Today, Porto is home to approximately 13,000 foreign students. The figure is already staggering and does not include Portuguese students who move to Porto to study at its universities. What does it all mean? That Porto is a university town full of a youthful and interesting vibe.

If you are thinking of studying in Porto or you are about to start your university life in this city, this will interest you:

You will meet foreign students

Porto is a city that hosts many foreign students. Therefore, there is a good chance that you will have the opportunity to meet people from other countries during your stay.

It is possible that one of them is your classmate or roommate in the student residence. Or you may know them as a friend of your friend. Either way, being in contact with foreigners is often a very enriching experience, as you can learn about their customs, their language or their way of doing things.

These experiences will help you to better develop your socialisation skills, teamwork, tolerance, respect and even acceptance of differences. Another advantage of living in a city that is so open to foreigners is that locals are used to helping you during your adaptation process, so they tend to be friendly and attentive.

Costs are low

We are sure that one of the things you will like about studying in Porto is that the cost of living is low. From accommodation to nightlife and cultural activities, you will always find affordable options.

Accommodation costs vary depending on the area in which they are located and the amenities they offer. However, if you compare them with the price of other major European cities, you will see that Porto is an excellent alternative for a university student’s budget.

The same goes for cultural activities and nightlife. You can always have a good time in the city without spending a lot of money. In addition, there are several museums and historical sites with free admission that you can visit.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Portuguese well

If you are a foreign student and you are not yet fluent in Portuguese, don’t worry. You won’t be the first or the last foreigner who still doesn’t speak Portuguese perfectly. Besides, as we mentioned, Porto is a city that receives many international students and the locals are used to it.

If you speak Spanish, Italian or French, learning Portuguese will be a little easier for you, as these languages have some similarities. Universities often offer Portuguese courses for foreigners, so it would be a good idea to find out what options are available to you to learn the language.

While you are learning, you can speak English, as it is usually the second most spoken language by Portuguese people. It is also a good idea to learn how to say basic phrases such as good morning, please, thank you, etc.

Getting around in Porto is easy as pie

Public transport in Porto works perfectly, so getting from one place to another is not a problem. In this city, you can count on the metro and buses from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The metro network runs throughout the city and is very efficient, so it will always help you get where you’re going on time. Bus lines are also extensive and you’ll find a bus stop practically every 2 or 3 streets. There are even buses with WiFi networks available, a testament to the standard of transport here.

If you plan to take public transport every day, you may want to buy an Andante Card to reduce the cost of individual journeys. This card gives you access to both the metro and buses.

You will have access to the best universities

The University of Porto is one of the most prestigious universities in Portugal and in Europe. It is the institution that attracts the most students to the city, both from other provinces and from other countries. If you are thinking of studying here, you should know that it has 14 faculties and a business school, as well as specialisation courses in different areas such as:

• Economy
• Fine Arts
• Engineering
• Biology
• Natural Sciences
• Architecture

However, this is not the only recognised university in the city. There is also the Fernando Pessoa University, the Polytechnic Institute of Porto and the Porto School of Nursing.

Studying in Porto is an experience from which you will not only leave with a university degree, but also with many lessons and good memories that will stay with you forever. Are you up for it?