Details

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

1. Preparation

Always read the exchange reports beforehand and really think about what is important to you during your exchange so that you choose the right country. For the application process, don’t stress too much, just be yourself. In the interview, focus on your strengths and explain why you think an exchange semester will be beneficial for your future. Also, having extracurricular activities is a big plus for interviewers.

2. Accommodation

I booked through Spotahome, but I definitely cannot recommend it. You have to pay a fee, the support is terrible, and I’ve heard from many people that they got scammed. I lived in a shared accommodation, and it was okay, but I definitely knew people who had better places for the same price. Try to find something in Santos, as it is the best area for NOVA students. I lived in Bairro Alto, which was okay, but it still took me about an hour to get to NOVA. I didn’t really have any negative experiences, but I heard from other students that the Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré areas can become unsafe once the tourist season is over.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is very pretty, a little similar to WU. I liked going to classes even though the university was an hour away. They don’t really have as many events as WU does, but there are two per semester that are similar to the Spritzerstand. Classes are separated into theoretical (lectures) and practical (PI) parts. I recommend only going to the practicals, which is also what most students do there.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is not reliable; the buses hardly come when they should, but the trains and metro is better. As already mentioned, I mostly felt safe, but I’ve heard other stories as well. There is a lot to do in Lisbon, I love the city, but I would also definitely travel as much as you can to see more of Portugal. Everyone uses VivaGym and plays padel. There are lots of events and festivals, especially in the summer and fall.

6. Testimonial

I loved my exchange semester and I am very happy that I chose Lisbon, but I would definitely say that it wasn’t really the city that made my experience so special, it was all the lovely people I met there. I grew a lot as a person by getting out of my normal environment and having to meet completely new people who became my best friends. I didn’t think that I would change in the direction I ended up changing, but I am very happy, and my exchange was truly special.