Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Dan

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

Maybe because of the ocean.

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

6 months (or 1 year) and somewhere like 500 euros / month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Depends. Work hard - party hard.

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

Yes. It's an experience which should be "tasted".

What is the food like?

Humm..francesinha is good but I cannot complain about bacalhau neither. Pingo doce pizza is the best though :).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

I was lucky...some friends...some connections...therefore, was very easy for me to find my place there.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

Like 100 euros for a room, another 40-50 for the bills, food like 100 euros and the rest depends on what party animal are you (or traveller, or both).

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

Yes, are some language courses at ISCAP faculty (ISEP university). Easy for latin language speakers, hard for non-latin language speaker. Anyway, Joanna (the teacher) will do her best to teach you something even if you are russian.

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

Plane, plane, plane...

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

Piolho and after hit a club downtown. Orrr...gather somewhere at somebody's house, Piolho for some 50cents shots and after hit a club.

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

For Francesinha there is one near Marques metro station or Cervejeria Diu near Carolina Michaelis metro stop.

For fancy stuff....just go downtown.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

At a first sight are not many things to see. You will need to explore the city and take advantage of walks and trips organized by ESN or faculty.

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

Make friends and cherish every moment. And eat some Pingo Doce pizza for God sake :))