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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…

• Cost of Living

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 €).

• Accommodation

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.

• Health Services

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.

• Transportation

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

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.

• Entertainment/Recreation

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.

• Special Services

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.

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Source by Daren Kyle