Erasmus experience in Porto, Portugal by Valentina

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

In order to learn Portuguese and visit a country of which I knew very little before.

Source

How long does the scholarship last for? How much money did you receive as financial aid?

The scholarship lasts 10 months even though I unfortunately had to reduce it to 6 due to university matters. Students receive 230€ per month from the EU and, in addition, my university provides us with 300€ more per month.

How's student life in Porto?

Student life plays a very important role for the city of Porto. In fact, many students live and experience university almost as though it was a family, organizing parties, singing typical university songs on the street and organizing games and penances for freshmen at any hour during the day and in the night. Moreover, lots of students wear a uniform which is very similar to Harry Potter's. Not surprisingly was the writer inspired by some university traditions in Porto before writing her books. As far as classes are concerned, they're pretty similar to Italian ones although study programmes differ in that they're reduced in comparison with those in my country.

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

Yes, indeed.

What is the local food like?

Portuguese people eat a lot of pork and codfish, which can be found almost anywhere and cooked in many different ways.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Porto?

It wasn't hard at all for me because a person was recommended to me to whom I should ask for help. Anyway, here in Porto there's plenty of student-friendly flats, especially in central neighborhoods, and one shouldn't have much difficulty in finding one.

How much does it cost to live in Porto approximately?

Rents are about 200€ per month and life in general isn't that expensive. For example, a cup of coffee at a café costs 50 cents. A dish at a restaurant: 5 or 6€. A can of beer: 1€. One can easily manage all costs using the scholarship.

How is it going with the language barrier? Did you attend any language course at university?

It's going quite well actually. As an Italian (initial shock aside), understanding the language was pretty simple. What is different though is speaking and writing but I've been attending a language course outside university (the one at the uni isn't so good) and I've improved a lot I think.

What's the cheapest way to get to Porto from your city?

The cheapest way to travel from Milan is taking a Ryanair low-cost flight.

Where do you suggest hanging out in the night in Porto?

The area around Galeria de Paris for sure, Aliados as well, Universidade do Porto and Trindade. One is spoiled for choice. In every lane thousands of young people hang out in the night, both Portuguese and foreign ones.

And what about eating out in Porto? Could you talk about your favourite places?

Various good and typical dishes can be found at Mercado do bom sucesso at a good price. Many students hang out at Café Almada too because of the discount offer. Real Hamburgeria is addressed to those interested in tasting delectable burgers, may they be classic ones with meat or with fish and vegetarian. What's also very good are the typical restaurants in the neighborhood of Ribeira and along the river Duoro, even though I can't recommend one in particular here.

Any cultural spots to visit?

Serralves Museum, Casa da Musica, Torre des Clérigos, Livraria Lello and many others. What I love the most in Porto (besides cultural stuff) is the gardens of the crystal palace, from which there's a beautiful view on Matosinhos beach and on the promenade along the river Duoro that leads to Vila Nova de Gaia crossing the well-known Luiz bridge.

Any suggestion to give to future students in Porto?

Don't be doubtful about anything, please. You're going to feel at ease here, whatever your view on Erasmus may be. Try speaking Portuguese anytime possible, it's going to be very appreciated. Just one thing that's worth pointing out: if you're sensitive to the cold, get ready because most flats lack a proper heating system.