Studying at the University of Porto is a wonderful and enriching experience. Being part of a cosmopolitan community, receiving quality education and enjoying the Portuguese way of life are some of the reasons why thousands of university students choose to study in Porto.

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city. It is home to an enchanting cultural richness, offers a low cost of living and is one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities. If you are thinking about studying in Porto, these 8 reasons will convince you:

1. Universities in Porto

The University of Porto is the most prestigious and recognised higher education institution in the country. It attracts not only Portuguese young people but also young people from all over the world. Therefore, it offers a friendly environment for foreign students where they never feel lonely or displaced.

Other well-known universities in Porto are:

• Fernando Pessoa University
• The Polytechnic Institute of Porto
• The Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique
• Universidade Católica Portuguesa
• Porto Business School

In these universities you will also find training programmes dedicated to different areas of knowledge such as engineering, computer science, economics, administration, law, criminology, languages, design and more.

2. Low cost of living

Studying in Porto is quite cheap. Especially for students coming from other European countries. Compared to Lisbon and other big European cities, Porto will be a pocket-friendly option.

Keep in mind that university tuition fees range from €1,500 to €7,000 per year. In addition, you won’t spend more than €100 a month on food if you do your own cooking. You also have the option of eating in the university canteen where meals cost no more than €4.

3. Porto welcomes foreigners with open arms

If you come from another country and are thinking of studying in Porto, rest assured that this city will welcome you with open arms. The locals are used to dealing with foreigners, as the University of Porto attracts many every year. In addition, Porto is a tourist city visited by people from all over the world.

Most of the locals speak English, so communicating will not be a problem if you don’t speak Portuguese yet. Another advantage is that you are very likely to meet other people from your country or other countries, so you won’t feel alone in this adventure.

4. The beach is close by

Porto is a coastal city, so there are plenty of beaches to enjoy in summer.  To the south, you’ll find rocky beaches where you won’t be able to swim, but you can sunbathe and have a good time with friends. To the north, the beaches are great for diving in and spending hours enjoying the waves.

5. The opportunity to learn a new language

Learning to speak Portuguese could be very useful for you in the future. Portuguese is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world, so including it on your CV can help you get good job opportunities. It can even give you a competitive advantage over other candidates.

6. Enjoyable lifestyle

No matter what your definition of fun is, in Porto you will always find ways to enjoy your free time. In this city, you can stroll through the streets of the centre, visit historical and cultural sites, go cycling, party at night, have picnics in the parks… People who live in Porto love activities and meeting friends, so living here you will be part of that lifestyle too.

7. The food is delicious

Eating in Porto is one of life’s pleasures. Especially when you’re a university student who misses the comfort of home-cooked food. In this city, most dishes are based on meat, eggs and fish. With every local dish, you will remember the satisfaction of eating at your grandmother’s house.

After eating, the Portuguese are used to tasting a sweet. To enjoy this tradition, choose a dessert that combines egg, sugar and cinnamon. These are the most typical ones.

8. The pleasant climate

Porto is one of the Portuguese cities with the best climate. It offers the perfect balance between winter and summer, as there are not too many cold days and not too many extremely hot days. Winter tends to be mild with mild temperatures and some rainy days, while in summer the days are hot and dry.

During a year, the coldest temperature is around 10°C and the hottest is close to 20°C. This means that neither season is extreme. This means that neither season is extreme and you can always enjoy outdoor activities.

On the one hand, studying at university in Porto is a very enriching experience, as you will be part of an international community and you will have access to first class education. On the other hand, it will be most enjoyable thanks to the people, the food, the traditions and the climate.