Lisbon is a wonderful place for students to live and study, especially if you enjoy eating good food, going out and chilling on the beach. The city offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm and amenities, ideal for student life. From trendy and bustling areas to quieter, more traditional enclaves, there are various neighbourhoods popular with students across Lisbon.
Studying in Lisbon is a good choice, particularly if you plan to study biotechnology, medicine, social sciences or something in the arts. Accommodation options span from student residences, university halls and flat shares. Studio apartments are a popular choice for students with a larger budget who want a bit of privacy.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is famed for its nightlife and social atmosphere, making it a popular choice for students who enjoy hitting the town. However, the area is not cheap, with rooms for rent ranging from €350 to around €700 per month.
- Highlights: the beautiful old buildings combine, an active music scene and busy bars make Bairro Alto an ideal spot for students who love being in the centre of the action.
- Transport: efficient metro and bus routes serve Bairro Alto, ensuring easy travel around the city.
- Proximity to university: Bairro Alto is within walking distance of the IADE Campus. Other universities are accessible via a short metro ride or by cycle.
Chiado
Chiado serves as a cultural and commercial hub in Lisbon, with a mix of traditional appeal and modern flair. It's also known for upscale shopping and creativity, thanks to its numerous boutique shops and art galleries.
- Highlights: known for its cultural attractions, including São Luiz Theatre, Trindade Theatre, and São Carlos concert hall.
- Transport: Chiado has two metro stations, Baixa-Chiado and Cais do Sodré and tram stops.
- Proximity to university: you can walk to the Lisbon School of Economics and Management, and the University of Lisbon and Católica School of Nursing are both an easy metro journey away.
Arroios
Recognised as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, Arroios is a funky and diverse area known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle. If you're looking to rent on a budget, you'll find shared rooms from around €250.
- Highlights: lauded for its multicultural vibe and trendy living, Arroios is suitable for diverse student lifestyles.
- Transport: there are plenty of bus routes and Arroios has its own metro station.
- Proximity to university: its proximity to several universities, including Instituto Superior Técnico, NOVA Medical School and the private Autónoma University, makes Arroios a convenient place for students to live.
São Sebastião
São Sebastião, in the Bairro Azul area, offers a more peaceful residential living, further away from the city centre and closer to green spaces. You'll find spacious rooms to rent starting from around €400.
- Highlights: Eduardo VII Park and Pedra Park are right on your doorstep, along with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the modern art museum.
- Transport: Campolide train station is not far, making day trips out of the city easy, and São Sebastião has a metro station.
- Proximity to university: the university campus area is much closer than if you live in the centre, at around a 30-minute walk.
- Accommodation Options:
Marquês de Pombal
The area is characterised by its grand boulevards, bordered by the greenery of Eduardo VII Park. The iconic Marquês de Pombal Square serves as a central hub, offering excellent transport connections to the city centre and the university campuses.
- Highlights: proximity to major business districts, fitness centres and the popular shopping boulevard, Avenida da Liberdade.
- Transport: the area is very well-connected, with direct metro and bus access to key city points.
- Proximity to university: situated close to major universities like Instituto Superior Técnico and Universidade Nova de Lisboa.
Saldanha
Saldanha is a more modern area, known as Lisbon's business district. It's a popular choice for students seeking a contemporary, convenient lifestyle, offering easy access to universities.
- Highlights: shopping centres such as Atrium Saldanha and Saldanha Residence are nearby.
- Transport: well-connected by metro and bus routes, Saldanha ensures easy access to public transport.
- Proximity to university: located near prominent universities, such as Instituto Superior Técnico, which is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
Living in Lisbon
Student life in Lisbon is nothing short of exciting, with its energetic atmosphere and endless things to see and do. From nightlife adventures to dining at pocket-friendly spots and diving into the city's cultural scene, student life in Lisbon can be very rewarding. If you're thinking about living in Lisbon more long-term, it's a good idea to do a bit of research before moving so you can work out whether it's for you.
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