a strong accent and it's sometimes difficult to understand them.

What is the most economical way to get to Lisbon from your city?

By plane with either Easyjet, Transavia or Ryanair.

Which places would you recommend for partying in Lisbon?

Bairro Alto, Pink Street, Cais do Sodre and Santa Apolonia.