Lisbon
is one of the oldest cities in the world and offers many breathtaking
sites. Some of the finest universities
in Europe are also located in this historic city. And once you start studying in Lisbon
you will feel more its splendor and all the fun and excitement it offers. Below are some basic yet very important
points for international students to
consider while planning their study. It
is definitely better to know these essential facts to get the most of your stay
in Lisbon…
It is safe to
allot at least 700 € for a month’s expenses.
This is comprise of meal (225 €), room rent (200-300 €), public
transport (25 €), and others (100 €).
Most universities
in Lisbon offer accommodations majority of which have limited places so
inquire in advance. There are 2 Youth
Hostels in Lisbon – Lisbon Youth
Hotel and Youth Hostel Parque das Nacoes both offer excellent lodging services
recommended for foreign students. Students
with Youth Card can avail of the 15% discount.
EU/EEA students
are advised to bring their European Health Insurance Card given by the social
security of their country for free medical access from public health system in Lisbon. Otherwise it is recommended to get a private
medical insurance good for the duration of study.
The most
popular transports to get around Lisbon
are buses and trams (Carris) and Underground (Metro). Fares for buses cost about 1.2 to 1.4 €,
Metro is 0.70 €. But you can save a lot
if you purchase a monthly ticket which you can use for as many times as you
need, it costs 25 €. Taxis are also
common in Lisbon most of which are
painted cream and use taximeters. The
city is very accessible from other major cities
such as Paris, Madrid,
and Porto-Vigo through international trains and airports.
Banks open at 8:30 a.m and close at 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday but several banks in Lisbon
and in tourist area are accessible until 7:00 pm. Debit and credit cards are widely used and
ATM’s are available in almost all universities in Lisbon.
Places that can
familiarize foreign students with Portugal culture are very popular and widely visited
such as museums (Ancient Art, City Museum, Modern Art Centre, Chiado), churches
(Lisbon Cathedral, Basilica da Estrela, Madre de Deus), palaces (Ajuda and
Marques de Fronteira), and theatres (Aberto, Villaret, Nacional Dona Maria
II). Discos, bars, shopping malls, and
movie theaters are also popular among students.
A special Youth
Card that costs 8 € entitles a student (12-25 years) many discounts and free
services such as transportation, cinema, clubs, zoo, and some other
recreational places. It is valid for 1
year and may be obtained at the Movijovem Shops, Pousadas da Juventude (Youth
Hostels), Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD) Bank, Regional Delegations of the
Instituto Portugues da Juventude (Portuguese Youth Institute), and at Post
Offices.