ESN Portugal · Incoming '25
survivalguide.esnportugal.org
Erasmus Student Network · Portugal2025 / 2026 edition
A storyscrolling survival guide

Incoming.

For the ones who packed a suitcase, left everything familiar behind, and chose Portugal. We’re glad you’re here.

5 chapters7 regions13 ESN sections1 unforgettable year
Chapter 01

Welcome tothe best year of your life.

A few words from the people who, every year, watch students like you arrive — and leave changed.

A letter from ESN PortugalThe Erasmus+ programmeEuropean Solidarity Corps
§ 1.1 · A letter from ESN Portugal

Dear Erasmus
Generation,

You have embarked on a journey that promises not only academic growth but also personal enrichment and unforgettable experiences.

Being part of the Erasmus Generation is more than just an international exchange — it is about getting to know a culture, being open to new realities, and understanding the international dimension of life.

As you immerse yourself in the vibrant Portuguese culture, language, and traditions, you will create memories and form bonds that will last a lifetime.

Portugal, with its breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and warm-hearted people, will be your home away from home. Each city, town, and village you explore will offer you a unique perspective.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. You are surrounded by fellow students from around the globe who share your aspirations and dreams. Embrace the diversity, seize every opportunity to learn, and let each day be an adventure.

— Hélder Simões, President, ESN Portugal

Img 01  ·  Lisbon, Miradouro de Santa Catarina
§ 1.2 · What is Erasmus+?

30 years of
opportunity.

Erasmus+ is the EU programme in education, training, youth and sport for 2021–2027.

It builds on more than 30 years of European programmes — one of the EU's most visible success stories — and is open to students, learners, school pupils, organisations and institutions alike.

This edition expands the reach: more opportunities, more participants, a stronger focus on inclusion. No one left behind.

If you’re 18–30 and want to do good while learning, also look at the European Solidarity Corps — projects in education, environment, migration, culture, humanitarian aid, and more.

Chapter 02

34,000 studentshelping students.

Founded in 1989, the Erasmus Student Network is the largest student association in Europe. In Portugal, you'll meet 13 sections, all run by volunteers — most of them former exchange students themselves.

Six causesThe ESNcardNational events
§ 2.1 · ESN by the numbers

A network you
already belong to.

800+
higher-ed institutions
46
countries
34k+
young volunteers
1989
founded
§ 2.2 · Six causes that drive us

What ESN
stands for.

01 / Environment

Sustainability

Vegan workshops, beach cleanings and other awareness activities — because mobility has an impact.

02 / Wellbeing

Health

Sports days, healthy food workshops. Living abroad is a chance to build healthier habits.

03 / Community

Social inclusion

Turning students into active citizens — volunteering with the local community.

04 / Identity

Culture

Language, food, art, beliefs. Activities that build genuine intercultural understanding.

05 / Voice

Education & youth

Better mobility programmes — and young people given a real voice in shaping them.

06 / Future

Employability

Mobility builds skills. ESN works to make sure employers and universities recognise them.

§ 2.3 · ESNcard

Your
membership
card.

The ESNcard is your passport to the Erasmus Generation: hundreds of events, discounts across Europe, and a community of fellow internationals everywhere you go. Valid for twelve months.

Step 1 · Get itStep 2 · Activate onlineStep 3 · Discover partners
ESN · CARD
Erasmus
Generation
PT · 2025 · 0042
HOLDER
Your Name
VALID
12 months
Erasmus is both what you make of it, and what others make it for you.— Laima Gaušytė · Lithuania · Guimarães
Chapter 03

How tosurvive here.

Five things to handle in your first weeks. None of them are hard, but knowing them in advance makes the difference between a smooth landing and a stressful one.

HealthcareAccommodationFinancesPostal servicesLanguage

Healthcare

  • EU citizens: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Outside the EU: get private health insurance for stays under 3 months.
  • After 3 months in Portugal, apply for the SNS card at any healthcare centre or Loja do Cidadão.
  • Every city has a pharmacy open 24/7. Dental care is usually private.

