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.

Ways to Improve Co-Living in 2026



Building Better Co-Living Communities for the Future


As housing costs continue to rise and remote work becomes more common, co-living has emerged as an attractive solution for students, young professionals, digital nomads, and even retirees. In 2026, successful co-living spaces must go beyond simply providing shared accommodation. They should create environments that promote comfort, community, sustainability, and personal well-being. This article explores key ways to improve co-living in 2026.


1. Integrate Smart Technology


Technology can significantly enhance the co-living experience. Smart home systems can improve convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Examples include:

  • Keyless entry systems for residents.
  • Smart thermostats that optimise energy consumption.
  • Mobile apps for booking shared facilities.
  • AI-powered maintenance reporting and tracking.
  • Automated lighting and climate control in common areas.

These innovations help residents manage their daily lives more efficiently while reducing operational costs.


2. Foster Strong Community Engagement


One of the main advantages of co-living is the sense of community. However, community does not develop automatically.

Operators can encourage engagement by:

  • Organising regular social events.
  • Creating hobby and interest groups.
  • Hosting networking opportunities for professionals.
  • Celebrating cultural and seasonal events.
  • Establishing community guidelines collaboratively.

Building meaningful relationships among residents can reduce loneliness and improve overall satisfaction.


3. Design Flexible Living Spaces


Modern residents have diverse lifestyles and needs. Flexible design can make co-living more appealing.

Key design features include:

  • Modular furniture.
  • Convertible work and leisure spaces.
  • Private soundproof pods for focused work.
  • Adaptable room layouts.
  • Multi-purpose communal areas.

This flexibility allows residents to personalise their experience without requiring significant renovations.


4. Prioritise Mental Health and Well-Being


Mental health has become a major concern worldwide. Co-living spaces can play an important role in supporting resident well-being.

Suggestions include:

  • Quiet relaxation zones.
  • Meditation and wellness rooms.
  • Access to mental health resources.
  • Community support programmes.
  • Natural lighting and biophilic design elements.

A healthy environment contributes to happier and more productive residents.


5. Embrace Sustainability


Environmental responsibility is expected rather than optional in 2026.

Sustainable improvements may include:

  • Solar energy systems.
  • Water-saving technologies.
  • Recycling and composting programmes.
  • Shared electric vehicles and bicycles.
  • Sustainable building materials.

These initiatives reduce environmental impact while appealing to environmentally conscious residents.


6. Improve Conflict Resolution Systems


Sharing living spaces can sometimes lead to disagreements. Effective conflict management is essential.

Best practices include:

  • Transparent house rules.
  • Clear communication channels.
  • Digital issue-reporting systems.
  • Resident mediation programmes.
  • Regular feedback surveys.

Addressing concerns early helps maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere.


7. Support Hybrid Work and Learning


With hybrid work and online education becoming increasingly common, co-living spaces should provide strong support for productivity.

Important features include:

  • High-speed internet.
  • Dedicated coworking spaces.
  • Video conferencing rooms.
  • Ergonomic furniture.
  • Reliable backup power systems.

Residents benefit from having professional-quality facilities close to home.


8. Increase Inclusivity and Accessibility


Future co-living communities should be welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Accessibility improvements include:

  • Barrier-free entrances.
  • Accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Multilingual communication tools.
  • Diversity-focused community programmes.
  • Affordable pricing options for various income groups.

Inclusive communities tend to be stronger, more innovative, and more resilient.


9. Enhance Privacy Without Sacrificing Community


A common challenge in co-living is balancing social interaction with personal space.

Solutions include:

  • Better acoustic insulation.
  • Private work areas.
  • Personal storage solutions.
  • Flexible room configurations.
  • Resident-controlled privacy settings for community platforms.

When residents have adequate privacy, they are more likely to participate positively in communal activities.


10. Use Data Responsibly to Improve Services


Building operators can use data analytics to improve resident experiences while respecting privacy.

Examples include:

  • Monitoring common-area usage.
  • Tracking maintenance trends.
  • Measuring resident satisfaction.
  • Optimising energy consumption.
  • Planning community events based on participation data.

Strong privacy policies and transparent data practices are essential to maintaining trust.


Conclusion


Co-living in 2026 has the potential to become more than a housing solution. By embracing smart technology, sustainability, flexible design, inclusivity, and community-focused initiatives, co-living spaces can offer a higher quality of life for residents. The most successful co-living communities will combine convenience, affordability, and meaningful human connection, creating living environments that meet the demands of an evolving world.