Top 5 student cities in Portugal

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Portugal and what makes them unique.

Portugal has become one of the favourite destinations among international students due to its climate and beaches, relaxed lifestyle, gastronomy, and academic quality. In this guide, we present the 5 best cities to study in Portugal, with all the information you need to choose your next academic destination.

Studying in Portugal means enjoying prestigious universities, safe cities brimming with culture, and a diverse student community that welcomes thousands of young people from around the world every year. In the following sections, we’ll tell you which are the most notable university cities, with their pros and cons, main universities, and average rental prices for students.

With Erasmus Play, our online student accommodation platform, you can search and compare verified accommodation in all university cities in Portugal, find rooms or flats near the campus and book 100% online.

Lisbon

The Portuguese capital is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere, mild climate almost all year round and wide range of cultural activities, make it an ideal place to enjoy the university experience. It also has top-level universities and a lively social life, with bars, events, and viewpoints where you can enjoy the charm of Lisbon.

Pros and cons of studying in Lisbon

Being a student in Lisbon has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

Pros of studying in Lisbon

Its student atmosphere is one of the liveliest in the country.
The cost of living is quite affordable compared to other European countries.
Opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world.
Wide range of cultural and leisure activities.

Cons of studying in Lisbon

The price of accommodation can be among the highest in the country, especially in central areas.
In summer, temperatures can exceed 35ºC during the day.
Night-time public transport is limited, and Lisbon is full of hills!

Top Universities in Lisbon

The capital is home to several renowned institutions, including:

Universidade de Lisboa (University of Lisbon)

ULisboa is the largest public institution in the country, notable for its wide range of academic programmes and international atmosphere. Its main campus is located in the University City of Lisbon, but it has several others in different areas of the capital.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near the University of Lisbon.

Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (Technical University of Lisbon)

The technical section of the University of Lisbon is well-known for its programmes in engineering, architecture, and technology. In fact, its Instituto Superior Técnico is considered one of the best engineering schools in Europe. This institute is located on three different campuses, and there are other UTL campuses (called "polos") in various parts of the city.

Find useful information about areas and accommodation in the guide about housing close to the Technical University of Lisbon.

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA University Lisbon)

This university welcomes thousands of exchange students every year and is known for its modern atmosphere and innovative approach to teaching. Its campuses are located in different parts of the Lisbon metropolitan area.

In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find accommodation near NOVA University Lisbon.

Student housing in Lisbon

Accommodation in Lisbon tends to be more expensive than in other Portuguese cities, although it’s cheaper than in other European capitals. As a reference, a room in a shared flat usually costs between €450 and €700 per month, while a whole flat costs around €900 to €1,200 per month.

Are you looking for accommodation in the Portuguese capital? Read our guide to student housing in Lisbon, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Porto

Panoramic view of Porto with its typical houses on the hill, the Douro River and the Castle at the top.

Porto is a city with a lot of character, notable for its architecture, its landscapes on the banks of the Douro River, its wines and its welcoming atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter and more relaxed university experience, but one that’s just as fun. In addition, it tends to be more affordable than Lisbon, although prices have risen significantly in recent years.

Pros and cons of studying in Porto

Choosing Porto to study brings with it great advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

Pros of studying in Porto

It’s a safe and welcoming city.
Wide range of cultural and gastronomic offerings, at more affordable prices than in the capital.
Its student atmosphere is very enjoyable, with a large number of international students.
The locals are very friendly.

Cons of studying in Porto

The weather can be cold and rainy in winter.
Walking or cycling is often difficult because there are many hills.
Accommodation tends to sell out quickly at the start of the academic year.

Top Universities in Porto

This city is home to a very prominent institution:

Universidade do Porto (University of Porto)

It’s one of the most prestigious institutions in Portugal and throughout Europe, with an international atmosphere that attracts thousands of students every year. It has three campuses or hubs in the city, some in central areas and others in more outlying neighbourhoods.

Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near the University of Porto.

Student housing in Porto

The cost of rent in Porto is generally more affordable than in Lisbon. For example, a room in a shared flat typically costs between €350 and €500 on average, while a studio flat can cost between €750 and €950 per month.

If you plan to study in this beautiful city on the Douro River, we recommend that you read our guide on student accommodation in Porto for more details on this topic.

Coimbra

Coimbra is, without a doubt, the most important university city in Portugal. It’s estimated that 20% of the city's population are students! It’s smaller and quieter than Lisbon and Porto, but it has a unique student energy that can be felt in every corner, especially in the bars, residences and events organised by university associations.

