Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Tanja

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

It is always exciting to see places I have never seen before. Portugal was a logical choice for me because of it's culture, ocean, good student life, and because of the weather which turned out to be as warm as local people.

Source

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

My scholarship lasts as long as the semester here (from beginning of lectures - middle of September, until the end of exams - end of January) which is 4 and a half months. My monthly amount of scholarship is 280 euros which completely covers my rent and bills.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Student life in Porto is very exciting, I was personally very positively surprised. All students, professors and university staff are very approachable and helpful, especially when it comes to exchange students. The courses are interesting and challenging, there is enough time for leisure around faculty over lunch in student restaurant or at cafeterias with colleges, as well as there is time for party. There are a lot of student associations that are very active, there is a lot of music groups and interesting customs that student very much keep in this city.

Source

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

I would definitely recommend studying on the University of Porto. University is well organized, teachers are approachable and fellow students are friendly and helpful. I feel that university is very well promoting the idea of keeping students around university activities and a team work. University is also constantly organizing helpful and informative events for foreign students for their easier and faster adaptation, learning about local culture, or simply, fun.

What is the food like?

Food is very diverse. There is everything for everyone. For meat lovers there are a lot of meat dishes like the famous francesinha, for fish lovers, as I personally am the one, there is a great offer of fish both in supermarkets and fish stores for good prices. If you often have a sweet tooth, you are also lucky, on every corner there are bakeries with mostly sweet snacks and pastries.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

Finding the accommodation in Porto was completely free, however somewhat exhaustive search for me. My advice is to follow the numerous Facebook groups for accommodation in Porto, as well as joining Erasmus groups where often appear a big number of helpful posts with accommodation offers. If possible, ask locals to help (ex. ESN buddy), or ex Porto exchange students.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

The rent is reasonable. Average apartment shared with 1-4 people goes around 200-300 euros per month including monthly bills.

Source

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

First weeks of my exchange Portuguese was a complete unknown for me, especially because I am not from latin-speaking country. Thanks to language course organized by University, I very fast (I am talking about a month period) started easily having little conversations with local people. However, the language course was not free, but it was worth taking. The fact that it gives 4 ECTS points also takes into account.

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

Since Porto is very far away for most parts of Europe, plane is the most economical mean of transport. There are a couple of cheap airlines that make the trip both fast and cheap.

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

Ultimate meeting and party-starting point is the park next to Retoria, known by and called by the most famous bar there - Adega, or some other bars with reasonable prices for drinks like 77 bar, and Adega Sports Bar. For the late night parties there are a lot of good clubs around the city center - Plano B, More Club, Boulevard, and basically all clubs in famous party streets called Galerias.

Source

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

Restaurante Cunha - for francesinha and buffet with tradicional portuguese food

Restaurante Comeca - for a nice dinner or lunch with friends with lovely ambient, good food and good prices

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The city center full of historical buildings.

Sao Bento train station - walls that tell the history.

S. Luis bridge with a mesmerizing view to Douro river, Porto on one side and Maia on the other.

Source

Wine cellars on the Ribeira of Maia

Palais de Cristal and it's gardens

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

Take your winter clothes if you are going during winter, those months can be surprisingly cold! And don't leave Porto without trying surfing, visiting other cities of Portugal, learning a bit of this beautiful language and making friends for the lifetime! And of course, bring a lot of energy. Porto has a lot to offer and a few months of your exchange will pass by a blink of an eye!