Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Adriana

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

Because I went to Portugal on holiday and I felt in love with this wonderful country!

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

Mine was a 4 months-scholarship.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Porto is a very charming place! It is an active city, able to provide many ventures to students

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

Without doubt! :)

What is the food like?

The food was a surprise! Cheap and good! Francesinha has to be tested as soon as possible!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

It was quite easy. Forget the estate agencies. It is better to go to the University and look for other student advertisements.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

Life in Porto is fortunately not to much expensive. Maybe the cost of transports is a bit high.

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

At the beginning to understand Portuguese was not so easy. The pronunciation is quite close.

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

By plane

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

The area around Torre dos Clerigos is full of pub and places. If you want to drink porto, you can also cross the Douro and visit caves in Vila Nova de Gaia

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

A very good and cheap place is "Cafè Universal" in Rua Anibal Cunha, near the corner with Rua Igreja de Cedofeita.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

All places that are usually recommended by touristic guide. Don't miss botanic garden, parque da cidade and parque e jardim da Fundação Serralves. They are very quiet places in which it is also possible to study.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Porto in the future?

Enjoy Porto...TOTALLY!
And if you have time visit all possible places around Porto (for instance Braga, Guimaraes, Aveiro, Viana do Castelo).