Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by João

What is it like to live in Lisbon? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I am a local living in Lisbon. I truly enjoy the mix of new and old, the good weather and the growing cosmopolitism. Lisbon has been turning into a truly cosmopolitan city, with influences not only from people from the ex-colonies, but more recently with several Chinese, Indian (as from India) and European immigrants. Students play an important role in the cultural growth of the city, and of its entertainment landscape. It's really a question of which Lisbon you want to know, and you will get to know it. A significant amount of ex-Students decide to live in Lisbon afterwards, for instance.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

You can really do many things if you're a student, check for discounts and benefits in a lot of places especially entertainment. Lisbon is not an isolated student city, the students mix and blend with the population, though they are an important part of the culture of the city. Classes will take you around 6 hours per day, people who want to get a job are able to. There are several jobs open to students, and if you need to work your way through school, there's nothing stopping you. Cultural life is good, with several music shows, theatre and cinema. People tend to party a lot during weekends, and Student Night is Thursday. Students tend to choose to live IN Lisbon, as opposed to "just beside" Lisbon. This is mostly the correct option. Students usually try to balance some studying and some partying, and there's also some time left for cultural growth. The weather is great. People tend to meet a lot outside and go out together. That is the main thing about Lisbon, it invites you to get outside. And most of the socializing is done outside.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It really depends, I'll try to tailor it to the student. A bus/tram pass is €35. 2 bedroom rental apartment can get around 500, if you split it it's 250, the same as renting a bedroom. Plus utilities. You can get cheaper accommodation, but it's hard. Meals at a university should be about €3.5 (guessing here). If outside, several restaurants offer "full-meal deal" combos of main dish of either meat or fish, one drink, desert and coffee for €6.5, though prices will usually be higher, especially in tourist areas. Smokers can get Marlboro for €4.30 other brands for less, a beer at a "nice" beer garden is 1.5 (0.75 at the supermarket), a coffee is €1, 0.50 in regular places. A kilo of bananas is 0.75-1.50, a loaf of bread is €1. Small monthly shopping for a couple of people will be €250, at 125 each. This will get you through the month making army-style dishes for dinner and lunching mostly at the Uni. Nothing fancy. Nightlife can be expensive, especially if you go to posh-er places in which a beer is €1-€3, and a vodka/tonic €3-€5. Usually students stay on the low-end of this, as they like clubbing afterwards, and expect fees mostly in the range of €10-€20. Mobile calls are around €0.10 per minute.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lisbon? Is there any advice you can give?

There is some mobility, you can find places throughout most of the year. Places to look are paper ads and internet ads. Universities usually have boards where they announce rentals at the start of the school year. Prices tend to be inflated, people expect students to have the purchasing power, especially if they're coming from abroad. There are many old buildings in Lisbon, if you exclude them from your search, it will limit yourself significantly. Expect to see some very old buildings, and some people asking for disproportionate rents. Some people expect bargaining, and set the price accordingly higher, but this is not true of all cases.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Lisbon has Mediterranean cuisine, based on meat, fish, bread, eggs, vegetables, fruits, wine and beer. The steak or fish is usually accompanied by potatoes, vegetables, salad and/or rice. Portions are usually satisfying without being too large. Bacalhau is a highly appreciated dish, made in several different styles. Cozido à Portuguesa is another traditional dish. Though International cuisine can easily be found. Also, several African restaurants expose the cuisine of mainly Cabo Verde and Angola. Asian restaurants are plenty also. If you like sushi, we got it too.

Several restaurants offer "full-meal deal" combos of main dish of either meat or fish, one drink, desert and coffee for 6.5 / 7 eur, though prices will usually be higher, especially in tourist areas. These are mainly to be found at lunch-time.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

The whole older area is beautiful to visit and to live in. Baixa, Castelo, Graça, Bairro Alto, Terreiro do Paço, São Vicente. Go to Casa do Alentejo at the end of the day. Go to Feira da Ladra on Saturday. It's nice to get lost in the streets of the old town and see several colourful characters and ways of living. For people who like more modern stuff, Parque das Nações is a complex which is sure to please many. Go to Bairro Alto at night.

Is it good to eat out in Lisbon? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are many restaurants to choose from. Many people like to have dinner at Bairo Alto or Parque das Naçoes before going out for drinks and clubbing.

Is the nightlife good in Lisbon? Where is good to go?

Nightlife in general is good in Lisbon. Without being a beach-and-party place, the Lisbon nightlife focuses in bars and clubs. People usually go out to bars for drinks late after dinner, around 23:00-ish. The old neighbourhood of Bairro Alto is a preferred for this. Lately, the Cais do Sodré area has been gaining some weight with the younger, hipper crowd. Formerly the workplace of many prostitutes, both areas have had new life breathed into by them by nightlife directed to a younger and wealthier crowd. Another area is Docas, with a range of bars for every taste. Drinks usually end around 2:00, with people heading to clubs. There are several to choose from with music styles for every taste, though the vast majority is oriented to dance. Entrance fees are around 20/25 euro. Many clubs stay open all night. There are also live music places.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Try to learn some Portuguese, people highly appreciate that you took the effort and will tolerate language barriers much more. Try to find a word-of-mouth house deal. Take advantage of discounts. See what the Uni can offer you, you can be surprised. Enjoy the older part of town, go out for drinks and don't litter the place. Remember: being a student is nice. But it's nothing out of this world. Act accordingly and you'll be alright. Your experience of being a student in Lisbon can be awesome.