Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Carlos

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

Honestly, because I didn't know English well enough, so I chose Porto directly. But once I spent time here, I didn't want to go to any other city that wasn't here.

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

When I went, it was 10 months long. I received €450 per month. This was sufficient enough to live there.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Great, amazing, there's always something to do.

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

100%, although it's true that some buildings in certain departments are a little bit old.

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What is the food like there?

Very good and in general it's very cheap. Although, the meat can be a little bit expensive.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Porto?

At the beginning of my stay I contacted a residency through the internet. I was there for a few months and after looking at some on the internet, I was able to visit a few flats, and in the end I moved into one of them which was in the centre.

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How much does it cost to live in Porto?

With around €450-€500, which was what I usually spent, you can live very well, and travel as well.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with?

Are there language courses available at the University?

I did an intensive course before going there. After spending a couple of months going to the class, I was able to adapt myself perfectly. And whilst I was there, I did an English course.

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

First by train, and then plane.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Porto?

Monday by the river. On Tuesdays there's a club where ESN organises parties and events. On Wednesdays, I don't remember what there was. But, I know that there's a local that was good. On Thursdays there's loads of places that host university nights, some of which are organised by ESN Porto. And on Fridays and Saturdays, you can go anywhere.

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

At the beginning of the street Rua de Anibal Cunha, there are some very cheap and good menus. I don't remember the name of the bar, but the menus are between €4 and €5, with a drink included.

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And what about cultural visits?

There are so many things to do. Whilst I was there a few people visited me for three or four days, but that didn't give me enough time to show them everything.

If you don't have much time, the unmissable stuff is: ribeira, the gardens of the Palace of Crystal, a sunset at Foz, the bodegas and the two shopping streets, the best being Via Santa Catalina.

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

Try the francesinha, the cream tarts. And on the street Rua Miguel Bombarda, in one of the shopping arcades which is also called Miguel Bombarda, there is a patisserie at the end and on the left where they make the best chocolate tarts that I've ever tried, at an incredible price.