Experience in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil by Matheus

What is it like to live in São Bernardo do Campo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's a satellite city of São Paulo, altough it has her problems like every other big city, São Bernardo is quite nice as you get used to here.

What is the student lifestyle like in São Bernardo do Campo?

Most universities organize parties almost every month, pretty much like in the USA. Students have discounts in a lot of services in Brazil.

How much does it cost to live in São Bernardo do Campo?

Life in Greater Sao Paulo is pretty expensive, if you are willing to live without too much luxury, you will spend about R$ 1200 a month or US$ 400.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in São Bernardo do Campo? Is there any advice you can give?

São Bernardo is a vertical and horizontal city with a lot of buildings, apartments, and houses. Accomodation is not a problem. The price for rent ranges from R$ 600 (US$ 190) in the farest neighborhoods up to R$ 900 (US$ 300). Brazillians students are always willing to share a flat or a room if needed, since most universities do not provide student accomodation.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Pretty much Sao Paulo's diet. Rice and beans are eatten every day with meat and/or veggies. A famous dish in São Bernardo is Frango com Polenta (Chicken with Corn Cream), can be found at any good restaurant in São Bernardo. Common Sao Paulo's dishes can be found every day as well like Feijoada, Virado à Paulista, Baião de Dois, etc..

What places would you recommend visiting in São Bernardo do Campo?

Places you must go while in São Bernardo do Campo: R. Marechal Deodoro, in order to buy stuff; Parque Cidade dos Meninos, it's a japanese style park, pretty good for picknicks; Parque e Zoológico Estoril, a little zoo inside Serra do Mar Natural Reserve; Estrada Velha do Mar (Old Road to the Sea), it's a 500 years old trail the Portuguese used to climb and down to get from the sea to the village of Sao Paulo back in the 16th Century;

Is it good to eat out in São Bernardo do Campo? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

You can have a really nice food at Restaurante Havaí (Next to Ferrazopolis Bus Terminal), or at the "Restaurant Route", in Av. Maria Servidei Demarchi, a lot of good restaurants can be found there.

Is the nightlife good in São Bernardo do Campo? Where is good to go?

Avenida Kennedy is the place where people go when they want to have a good party at night in São Bernardo. And the best thing? Just across the street where UFABC's Campus is.

What advice would you give future students headed to São Bernardo do Campo?

Do not let the traffic and the public transportation scare you.