Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Alma

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

Because I wanted to go to a new place, but that had similar customs, as well as a healthcare system in which nurses had an important role.

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

The grant arrived late, almost when I'd finished my Erasmus and the money that I received didn't really cover the costs of being there, since life is affordable, but the rent is expensive. I only got around one thousand euros, which was split into the first payment of 80% and I'm still waiting on the second payment of 20%.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

It's great, the people here are very nice and there's a lot of Erasmus lifestyle going on, there's also partying going on every day of the week and it's not expensive. Personally, other students from here helped me out a lot with my studies.

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

Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. The city is beautiful, it's really worth visiting and the people are wonderful. The university, on the other hand, is very demanding and old, but it's also understanding and attentive to Erasmus students.

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What is the food like there?

It's very good. There are dishes that you have to have, like francesinha or bacalao.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Porto?

Personally, I found a place quickly, but I wasn't very happy with it, it was the worst thing about being there. You have to be careful, because a lot of companies take advantage of the Erasmus students and of the fact that we don't know the country and they'll put you in places, like in my case, that don't even have a dining room.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

The stay is expensive, the rent is usually around two hundred euros, but food and transport is cheaper. For example, a monthly transport pass for two zones costs €20.

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

The language is easy to learn, at least it's easy to understand it if you speak Spanish. There are a lot of universities that offer free or very cheap courses. I didn't go on any courses, but I learned to speak and to understand Italian pretty well.

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

By plane.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Porto?

It depends on the day of the week of course. But the Erasmus area here is Adega and near to there there's a street full of good pubs. Also you can go to Vila club.

And to eat in Porto? What are some of your favourite places to go?

In the Gaia part of town, there are loads of great restaurants to eat bacalao at. If you want to eat for cheap, there are loads of low cost restaurants throughout the city and you have to go to Santiago to eat a good francesinha.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I fell in love with the Palácio de Cristal, it's a fantastic park which has some great views of the Douro river. There's also the Clérigos Church and the Livraria Lello. There are also loads of churches and cathedrals and if you like art, there are exhibitions every month at the museum.

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Porto in the future?

If you go for the first term, take an umbrella and a raincoat and do your tourist activities, because when it starts raining, it doesn't stop.