Finding New Horizons: Erasmus Experience in Portugal – Part 2

In this part, I’ll tell you about the university where I studied, student life, and the events I attended during my Erasmus experience.

Erasmus Student Network

Moving to a new country is always an exciting adventure, especially when you’re going to live there for several months. I arrived in Portugal a little earlier than the official start of my exchange to give myself time to adapt to the new environment.

Like in many Erasmus destinations, the University of Aveiro had an Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organisation dedicated to helping international students settle in. During our first week, ESN organised an introductory programme filled with various activities designed to help us connect and feel at home. Around 450 international students from all over the world joined me at the University of Aveiro. It was the first time I had ever been in such a diverse and intercultural environment.

At first, I was quite shy, but with each passing day, those feelings faded, and I became more eager to meet new people. I attended many of the welcome events organised by ESN, which made it much easier to connect with others before classes even began. The activities were engaging and fun—city tours, group outings, café meetups, beach trips, and much more. These events truly helped us bond and create friendships that made the experience even more memorable.

University of Aveiro

When I arrived at the university on my first day, everything felt a bit confusing. The campus was huge, with each faculty housed in its own building, along with various administrative offices. At first, it was difficult to figure out where to go. I also had to complete some paperwork before officially starting my studies. However, I quickly got the hang of everything.

The university had several student canteens and a large library, which became one of my favourite places. There was a special atmosphere inside, making it an ideal space for studying and working on seminar assignments. I also appreciated the many cosy outdoor areas where students could relax between lectures, especially in the open air.

At first, studying seemed quite challenging. The teaching system was slightly different from that of my home university, and the grading system was unfamiliar to me as well. Some courses were even taught in Portuguese, which made things even more difficult. However, all the professors were very understanding and always willing to help Erasmus students. It took me some time to adapt to these new circumstances, but soon, I felt completely at ease.

I can’t help but mention the student canteen, which played a meaningful role in student life. One of my most vivid memories is being able to enjoy deliciously cooked octopus there every day. Of course, this wasn’t surprising, given that Portugal is a country by the ocean, but it was still amazing to see such a high-quality seafood menu available at budget-friendly student prices.

Another thing I loved was leaving the university in the evening after lectures and witnessing the breathtaking sunsets. The sky would turn into a spectacular display of colours, making each day end on a beautiful note. Near the university, there were also small lakes used for scientific research. I often enjoyed walking around them, and to my surprise, I sometimes even spotted flamingos there.

Student life

Student life in Aveiro was incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of activities. Every month, ESN published an event calendar for Erasmus students, allowing us to choose from various activities and participate in what interested us most. They frequently organised excursions, sports competitions, and cultural events. There were also quizzes, karaoke nights, and lively parties.

Nature walks were a big part of student life, and being so close to the ocean made everything even more special. It was incredible to realise that after classes, I could simply hop on a local bus, ride for 20 minutes, and arrive at the Atlantic Ocean. There were plenty of opportunities to take surfing lessons, play beach volleyball, or just sit on the shore, listening to the soothing sound of the waves.

During my stay in Aveiro, I rented a room in a flat shared with other international students. Our flat had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and since it had two floors, we often hosted gatherings, inviting friends over for board game nights. One of our favourite traditions was hosting a big international dinner once a month. Each of us would prepare a national dish, bring it to the gathering, and we would all share a meal together. Some of our friends played musical instruments, so our dinners often turned into mini concerts.

With each passing day, we grew closer, and I can truly say that we became a big "Erasmus family". Everyone had unique experiences to share, and I deeply appreciated the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions firsthand. Despite our diverse backgrounds, it felt like we were all connected as one. Being part of this experience was something truly special, and I will always cherish it.

To be continued…

I hope you enjoyed reading about my Erasmus journey! In the next issue, I will continue my story, sharing the trips I took and how I explored Portugal. Stay tuned!