University of Porto; A short guide to the student life.

Continuing my “Promoting Erasmus and studying abroad” pages, I now introduce you to the University of Porto. Let’s suppose that you are an Erasmus student or in general a student planning to study abroad for a semester or so. What are the factors that you would take into consideration before choosing your next destination and university? How would you organize your background research? What are the things that you’d love to know about your university in advance? Here’s a short research I did about one of the biggest universities in Portugal that welcomes thousands of Erasmus students every year.

Welcome to the University of Porto!

Background info; The university; The University of Porto was formally created on 22 March 1911, as a result of the newly implanted republican system. However, it stems, since the 18th century, from many combined experiences of training in Science, Arts and Medicine, which would lead to the future University. Thus, when it opened its doors in 1911, the U.Porto was supported by the solid basis of an almost 150-year old process. Initially, the University was structured in two different schools (Science and Medicine), but over the course of the 20th century several autonomous areas of knowledge and corresponding schools gained ground. Still in the first quarter of the 1900s, three new schools came into existence:** in 1915, the Faculty of Technology in 1919 the Faculty of Arts and in 1925 the Faculty of Pharmacy.**

The life in the city

What can you expect from being at a world renowned University in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe? An unforgettable experience! Although prices have gone up following the introduction of the Euro, **Portugal, **and Porto in particular, continue to enjoy a low cost of living compared with most other countries and cities in the European Union.

From housing to food, transport and cultural activities, you will find various** low-cost** solutions in Porto that will help you control your budget without sacrificing experiencing everything the University and the city have to offer.

Everything is very relaxed, generally speaking.** Just keep in mind, especially if you’re coming from the north the fact that everyone is always late. We the Mediterraneans are just like that, be aware and try to get used to it as soon as possible!**

Housing and accommodation;

Finding accomodation / housing is one of the biggest concerns students face upon arrival at the University. This is why the U.Porto guarantees assistance throughout the process of securing housing, whether at a university residence or a private home.

Apart from all the support tools for studying, U.Porto offers the academic community 9 halls of residence, 20 eating facilities, free social and medical services and other facilities and services for daily needs.

Useful websites while searching for accommodation;

Important info;

Average rental in shared accomodation; 230 euros. Monthly transportation subscription; 30 euros . Monthly food cost; 145 euros. **Average lunch price at a restaurant; **6 euros. Average Fitness subscription; 35 euros. Beer Price at a bar; 1,50 euros.

..and of course do not forget to join the local ESN community!

ESN works in the interest of all international students, not just for Erasmus students. ESN offers a clear introductory programme for all international students to introduce them to the laws, rules and customs of their host country.

Pack your bags and choose Porto as your Erasmus or studying abroad destination! Cheers!