The best year of my life!

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I chose Lisbon because I wanted to do an Erasmus exchange at all costs and was told that the best places to go were countries like Italy and Portugal (even though everyone usually wants to go on an Erasmus exchange to learn English... but hey, you can learn English in Portugal too if you mix with the right people!

It’s probably due to my roots (I’m Galician) why I've always cared a lot about our neighbours, and the truth is, thanks to the Erasmus programme I was able to discover an incredible city and society. I go back whenever I can.

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

The grant lasts, or in my case lasted, 9 months/the whole 2011-2012 academic year. It’s a complete nightmare at first as you don’t receive the first payment until December. They pay you 4 months before, then around about March and finally in July, when you're basically already back home...

In terms of how much you get, I think it was around 300€ a month. In reality, this was hardly anything, something even more worrying when you consider the economy and cost of living in Lisbon compared to other European capitals (Madrid is notoriously expensive for example).

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

The atmosphere is amazing. There are loads of students from all over the world, and they all help make it such a fun and enriching experience.

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

Without a doubt.

My friends and anyone else that I met always laughed at me whenever I said I was going to Lisbon: “you’re going far aren't you?! ” is one of the many witty things they would say... and so did I at the start. But, from the moment I got there my experience was 100% a positive one. Even if I could go back and choose somewhere else to go, I wouldn't. I’d choose Lisbon 1000 times again.

What is the food like?

Each to their own really. But for me personally, I loved it. Tons of variety and all very tasty.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

I went for a weekend in July with another student (who I didn't know) who was also going to Lisbon and I found a place to live within a day.

However, you have to go out there with an open mind as it’s a fairly old city and if you want to live in the city centre (Baixa-Chiado) the heart and soul of Lisbon, you have to realise that all the accommodation will be really old. But it's all about getting used to it and remembering you’re an Erasmus student!

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Living in Lisbon isn't expensive when you compare it to the likes of Madrid and Barcelona. But saying that, if you’re coming from any other place in Spain it will still seem like it. It is a capital city after all.

You can easily find somewhere to rent for around 180€ a month, and for 8€ to 10€ you can grab something to eat at a restaurant. Obviously everyone will do it differently. You might decide to go out every night to clubs, like Urban and Lux for example, and spend all your money on drinks, or even spend it on a ‘botellón’ and staying out in Bairro Alto.

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

I’d already done a Portuguese course at my home university when I was applying for Erasmus, so when I went to Lisbon I didn't do another. However, if you don’t speak any of the language it is definitely something I recommend doing.

At first I didn't understand a word! But if you throw yourself in at the deep end you soon get to grips with it (and yes, being Galician helped me a lot! ).

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

I flew over from Madrid, it's definitely the most logical way to travel.

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

Bairro Alto, any day of the week, without a doubt. It’s open until 2 every week, and until 3 at the weekends.

Urban Beach, my favourite club! It’s down by the docks and once a week (in 2011 it was every Wednesday) they have an Erasmus night, but it’s much better when all the locals go on Thursdays or Fridays (Saturdays are for slightly older people).

In general, new places will be opening all year round, it’s just a question of going out and trying different nights.

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

Santa Rita in Baixa; Ti-Natercia in Alfama; Miradouro’s Japanese restaurant in Sao Pedro; and really any other place in Bairro Alto o Alfama would be a great choice.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You must go for a walk in Alfama, Graça and Miradores! See the difference between Bairro Alto in the day and at night, go shopping in Baixa-Chiado and make sure you visit the Bairro de Belém.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Lisbon?

If you are doubting whether you should come to Lisbon for your Erasmus year abroad or not... you shouldn't be!

Beaches + clubs + city life + multicultural society + great food + culture!

I recommend it 100%.