Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Laura

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

I chose to come to Porto because I wanted to have both things I love in my life, I wanted to do research but I also wanted to be able to surf in my Erasmus experience. I am from Barcelona and we don't have a lot of waves, so to improve my surfing and enjoy my adventure with the thing I love most I choose the waves from Portugal. Inside of Portugal I choose Porto because of the Ribeira, a landscape that is amazing and part of the UNESCO patrimony.

Source

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

My scholarship is about 5-6months but I want to extend this amazing experience and I will look for a job in January to earn some money and stay here longer. I am enjoying my time in Porto a lot! I don't want it to end.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

I am here doing laboratory practices, in my case I began at 10h until I finish my work there, and that can be at 15h, 16h or 17h. It depends, some days I can leave before or after.

After, I take the bus to the beach where I surf and then back home. If I have energy enough or time I meet some friends. And partying, since I work in the lab, I only go out in the weekend. But the other people who go to class and don't work at the lab, they also go out during the week.

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

Yes!

What is the food like?

There's a lot! The amount of food they have in restaurants is crazy! Of one dish that is cheap, two people can eat!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

For me it was difficult because I had problems with the flatmate so I had to change the place... But I was just without luck.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

• Metro monthly is 27€.
• House 175€ plus expenses (12€).
• Food I don't know, more or less like Spain.
• Park surfboard 15€.
• Beers 5O cents or 1€.

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

Yes, but I didn't go.

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

Ryanair or bus from Barcelona to Madrid, and from Madrid to Porto to take my board with me for free (board in Ryanair is expensive).

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

• To drink: Adega, Espaço 77.
• To party: We love Porto, Villa Porto, Plano B.

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

Next to Matosinhos you have a lot of sea food! Really good.

For example 6 sardines for 8€ and they are big and come with an enormous platter of rice. With one of this two people can eat!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

For me the best is the Cais de Gaia where you have a view on the entire Ribeira.