Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Marija

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

510 EUR per month, for 2 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Amazing. There is a lot of Erasmus students, so it's easy to meet some friends, even if you come alone. There is also lot of cheap restaurants, bars, clubs...

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

I would.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

For aproximately 700-800 euros you can live in Porto really good, which includes accommodation, partying 3-4 times a week, eating in a restaurant at least once a week, little bit of traveling if you know when and how to find cheap tickets...

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

It's ok, you can easily learn a few basic things in everyday life. For language courses I have no idea, 'cause I was doing an internship in a company, but I believe there are some.

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

By plane.

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

Every night starts in Adega or 77 (bars). After that you have a lot of clubs in Galeria de Paris and Avenida Cândido dos Reis.

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

• Rota do Chá (Rua De Miguel Bombarda): they have a really good lunch for around 7 euros (drink, soup and the main dish).
• Pimenta Rosa (inside of the mall in Miguel Bombarda): amazing chocolate cake and cheap lunch (main dish, salad, fruit salad, drink and coffee for 6. 70 EUR or something like that)
• A Sandeira (Rua dos Caldeireiros): amazing sandwiches for around 5euros, or salads.
• Wine Quay Bar (Ribeira): Little bit expensive, but they have an amazing tapas and wine (probably around 15-20 euros per person)
• Tasquinha do Caco (Passeio de São Lázaro): great burgers with a special bread from Madeira if I remember correctly.
• Munchie (Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre): also great burgers, and not that expensive.

Don't forget to try Francesinha and bacalhau (my favorite is bacalhau com broa).

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Casa da musica
• Clerigos tower
• Serralves (every first Sunday of the month the entrance to the exibition and garden is free)
• Casa de chá (Leca de palmeira)
• Livraria Lello & Irmão
• Sao Bento

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

Travel around Portugal. There is Ryanair, Urbano trains, even Alfa Pendular trains can be cheap if you book almost 2 months in advance (for example Porto-Lisbon trip with Alfa Pendular could cost 11 euros instead of 30 if you book in advance, Ryanair has 2 way flight for 20 euros Porto-Lisboa, with Urbano trains there was also some summer promotion for 2 euros to cities like Braga, Aveiro, Guimarães. )

Try to learn some basic portuguese phrases, ask the local people for help if you need it (they are really friendly)... and enjoy.