Pros and cons of studying in Coimbra

Coimbra stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

Pros of studying in Coimbra

Enjoy one of the best student environments in the country.
Discover Portuguese culture in a more welcoming city.
Their prices are usually more affordable than in larger cities.
The Portuguese are friendly to students.

Cons of studying in Coimbra

It’s a small town and its cultural and leisure offerings may feel limited.
Many accommodations are not prepared for cold and rainy winters.
It doesn’t have good connections with other cities or countries.

Top Universities in Coimbra

This city is home to one of the country's landmarks:

Universidade de Coimbra (University of Coimbra)

It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has three campuses in the city, the main and most beautiful of which is in the city centre, next to the famous "Escadas Monumentais".

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the University of Coimbra.

Student housing in Coimbra

Coimbra is one of the most affordable cities to live in as a student in Portugal. For example, the cost of a single room in a shared flat is usually between €150-300 per month. Meanwhile, a studio flat starts at €460 and up.

Are you planning to study in Portugal? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Coimbra, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Aveiro

Typical historic buildings on the banks of the Central Canal in Aveiro.

This is a small town on the west coast of Portugal. Every year it welcomes a large number of university students who want to enjoy the country's culture in a quieter town close to the beach. It’s a very charming town. In fact, it’s known as "little Venice" because of its canals, which give it a unique atmosphere.

Pros and cons of studying in Aveiro

The academic experience in Aveiro has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

Pros of studying in Aveiro

The cost of living is low.
The bicycle is one of the main means of transport for students, and you can walk everywhere.
Ease in making friends due to the welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoy the beaches and outdoor sports.

Cons of studying in Aveiro

It’s a small town, which means that there are fewer students.
The range of leisure and entertainment options is more limited.
It’s more complicated to travel to other Portuguese and European cities.

Top Universities in Aveiro

Aveiro is home to another prestigious university in Portugal:

Universidade de Aveiro (University of Aveiro)

This institution stands out for the quality of its research and teaching. It has several campuses in Aveiro and the surrounding area, the main one being the Campus Universitário de Santiago, located next to the city centre.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to housing close to the University of Aveiro.

Student housing in Aveiro

In Aveiro, the cost of student accommodation is usually quite affordable: a room in a shared flat or residence hall typically costs €200 upwards. If you prefer a studio flat, you should know that you can find good options for around €400-500 per month.

If you’re going to study in this northern Portuguese city, check out our guide to student housing in Aveiro, with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Faro

Panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and cliffs in Faro, the Algarve's most student-friendly city.

Faro is the capital of the famous Algarve region, located in southern Portugal. University students who choose to study there usually want to live in a small, quiet town by the beach. It’s an ideal city for outdoor and water sports, and it also has beautiful architecture.

Pros and cons of studying in Faro

Studying in Faro can be amazing, although there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Pros of studying in Faro

Living next to idyllic beaches and natural parks.
Low cost of living compared to large cities.
Visit different areas of the famous Portuguese Algarve.
Pleasant temperatures throughout the year.

Cons of studying in Faro

It can be very peaceful for students looking for things to do every day.
It receives many tourists during the high season.
Leisure activities are quite limited compared to other cities.

Top Universities in Faro

Several institutions that accept international students are based in Faro, including:

Universidade do Algarve (University of Algarve)

It’s the main university in the region, and the favourite cities for students (both Portuguese and international) in Algarve. It has three campuses in Faro and surrounding areas.

Find useful information about areas and accommodation in the guide to accommodation near the University of Algarve.

Student housing in Faro

Rental costs are usually quite affordable, but they can increase as the start of the academic year and the summer season approach. As a reference, the price of a room in a shared student flat is usually between €220 and €600 per month. A studio flat starts at €600 per month, but can increase significantly depending on its characteristics and location.

Are you thinking of going on an exchange programme to Portugal? In our guide to student accommodation in Faro, you can find all the most interesting information you need to know, such as available types, prices and convenient areas to live.

Find accommodation in Portugal with Erasmus Play

Whether you’re looking for a big city full of opportunities or a quieter setting by the sea, Portugal offers a unique university experience to suit all tastes. Choosing the ideal destination from among the best cities to study in Portugal can be difficult, as they all have their own appeal! Large cities such as Lisbon and Porto stand out for their cultural and entertainment offerings, while Coimbra is the country's university destination par excellence. Aveiro and Faro offer more peaceful experiences surrounded by nature.

With our platform, Erasmus Play, you can search and compare verified accommodation in these university cities in Portugal, and around the world! You can filter according to your dates of stay, preferred features and prices. Find your ideal accommodation easily and start enjoying your experience as soon as possible!

Other guides on studying and living in Portugal

If you’d like to learn more about Portugal and these destinations, here are some more guides with useful information: