Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Nina

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Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

I choose Porto, because I wanted to learn new language, because I didn`t know a lot about country and it has an ocean, and because I wanted to start surfing.

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

I was there for 5 months. I received 450 € of scholarship per month. But I had also my savings.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

School obligations depends from faculty. I had a lot of free time, and my friends too, so we went for few trips. We went to different parties, or hang out in the park or in cafes. My friends loved to go also to flea markets. There was also a lot of activities going on, and surfing classes. We also went sightseeing things in Porto, because it has a lot to offer.

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

Everywhere you go is the best decision. The people you meet make Erasmus so special, so you can never forget it. Porto people are nice and very helpful. I liked it.

I was in Universidade Fernando Pessoa, and it was easy going school. Professors were very helpful, so they were the best.

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What is the food like?

A lot of meat. So meat lovers, this is paradise for you. A lot of pastry too. And fishes. The local places have the best food, so don`t fall for touristic ones. Go out of the center.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

I found my accommodation through Facebook, but pictures usually show different reality, so then I change it again through Facebook in Porto. So it didn't cost me anything.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

It`s quite cheap. Accommodation costs 150 € to 250 € per month.

If you eat at local places or in the school cafeteria, the lunch is around 3-5 €, but you can always find more expensive places.

Alcohol is from 0, 5-2 € for beer, 1 € for shot, and so on. Depends from the bar, club.

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

They say that is similar to French and Spanish and Romanian, so if you know any of this languages, it will be easy for you.

I had a language courses in my faculty, so it's available.

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

By plane.

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

Rua das Galerias and other paralel streets with only clubs, Piolho (Café Âncora d'Ouro) to meet with other Erasmus, Breiner, one rock bar that I can`t remember the name, and also one bar with the best fire water in Porto. I will check for names. Also to house parties.

And if you have the opportunity, ask locals to take you to illegal parties. They are an unique experience.

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

Local ones: Restaurante Roma (the best olives and fishes), Restaurante Kinay (a lot of meat), the best, Centro Comercial Bombarda- in the end on the left side (warm and the cheepest chocholate cake). The first restaurant on the left in street Campo dos Mártires da Pátria is also good.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• The best thing for me was walking down the whole beach side. Its beautiful, but windy.
• Ribeira. Go over the bridge to the other side to Gaia, where is the park. Definitely visit the Wine cellars. The São Bento train station, Casa da música, Gaia, Palácio de Cristal, Clérigos.
• Get lost. You'll see the most beautiful thing but stay away of the dangerous parts.

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

Enjoy and have the best time. You will miss it, so don`t wait, but explore. Don't be a tourist.

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