Details

• Portugal
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

When applying for the university, I would recommend reading exchange reports and talking with students that have already finished their exchange. As the interview is very individual and depends on the professor, I would just prepare the topics of the motivation letter and maybe look up some facts about the university/ city to further undermine your motivation. Furthermore, the exchange events and info sessions can be very helpful for preparation.

2. Accommodation

In Lisbon looking for accommodation can be very difficult, especially if you are looking for something affordable. I would recommend start looking early and on the websites Uniplaces, housinganywhere or spotahome. If you are going to Nova look at the green line, the center, cais do sodre or santos, because then it is easy to get to the university and avoid areas like Martim moniz. Also when looking for accommodations, be aware that a lot have 5+ roommates and no heating/ cooling, which is why without that it can get cold in the winter and very moist in the rooms.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is not in the city so the commute can be up to more than an hour, however it is definitely worth it and the location on the beach makes up for it, especially if you want to surf. The university is very modern, has good food options and a lot of student’s activities. In the first week there are some welcome events, however it helps to get in touch with other exchangees before them, as a lot already have a group. As for academics, I would say the level is comparable or easier than at WU. The lectures are split into theoretical and practical, with most having no required attendance and the teachers are in general very nice, young and helpful.

5. Every day life in the host country

I would say the city, except some districts like Martim moniz, is safe and you don’t have to worry about that. Lisbon in general is a great city to live in and has a lot of good restaurants, bars and a nice nightlife. If you want to test sport studios I would recommend using the free trials of Classpass or Vivagym, as they have good deals. Furthermore, ELL has a lot of student activities and trips, and I would get their student card if you want to join events and get to know more Erasmus people. For public transportation, if you’re under 23 you can get a free metro card, however to apply for this you need the residency permit with what you then can get the NIF number at Nova and then the metro card.

6. Testimonial

Exchange is one of your best times in university and I can definitely recommend Lisbon and the Nova. There are always activities to do, new restaurants to try and the beach is just 5 min away. All of the Erasmus people are very open and you will have no problem meeting new people, especially in the first month. For me, my friend group made my exchange very special as we spent everyday together and we tried to make the most out of the 4 months. My recommendation is: say yes as often as possible and get out of your comfort zone and then you will have an unforgettable experience.