Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Luciana

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

To be honest, my first option would have been France, if prices weren't that high. Nevertheless, Porto has good weather, great people, the city is not that big, you have plenty of stuff to do when you get bored and those are practically the main reasons why I decided to come here.

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

My scholarship is for 1 semester (5 months) and the amount that I receive is 325E/month. But out of this sum you only receive 80% during your mobility, because the other 20% will be given to you when you return to your home university. Therefore, another 250-350E/month should be enough for any of you.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Different from Romania. But GOOD different. For instance, I only have 15 hours/week (as compared to 30-32 in Romania), you don't get to do so much homework for school, or almost none, exams are a little bit harder, but don't be afraid, study as you did before and you cannot fail exams.

With regards to the fun part, i may say that it is the best I could have ever asked. Parties are real parties, people are more willing to go out; there is almost no chance to go out with less than 7-8 people. The conclusion would be that even if you feel that you have to study a little bit more, this is more than compensated by the amazing time you have at night.

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

For sure. You cannot really know how it is until you really come and check it for yourself.

What is the food like?

At first I thought that food was strange, but now I am totally in love with it. They have delicious fish plates and the meat is prepared, i do not know how but it is really really tasty. And then again they have this traditional plate called francesinha, which is practically like a really big sandwich which has 4 or even more types of meat, with cheese sauce and french fries. They say you either like it or you don't... well, guess what? I love it!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

It took me exactly one week to find the flat in which i am currently living and it didn't cost me anything. I contacted my landlady on Facebook. She advertises the flat there.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

It depends. For instance, you can have a really decent living with around 250-300E/month (in this sum, the rent is not included). What do I mean by decent? You can buy food, monthly subscription, go out and have some drinks, go to the cinema, to the club, maybe buy some cloths. It really depends on your needs. For me it wasn't that hard because prices are pretty much the same as at home (meaning Romania), but don't worry. You will find a way to figure it out. The first month is more difficult, but eventually you will get used to prices here.

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

For me it was easy, since Romanian and Portuguese are very similar and then again I know how to speak Spanish. But, if you don't, you can register for a Portuguese course. They are available in almost every university and the prices range between 80-170E.

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

Definitely by plane. From Bucharest it costs around 270-300E, and it takes almost 5 hours. Even if there is no direct flight, you can always search for connections either in Lisbon or in another big city from Europe (Paris, Frankfurt).

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

If you are a party lover, you should first go at Adega Leonor, which is a pub downtown, where all Erasmus students gather for predrinks and at around 2-2:30 you should head towards a club. There are plenty clubs downtown and you can choose any of them, according to the type of music that you enjoy dancing to.

However, recently I've realized that I am really into latino music, so if any of you share this passion, the last Friday of every month you can practice you dance skills in Boulevard, a club right next to Aliados metro station.

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

Sorry, I haven't really been to restaurants.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Ribeira, which is the area nearby the Douro river, Casa da Musica, Serralves, Clerigos Tower and practically everything that is already recommended on tripadvisor.

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

Even if you might have heard this a million time, just have the time of your life and bear in mind that when you go back home you will not be the same anymore, your friends won't either. That's the reason why you should take advantage, because this is exactly the kind of experience that can open you eyes and show you things you've never thought about, or it will deepen your belief that you are exactly the person you wanted to be that perhaps before, you weren't sure about.