Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Nikhil Menon

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I chose to go to Lisbon as a result of my deep seated desire to be part of a global city. The Londons and the Paris' never impressed me as my idea of being in a global city was to be part of a culture from which I would have a tangible amount of things to take back home. And I had more than enough of it during my sojourn in Portugal. I am sure I am coming back to live here again.

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

I was part of the MIT Portugal Program - a collaboration between Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Boston) and the Government of Portugal for fostering world class research in 4 different fields of interest. The scholarship covers half of the tuition fee or in some cases the full tuition fee. I had my own resources to take care of the living expenses.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Student lifestyle in Lisbon is very economical, yet very pleasing. You ave school Monday through Friday usually. Friday nights are spent in the company of friends. Good food and good music are usual accomplices for these affairs. Lisbon, being very budget friendly has many spots for meeting up and getting on interesting conversations.

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

I would certainly recommend both the university and the city to anyone. It has been an exciting 2 years for me and I'd surely like that to be passed on to my friends as well.

What is the food like?

The food is yummy good. Typical Portuguese delicacies (served wonderfully in good portions at the Cafes) is something I miss nowadays. I realized there could be a dozen different dishes made from the "Bacalhau" and it has amazed me to this day. Some of my favourites were "Bifa Cafe", "Feijoada Transmontana" (albeit being a bit heavy is nice), "Lombinhos de porco com Cogumelos", "Arroz Pato" and most obviously, the "Pastel de nata".

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

Accommodations in Lisbon are very well represented all across the internet. It is easy to find apartments and as a general rule, you can believe the pictures that have been posted online, of the apartment to show you the real conditions. I was initially very hesitant to believe, but later on, I realized that the Portuguese dwell on being honest and straight forward. So, they would (in most cases) never compromise on that aspect. Accommodations are again budget friendly. And some of my best friends from the country have been my landlady and her family, so you can imagine.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Lisbon is budget friendly. Individual costs are a direct representation of one's lifestyle, but for the most parts of it, I am sure that all costs (incl housing, food and other expenses) can be comfortably relaxed to under 750 euros. I could manage to do this every single month of the 2 years I was in Lisbon. And I am aware of most people who manage to do that. The Metro is around 1.25 euros per ride, Pingo Doce/ Continente has most of your grocery requirements in budget friendly prices. Eating out isn't that costly unless you are going for sea food. So yes, you will easily survive with 750 euros per month.

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

Coming from India, there are a few common words that I might have noticed. That apart, I was as alien to the language as anyone else might have been. There are language courses available in the many universities across Lisbon (some free, some paid). Its a beautiful language. I couldn't master it completely due to my own issues, but I am sure if you put in some effort, you surely could.

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

I flew out from India and came to Frankfurt.If you are coming from anywhere in Asia, getting to Germany would be your easiest bet as the number of connections are higher, so your prices might get cheaper. TAP and Lufthansa fly a lot of times daily into the many airports in Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich). Another option is to fly into Paris/ London and take the onward flight to Lisbon.

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

Downtown. There's so much to see around the Rossio, Terreiro do Paco and Baixa-Chiado stations of the subway.I would not spoil it for anyone by giving names, but some of the bars in Bica/ Alfama have been the best I've been to for a long long time. Get out and explore it and you'll know why I don't want to spoil it for you by giving names.

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

I'd give that to you to be exploring and finding your own little niche in Lisbon. As cuisine preferences change from one person to another. I have only Marrakech to recommend for you. Its a fine restaurant serving Morrocan cuisine.