Experience in São Paulo, Brazil by Isabel

What is it like to live in São Paulo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

As one of the biggest cities in the world, where you're staying in São Paulo will determined how stressfull will be your life. Try to live next a metro station: this will be the best decision ever. In the meanwhile, São Paulo is a city full of generous people, amazing night and gastronomic life and different spots to be see.

What is the student lifestyle like in São Paulo?

It will depend on how is your budget. The most part of students in São Paulo has to work during the daytime, to cover their expenses and help their families. Other part of the students, who has a confortable life, can expend the time doing researches, assignments, and other things. The most important thing is: does not matter which kind of student you are, everybody has a favorite spot near to the Campus. A small bar, one disco club, a simple restaurant who server "all that you can eat". And this will be your favorite spot as well.

How much does it cost to live in São Paulo?

São Paulo it's a expensive city. Not the most in Brazil, but still. A nice flat or room near to your university can cost the same thing of some European capitals, for example. The life cost (what you will expend with food, transport and other expenses) it's comparable to cities like Nice (France) or Rome (Italy), where I already lived. But you will realized that fruits are much more cheaper than in these places. And you can be really healthy if you take advantage of this.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in São Paulo? Is there any advice you can give?

Find a nice room will depend of your budget. São Paulo is a big city and, for sure, there is options for anybody. You can try some groups at Facebook or websites like www.easyroom.com.br, where you can see a lot of offers.

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

You should try some brazilian dishes, like "Feijoada" or "Dobradinha" or "Pastel de Feira". The food made in Minas Gerais, with a lot of pork fat, it's also amazing. But, if you can, runaway of some really famous dishes, like the "Pastel de Bacalhau do Mercadão" or "Sanduíche de Mortadela do Mercadão". Both are "too much", you can't see the balance of the flavours and probably will be a waste. However, a really famous sandwich, called "Sanduíche de Pernil do Estadão" it's amazing and you must to try. Where to find these dishes you can see easily at the Internet of Google Maps.

What places would you recommend visiting in São Paulo?

MASP (Art Museum of São Paulo), Futbol Museum, Pinacoteca, Catavento Museum, Rooftop of Copan, Batman's Alley, Central Market of Cantareira, March 25th Street, Bar Brahma, República Square and its buildings around, Paulista Avenue, Moreira Salles Institute, Ibirapuera Park, Afro-Brazilian Museum, Tomie Othake Institute, Vila Madalena and Pinheiros Neighborhood, Lower Augusta nightlife, O'Malley's Pub, Kiaora Night Club, Rey Castro Cuban Bar...

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

You must to discover by yourself. There's so many possibilities that would be a pity if you just follow this tips. But you must know that in São Paulo you can find dishes of all around the world. Does not matter from where.

Is the nightlife good in São Paulo? Where is good to go?

I have the same opinion about the food. My favorite spots are O'Malley's Pub, Kia Ora Nightclub, Rey Castro Cuban Bar. But the night life of São Paulo is so diverse and full of opportunities, that you must try by yourself.

What advice would you give future students heading to São Paulo?

Take care of yourself, but at the same time, trust. People from São Paulo takes serious the deals that they make and you can make a friendship who will takes forever.
Keep yourself at the right side of the sidewalk or of the stairs. We are always running, late for some appointment.
And enjoy. São Paulo is one of the most amazing cities and I really love her.