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Information and tips for Erasmus students in Leiria

Erasmus in Leiria

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Leiria

Private rooms Leiria 17 434/month
Apartments Leiria 5 1696/month
*:2024-03-06T10:11:05.915Z

Leiria is one of the favourite destinations for students to do their Erasmus. It is a Portuguese university city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, renowned educational institutions, a welcoming atmosphere, and affordable prices. Its location and natural beauty are perfect for exploring and engaging in outdoor activities. Studying in Leiria means embarking on a journey of personal and academic growth while making international friendships. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your Erasmus experience in Leiria.

Cost of living in Leiria, Portugal

If you are looking for a destination with quality education and plenty of leisure options without straining your budget, congratulations, you have found it! Leiria has a lower cost of living compared to many other Portuguese cities.

Firstly, the rental prices vary depending on the location and size of the accommodation, but in general, they are reasonable. The most popular and cost-effective options are renting a room in a shared apartment or a student residence, which usually costs between €200-500 per month.

On the other hand, the cheapest option is to buy groceries from the supermarket and cook at home. However, you can certainly afford to eat out often, as restaurants and bars are very affordable, especially those oriented towards students. Additionally, many leisure activities such as festivals or museum visits have a low cost or are even free.

Likewise, the municipality has a well-connected public transportation system of buses and trains at a good price. In particular, the monthly pass ("passe mensal") allows you to travel as many times as you want during the month.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Leiria

Although it may not have as bustling nightlife as larger cities, thanks to its status as a university city, Leiria promises partygoers a vibrant nightlife, starting with its university nights on Thursdays! There are bars and pubs scattered throughout the city with different atmospheres where you can enjoy a drink with your friends. And if you're up for it, you can also join the students singing in groups called "trovantinas." There are also many nightclubs and music venues where you can dance ta DJs or live music rhythmic.

Whether or not you wake up with a hangover after all the partying, there are activities you shouldn't miss. Such as swimming in the Ervedeira Lake (Lagoa de Ervedeira), sunbathing on Pedrógão Beach (praia do Pedrógão), visiting Leiria Castle (Castelo de Leiria), strolling along the Lis River, or going shopping at Rodrigues Lobo Plaza (praça Rodrigues Lobo). For the most daring, practising BMX or skateboarding at any of the city's skateparks is a great option! Additionally, we recommend joining a student association to enjoy all the fun activities they organise.

Culture and gastronomy in Leiria

The city has a rich historical heritage dating back to the 12th century. This can be appreciated through its old architecture, cobbled streets, monuments, and picturesque squares. You will also have the opportunity to attend numerous important festivals throughout the year, such as the Festas de São João, where you can dance to the rhythm of local music.

On the other hand, Leiria is also famous for its wine production and offers many visits to its wineries for wine tastings. In addition, the regional cuisine reflects the characteristic flavours of the locality, influenced by the coast and the mountains. The most famous traditional dishes in the area are these:

  • Caldeirada”: fish stew
  • Bacalhau à lagareiro": oven-baked codfish
  • Brisas do Lis”: egg-based sweets
  • Pão-de-ló de Odivelas”: a type of moist and fluffy sponge cake

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Leiria

  • The city offers a wide range of study programs, allowing you to choose any discipline in the field you want to study, such as arts, engineering, or medicine.
  • Compared to many other Portuguese cities, Leiria offers a modest cost of living. The prices are relatively affordable, allowing you to enjoy your stay there without worrying excessively about money.
  • You will be able to fully immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. The rich historical heritage of the town, its cultural traditions, and the typical regional festivals ensure a strong cultural immersion.
  • Thanks to its privileged location, Leiria offers multiple opportunities to travel to iconic places in the country. It has easy access to other important cities, beaches, and numerous natural parks. Ideal for weekend getaways!

Cheap student accommodation in Leiria

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Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Leiria

How much does it cost to live in Leiria as a student?

The cost of living in this city for students is quite affordable. As a general rule, taking into account rental prices and other expenses such as food, transport, and leisure, €600 per month is more than enough to live comfortably.

What is student life like in Leiria?

Being a university city, Leiria is specially designed for you. As a student, you will have multiple opportunities to socialise and immerse yourself in the local culture through festivals, university parties, and events. Moreover, its central location and natural beauty promise the perfect environment to explore Portugal's incredible heritage and landscapes.

How much does student accommodation cost in Leiria?

In general, renting a room in a shared apartment or a student residence ranges from €200-500 per month. On the other hand, private apartments usually have higher prices, ranging from €300-600 or more.

How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Leiria?

The exact amount of the grant depends on several factors, such as your country of origin or the length of your stay in Leiria. Typically, the grant provides financial support to cover travel and living expenses during your time studying there. To get precise information, we recommend consulting with the international relations coordinator at your educational institution.    

Best areas to live in Leiria?

There are several areas that students usually choose to live in. One of these is the city centre due to its vibrant life and entertainment options. As it can be a bit expensive, many students prefer to reside in Politécnico, the neighbourhood surrounding the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, and in the Dos Capuchos neighbourhood, which has numerous student apartments.