My Experience in Lisbon, Portugal - by Julia

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

The choice was more or less based on how close Lisbon is to my hometown, and of course on the sunshine and hot temperatures I presumed there´d be living on the shore of the Atlantic: also, the misleading idea that it would be easy to understand the natives when they spoke in Portuguese, still something I need to work on! I knew nothing about the country, which only added to the excitement. I was surprised by the mixture of styles, the well-preserved state of the buildings and by the huge amount of inclines, steep slopes and stairs. For the moment, I´m satisfied with my choice, enjoying the views, parks, and of course the magnificent Tajo estuary.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

I worked and was paid for three months through the Becas Leonardo programme.

What´s the student life like in Lisbon?

Actually I don´t know much about it, as I´m not living near to the campus.

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

The city I would of course recommend. I don´t know much about the academic side of things, but in general, I don´t see why I wouldn´t recommend Lisbon as a place to study.

What´s the food like in Portugal?

It´s very similar to Spanish food. There are plenty of restaurants which serve traditional Portuguese food, and of course there are also chains with all types of exotic dishes. There´s a huge variety, and a lot of fish!

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Lisbon?

I spent a few hours sat at my computer and some maps to get my bearings and try to calculate distances, so in that sense, yes.

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How expensive is everyday life in Lisbon?

Lisbon is not a cheap city. What really adds up is the cost of transport: in my case, I make at least two trips daily. It´s worth taking into account though that the bus in León isn´t really necessary, and accommodation is cheaper here. On average, a place to live costs about 300 euros a month minimum.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

No, I´m currently looking for Portuguese classes.

What´s the cheapest way of getting to Lisbon from your home city?

Possibly the sleeper train from Madrid. Taking a plane is quicker, but I find it more inconvenient changing at Barajas. Flying from another city is quite expensive.

What places are best for partying in Lisbon?

This is still something I have to get on to, but Baixa-Chiado, Cais do Sodré and Bairro alto are all very popular areas.

What about eating out in Lisbon? What are your favourite places?

Small local cafes and restaurants in the Alfama neighbourhood. With its steep, narrow streets, it´s a lovely place to go to.

What does Lisbon have to offer in terms of culture?

I´m discovering bit by bit. Belem and the area around there is magnificent. La Torre and the Monumento a los Descubridores have brilliant views. The Castelo de Sao Joae in Alfama and that area in general are great. Exhibitions, too...it´s only been a week, so I´m saving myself.

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Do you have any advice for future students coming to Lisbon?

Aside from the academic side of things, I would recommend just going out and getting lost in the city streets, because this is the best way of getting to know Lisbon. Try and come with at least basic knowledge of Portuguese - in the touristy areas, almost everyone speaks English, but in the quieter neighbourhoods, having a good grasp of Portuguese is a real advantage.