July 24, 2021 - In: Porto , Rooms, erasmus
Why should you head to one of the most southern countries of Europe to study or develop scientific research? Porto is booming. Portugal has become what some are now calling the Silicon Valley of Europe. People come here all over the world to discover what this wonderful city has to offer.
Reasons to study in Portugal
International students who have spent time studying in Portugal agree that locals’ attitude to foreigners is just as warm as the country’s weather. Almost all reviewers said they enjoyed the atmosphere in Portuguese cities and university campuses, and most were satisfied with the activities offered by universities, the nightlife and the parties. The beautiful beaches and easy lifestyle were also often mentioned as part of the positive experience.
Portugal is filled with culture and history, which most students really enjoyed exploring and experiencing. Students were also generally pleased with the low costs of studying in Portugal and the good quality of student accommodation. In addition, the friendly atmosphere encourages visitors to learn Portuguese by talking to native speakers.
Everything in Portugal is amazing: the pace of life, culture and habits of Portuguese people, cities and towns all over the country, beaches (especially in Algarve). Despite the fact that Porto is a European big city, one does not feel it. The city, surrounded by the river Douro, is the most amazing. The sun shines and reflects form white pavements, the ships are always visible on the horizon and people drink coffee on the streets... It's just one of a kind!” –says a student from Poland.
“Would like to recommend Porto to anyone who wants to experience a multicultural environment, who likes a lot of cultural diversity and events and who likes good food and their strangely beautiful language. And nevertheless, Porto as a city simply has soul!– student from Slovenia.
“I would recommend the city because it has an amazing ambiance - a lot of students, clubs, bars, castles, festivals, a stadium and many other places that are worth visiting. Everywhere are trees with oranges and lemons, etc. People are very friendly and helpful. – student from Poland.
Another big positive aspect of studying in Portugal is the practice-oriented teaching, which encourages personal development, and the versatile research opportunities available. Many students were impressed by the good connections of universities in Portugal to industries relevant to their study programs.
“Concerning university, I liked most of them a lot, because they were much more practical than the ones I had in Germany. I think I learned much more realistic and useful stuff. Moreover, apart from teaching, the majority of my professors work as professionals in different business areas. So, they were able to talk about their practical experiences, which seemed to me highly relevant and interesting.” – student from Germany.
“Ismai has everything a student could need: a library, a lot of computer classes with internet, wifi, a gym, a big parking space and, of course, cool teachers.” – student from Lithuania.
Why should you head to one of the most peripheral countries of Europe to study or develop scientific research? Why should we encourage cooperation with the best Portuguese university? The University of Porto can give you ten excellent reasons:
• Quality With over a century of history, the University of Porto is a modern university committed to providing a teaching of excellence in different fields of knowledge.
• Appeal The schools of the U.Porto are sought by the best Portuguese students, and by thousands of foreign students, too, who come to enrich their curricula.
• Multiculturalism Attended by the most diverse and cosmopolitan academic community in Portugal, the campus of the U.Porto offers all necessary facilities to guarantee the very best academic, social and cultural experience.
• Employability The U.Porto provides high rates of employability at home and abroad.
• Leadership The U.Porto creates leaders. Some of the most highly rated Portuguese entrepreneurs studied at the University of Porto and our alumni make us proud.
• Prestige The U.Porto is a benchmark institution for higher education and scientific research in Portugal and is one of the top 100 European universities, according to the major international ranking systems.
• Knowledge The U.Porto is a Research University, populated by hundreds of highly qualified researchers who are determined to respond to the needs of society.
• Innovation The U.Porto is deeply committed to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and fostering the skills and talents of its academic community. Bring your ideas and we turn them into successful projects!
• Openness The U.Porto is an institution open to society and to the world. It cooperates with companies and other institutions working in the Northern region of the country and with the best higher education institutions worldwide.
• Hospitality Living up to the spirit of the city and of the Portuguese people in general, the U.Porto offers the best welcome ever.
• Discovery Ensconced in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the U.Porto provides a unique higher education experience. Indeed, “being U.Porto” means combining learning and research with a wide range of other activities that make it an unforgettable experience.
Why Cheap Student Rent Isn’t Always the Steal You Think It Is
When you're a student, cheap rent can feel like the holy grail.
€350 rent per month? Yes, please.
More money for travel, coffee, late-night souvlaki? Even better.
But here’s the truth no one really tells you:
Sometimes, cheap rent costs you more than you save.
In time. In energy. In mental health. In missed experiences.
Let’s break down why “cheap” isn’t always a good deal—and what to consider before you jump on that budget-friendly flat.
1. You’ll Pay in Commute Time (and Sanity)
Let’s say your dream apartment is €80 cheaper—but it’s 45 minutes away from campus.
That’s 1.5 hours every day.
7.5 hours a week.
Almost a full workday—gone.
Time you could’ve spent studying, socializing, sleeping, or just
chilling.
