Experience in Natal, Brazil by Emili

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

I love living in natal. The city does not have many big parties and pubs, but people are frindly, there are beaches all around, the light over the city is beautiful and the sky is clear.

What is the student lifestyle like in Natal?

Is is ok. It depends on where you study. I have finished a Bachelor course of 4.5 years plus a MS and now a new bachelor at UFRN. All of them in Setor 2. It is fun there, but very different from Europe. In Brazil you can talk to teachers as friends, even meet them for a drink at the bar after class, you call them by their first names or even nicknames. And that is University! It is much more informal, but the quality of education is not influenced by that. It is more informal, but not a mess.

How much does it cost to live in Natal?

Natal is not expensive as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or Porto Alegre, but is more expensive than João Pessoa, for example.

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

It is not. You can look online in many "classificados". If you are in town, you can easily find signs on the houses ans apartments. And around university many people rent rooms or flats for students.

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

I love northeastern food! My favorite might be fried fish and manioc. Or shrimp!

What places would you recommend visiting in Natal?

Ponta Negra and the beaches around town or even a bit farther away such as Pipa and Barra do Cunhaú.

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

Camarões, Mangai and Nuh are maybe the ones I usually take visitors to.

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

That is the worst about Natal. There are many bars, but not many big places to go out dancing. There are indeed pubs with live music, for example, and some concerts, but mostly people go to bars to drink and talk.

What advice would you give future students heading to Natal?

Be open, accept that the pace here is different, enjoy the sun!