Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Sonia

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

I live here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Normaly the studants go out to have fun every Thursdays and sometime Fridays too. I know that the erasmus studants go out but they visit some cities of Portugal as well.

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

Yes, of course. In Oporto the studants have a lot things to do and is save to live here (if we comparated with of big cities of Europe).

What is the food like?

In my opinion the best food in Portugal. We have a lot dishs with "bacalhau", is a very good fish. The restaurants aren't so expensives, you can eat with 4€.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

The studants have a lot of rooms to rent. Some near to the university or outside. I suggest to stay in the city center. Is almost near to the university and if you want to go out during the night is also near the bars.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

The room can cost about 200€/250€ per month. Normaly they ask two month when you arrive. If you eat at university cost about 2,50€. The night bars you can drink or not. The prices of the drinks around 3€ (bear or juice) to 8€ (wisky, vodka, etc). If you go to the disco the price around 10€ for guys and 5€ for girls.

The metro or bus cost 25€/30€ per month, it depends your age.

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

Yes, you can do the course during the Summer. Most of the portuguese speak or understanding english or spanish. Normaly the erasmus studants don't have any problem with that.

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

It depends the city. In Porto you have some ryanair or easyjet flights.

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

Galerias, you have 3 streests with bars. You can go in and out without spend money. All bars here close at 4 a. m. If you want conitnue your night you can go to the disco - eskada, normaly close about 6a. m.

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

Sure! If you want to eat the Porto special food you can go to "O Tripeiro" is in downtown. Don't forget to eat "francesinhas" is a very typical in here. This food I think is better to go to "Capa Negra". In the University the erasmus studants have one association that organized dinners and trips just for the erasmus. You must go to the "reitoria" and there ask where is this association. They'll help you all things that you need.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Porto?

Just to have fun. Here the people are very sympatic and ammable. If you need something just ask to the people. Even that person don't know to speak English, I'm sure that she/he will help you.