Instead, you're memorizing metro schedules and racing to catch the last train.
💡 Pro tip: Always factor in commute time. Time is a currency too.
2. You’ll Miss Out on the “Drop By” Lifestyle
There’s something magical about spontaneous student life:
- Random coffee dates after class
- Group dinners that start with “hey, you around?”
- Study sessions that turn into pizza nights
If you live far away, you start saying no. Not because you want to—but because it’s too much effort.
Slowly, the spontaneous stuff—the fun stuff—fades.
3. You Might Spend More Anyway
Cheap rent feels like a win… until the hidden costs pile up.
- Daily transport
- Occasional Ubers or taxis when you miss the last metro
- Eating out more because you're not around to cook at home
- The "loneliness tax" of needing to constantly go elsewhere for a social life
Add it all up, and that €80/month saving? Gone.
4. Living Far Can Be… Lonely
This one hits hard.
If you’re far from your classmates, friends, or the main student areas, your apartment might start to feel like a bubble.
No one drops by. You don’t go out as much.
The city feels less like your home and more like a place you
visit.
And loneliness, especially during study abroad or university years, can creep in fast.
5. The Vibe Matters More Than You Think
Even if the rent is great, ask yourself:
- Is the neighborhood safe and walkable?
- Are there cafes, markets, or life nearby?
- Are other students around, or are you surrounded by retirees and office workers?
A cheap place in a dead zone might be quiet… but it might also be too quiet.
You want to feel part of it. Not like you’re watching from the sidelines.
So… Should You Skip Cheap Rent Altogether?
Not at all.
Affordable housing is important—especially for students. But cheap shouldn't mean isolated, inconvenient, or miserable.
The sweet spot?
✅ Reasonable rent
✅ Walkable or well-connected
✅ Close to your uni and social life
✅ A neighborhood you feel good in
Because at the end of the day, your student years aren’t just about saving money.
They’re about experiences, friendships, late-night adventures, and
belonging.
And sometimes, that’s worth a little extra.
Another important factor to consider, are having the bills included or not. Some may think it is cheaper...
Having bills included in rent is a major win for students—and here’s why:
1. One Less Thing to Worry About
As a student, you’re already juggling assignments, exams, and probably a part-time job. The last thing you need is to remember when to pay your electricity bill or keep track of your water usage.
When bills are included, it’s one less task to add to your already full plate. You pay your rent, and that’s it. No stress about fluctuating utility costs, deadlines, or surprise fees.
2. Predictable Monthly Costs
Budgeting is hard enough without unexpected expenses. If your rent is €400 but utilities add up to €80 in the winter months, suddenly you’re paying €480. But with bills included, you know exactly what you’re paying every month.
That predictability can make managing your finances much easier and prevent those “I spent how much on electricity last month?!” moments.
3. Avoiding Utility Price Surprises
Utility costs can fluctuate depending on the season—heating in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, and even just the overall energy consumption. This can make your monthly bills unpredictable. With bills included, you avoid the headache of rising prices and energy-saving guilt trips.
No more adjusting your lifestyle just to avoid a crazy energy bill at the end of the month. It’s just one fixed cost, and you can plan around it.
4. More Freedom to Live Comfortably
When bills are included, you don’t have to feel guilty about turning on the heat or cranking up the AC during a heatwave. You can focus on being comfortable in your living space without stressing about energy conservation every time you flick on a light.
This makes it easier to feel at home—especially when you're living away from home for the first time.
5. Easier for Students Living in Shared Accommodation
In shared flats, utility bills can lead to awkward situations: who used the most water? Did someone leave the lights on all night? If you’re sharing a flat with others, splitting utilities can lead to disagreements or confusion over who owes what.
With bills included, it’s a hassle-free setup. Everyone pays their share of rent, and there’s no need to chase down your flatmates for their portion of the electricity bill at the end of the month.
6. It Can Be a Bargain
In some cases, bills are included in the rent as part of a flat or apartment that’s priced slightly higher than average. But when you calculate the overall savings—especially in areas with high utility costs—it can actually work out as a better deal than renting a cheap place with no bills included. You avoid those extra fees and the mental effort of managing multiple payments.
7. Peace of Mind for International Students
For international students, having bills included is a game-changer. The last thing you want to do in a new country is deal with the complexities of setting up utility accounts, understanding local tariffs, or navigating unfamiliar payment systems.
With all bills covered, you can settle in without worrying about whether or not your water or electricity is about to get cut off for non-payment.
Conclusion
Overall, having bills included in rent is like having a little extra peace of mind in the chaos of student life. It simplifies budgeting, reduces stress, and gives you more time and energy to focus on your studies, social life, and everything else that makes the student experience memorable.
So next time you’re house-hunting, don’t just look at the rent price—consider the full package with all bills included. It could be the hassle-free, stress-free choice you never knew you needed!
