Erasmus in Setúbal
Information and tips for Erasmus students in Setúbal
| Private rooms Setúbal | 37 | 573/month |
| Studios Setúbal | 2 | 882/month |
| Apartments Setúbal | 19 | 1808/month |
Would you rather do your Erasmus in a quiet and charming city? Then Setúbal is what you are looking for! It’s a small coastal town, with a low cost of living, an important polytechnic institute, strong musical tradition and rich architectural and natural heritage. Also, it is very close to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to fully enjoy your Erasmus experience in Setúbal.
Cost of living in Setúbal, Portugal
Good news! Despite being part of the Lisbon metropolitan area, Setúbal has a pretty cheap cost of living compared to other large Portuguese cities. Most likely, the accommodation will be your biggest expense. For this reason, we recommend that you rent a room in a shared flat since they usually cost around €150-500 per month. This is more affordable than renting a private flat, which costs more than €1,000 per month.
On the other hand, there are many places where you can eat a lot and at a good price. One that’s very popular among students is Carne do Convento. Other ways to eat cheap are to cook at home or eat at the cantina of the IPS (Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal), since by being a student you get the menu at a very discounted price.
Similarly, the municipality has a network of very well-connected buses and trains. We recommend that you use the metropolitan pass (called “passe navegante metropolitano”). With it you can move within Setúbal and throughout the metropolitan area of Lisbon!
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Setúbal
The night atmosphere of the city is very lively, there is always a party until dawn! What students usually do is first have a drink at one of the many pubs there are, like Roof 61, since alcohol is cheap. Then they close the night dancing in some nightclub, such as 5 stars Bar.
During the day the town is even more active than at night, and promises many plans that you can’t miss! For example, you can practice snorkelling on any of its beautiful beaches, such as the one in Galapinhos, perform his famous Wine Route, and even discover the flora and fauna of the mountains and bays that make up its natural park (Parque Natural da Arrábida). And, when the city outgrows you, you can always go to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, to enjoy a vibrant and cosmopolitan scene.
Culture and gastronomy in Setúbal, Portugal
The town is famous for its important cultural heritage, which is reflected in its awesome ancient architecture, monuments, and museums. Some of its most emblematic places are the São Filipe Castle (Castelo de São Filipe), the aqueduct (aqueduto dos Arcos), the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography (Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia) and the cathedral (Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça). In addition, there are several festivals throughout the year in which you can take the opportunity to experience the musical and marine traditions of the city, such as the Feast of the Sea (Festa do Mar).
As for gastronomy, Setúbal is famous for its significant wine production, and in its regional cuisine, the protagonists are fish and shellfish. Here are some of its most famous traditional dishes:
- “Açorda de camarão”: crumbs with shrimp.
- “Choco grelhado": grilled squid.
- “Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato”: sauteed clams.
- “Queijadas de azeitão”: a kind of puff pastry muffins with cheese.
Advantages of doing Erasmus in Setúbal
- Compared to other cities in the country, Setúbal offers an affordable cost of living. Whatever your budget, you can enjoy your Erasmus experience to the fullest!
- The captivating and varied natural beauty that surrounds the city is the perfect environment for you to do any outdoor activity you can think of, such as hiking, kayaking, sailing... and many more!
- With a rich cultural heritage, studying in this town is the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. In your free time, you can participate in its festivals, visit its many monuments and explore the beautiful mountains and beaches that surround the city.
- Thanks to its proximity to Lisbon, it’s very easy to visit the capital of the country whenever you feel like it and feel a cosmopolitan and very dynamic atmosphere, further enriching your Erasmus experience.
Cheap student housing in Setúbal, Portugal
Are you looking for student accommodation in Setúbal? From Erasmus Play we help you compare quickly and for free the best flats, rooms and apartments for students from all over the city. Find your ideal accommodation with us and reserve it!
Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Setúbal
How much does it cost to live in Setúbal as a student? |
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| The cost of living here is quite affordable for students compared to other big Portuguese cities. In general, if we take into account the price of rent and other expenses, such as food and transport, €700 per month is more than enough to live comfortably. | ||||||||
What is student life like in Setúbal? |
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| In Setúbal you can study in an excellent academic institution, such as the IPS, and in your free time take the opportunity to do everything the city offers with your friends: attend its festivals, such as the “Feira de Sant'Iago”, discover its architectural heritage, such as the “Igreja do antigo Mosteiro de Jesus”, and explore the emblematic nature that surrounds it, such as the famous “Praia de Albarquel". | ||||||||
How much does student accommodation cost in Setúbal? |
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| Rental prices vary with factors such as location or size of accommodation. Normally, the rent for a room in a shared flat or in a student residence ranges between €200-500 per month. On the other hand, private apartments tend to have higher prices, between €400-800 per month. | ||||||||
How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Setúbal? |
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| The exact amount you receive depends on several factors, such as your country of origin. Normally, the scholarship financially covers travel and living expenses for the time you are there studying. We recommend that you consult with the international relations coordinator of your educational institution if you want more specific information. | ||||||||
What are the best areas to live in Setúbal as a student? |
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| There are numerous areas where students usually choose to live. One is the centre of the city, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and entertainment. Those who prefer to be close to the IPS choose to live in the neighbourhood of São Sebastião, which is also where the famous beach Do Sado is located. |
