Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by ludimilla

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

I've been in Porto for the first time in 2016 and loved the city. Also visited Lisbon, and at that time I was already enrolled in a PhD program in my country (Brazil), so I started thinking about study abroad. And, so I chosed Porto to my abroad studying time.

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

Inicially, my scholarship was supposed to be for 7 months, but, due to corona virus crises, I had to stay in Porto for 2 months more. So, I had my return to Brazil postponed (I´m going back in end of May). The scholarship´s value is 1300 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

It's ok, the faculty routine is like the schedule I used to have in Brazil.

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

Yes, the city is very nice and beautiful, good food, and local people are also nice. The university is the same.

What is the food like?

The food is great, and you can find many restaurants with special prices for students. Porto is a kind of "student city", with many benefits (lower cost for students in transport, cinema, cultural places, bars and etc. ).

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

Yes, the city is always recieving tourists and students, so rent cost it has been growing in recent years. In many situations prices are unfair.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

For students that don't have to pay tuition fees (my case), you will need 600 euros per month (average).

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

Yes, the university has language courses, but I don´t need them because I´m from Brazil, so my born idiom is Portuguese.

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

The only way to travel to Porto from my city is by plane, because I live in Brazil.

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

The city always has parties in night clubs, and many bars are good places to meet people, and drink cheap and good wine and beer.

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

I strongly recommed two restaurants: Nova Era, near Bonfim neighbourhood, and Expresso (near Praça de Carlos Alberto). These two places have good and cheap food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Centro Português de Fotografia, Teatro Rivoli, Cinema Passos de Manuel, Maus hábitos.

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