Details

• Portugal
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The application semester and preparation for the semester abroad are really individual. Besides keeping good grades, I would consider preparing for the interview (but not too much), I got questions regarding international co-living, if I want to live with international students or locals, questions about school clubs and Erasmus community... which I did not really expected. About preparing for the semester abroad, as EU resident, there was nothing extra to be done, but if you want to fly in September with Ryanair, consider getting ESN card in advance to get the free luggage.

2. Accommodation

I lived at Campo Pequeno. Great location, close to uni, at yellow line. Would not change! It was shared flat via Erasmus living, we had a good experience as they hold the money and give them to renter only after 24 hours of your arrival. Tips: start looking sooner, accommodation in Lisbon is rather expensive, a lot of rooms do not have windows or have "inside" windows which are not the best solution. Heating is a nice plus in winter months, but can be solved with 10€ heater from Lidl. When moving in check for bed bugs. Not my experience, but I would definitely do it now.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus is rather small and for me not lively. University organised some events, but I did not take part. Academic experience depends on your choice of courses. I opted for less ECTS courses, I took a lot of 3,5 courses, which were easy, but not that interesting. Teaching style is a mix of attendance, group work, some assignments. Some of the courses were 1-time courses and it was a bit confusing and unorganised. They have different grading scheme (1-20), but it is not only multiplied, but also 20 is exceptional and 17 is usually very good, so a lot of grades are around 70 - 80%. Overall, I did not like UCP as much as WU, but might be based on my inactivity on campus and in classes

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport - free if you are under 24, the process to obtain is confusing, it was changed this year and I needed passport for it. Safe, no issues at all ESN and ELL have a lot of events, I loved surfing, there are bars, not that much of a party clubs, a lot of trip opportunities for 1 or more days Sport - Erasmus memberships in gyms, surfing

6. Testimonial

My exchange was a really interesting experience. I learned a bit, met amazing people from all over the world, travelled a lot and tried new things. I fell in love with Pastel de Nata, surfing, life near the ocean, sagria and 100 Montaditos (great chain in Portugal).