Accommodation

  • Every Portuguese university has student residences — apply early.
  • Check uni and ESN section offers — they often have Erasmus deals.
  • Never rent based on photos alone. Visit in person, or ask your buddy.
  • Confirm whether bills (water, electricity) are included.

Finances

  • Portugal uses the Euro (€).
  • Skip airport exchange — rates are bad. Use local banks or ATMs.
  • Most places accept card, but carry a little cash for tascas and markets.
  • Student/youth IDs unlock discounts on transport.

Post & transport

  • CTT is the national postal service — mail, parcels, express.
  • For larger international shipments, Eurosender gives instant quotes.
  • Monthly bus/train passes have student rates — bring your ID.
  • Or buy a simple pass and top it up as you go.
§ 3.5 · Speak & feel local

Portuguese is
the 6th most
spoken language
in the world.

Most receiving universities offer cheap or free Portuguese courses. For something more relaxed, try group sessions at SPEAK — intercultural conversation, not classroom.

olá hello
obrigado thanks
saúde cheers
até logo see you later
saudade a feeling there's no word for
Chapter 04

Sevenregions.One country.

From the north's misty granite to the Atlantic islands. Thirteen ESN sections, each with its own personality. Start anywhere — but go somewhere.

01 / 07

The North

4 ESN sections

Granite, vineyards, and the cities where Portugal was born. The north feels older, slower, deeply proud of itself.

Braga
BragaESN Minho

Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary · the oldest water-powered funicular in the Iberian Peninsula climbs to it.

Pudim Abade PriscosMonastery of Tibães"És de Braga?"
Porto
PortoESN Porto

Torre dos Clérigos, Casa da Música, Serralves — and a francesinha that defies description.

Port wine cellarEstádio do DragãoJardim do Morro at sunset
Guimarães
GuimarãesESN Minho

The birthplace of Portugal. Castle, Vila Flor Cultural Centre, Largo do Toural.

Prego in Tio JúlioPenha at sunsetAfonsina Fair
Vila Real
Vila RealESN UTAD

Parque do Corgo, Palácio de Mateus, and Fisgas de Ermelo — one of Europe's tallest waterfalls.

Alvão Natural ParkPena AventuraTraçadinho
I went to Portugal without any expectations — and left with a heart full of memories.— Dalia Rhoulam · France · Braga
02 / 07

The Centre

5 ESN sections

Salt pans, the highest mountain on the mainland, the oldest university in the country. The centre is everything in between.

Aveiro
AveiroESN Aveiro

Salt pans older than Portugal itself · the tallest lighthouse in the country at Praia da Barra.

Tripa de AveiroVouguinha trainBUGA
Coimbra
CoimbraESN Coimbra

The 1290 university. Biblioteca Joanina, Sé Velha & Nova, and Conímbriga's Roman ruins.

Queima das FitasLatada paradePadrinho / madrinha
Covilhã
CovilhãESN Covilhã

Wool Museum, Serra da Estrela — the only place to ski in Portugal.

Serra cheeseLatada paradeRectory Gardens
Castelo Branco
Castelo BrancoESN CB

Episcopal Palace Garden, Templar's Castle, and the Lagoa for picnics.

BordadosDocas drinksSão Martinho hike
Tomar
TomarESN Tomar

Convent of Christ, headquarters of the Knights Templar, with the Janela do Capítulo.

Pegões AqueductNabão kayakingCágado
03 / 07

Lisboa & Tejo Valley

1 ESN section

Seven hills, one river, an entire country compressed into a city. Tile, fado, and the kind of light that ruins you for everywhere else.

Lisboa
LisboaESN Lisboa

Fábrica Braço de Prata, Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Gulbenkian Museum — and Pastéis de Belém.

Santos PopularesTasca + fadoBairro AltoManjericoSardinhas
Erasmus in Lisbon was the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life.— Kateryna · Ukraine · Lisboa
04 / 07

Alentejo

1 ESN section

Wide, slow, golden. The Alentejo doesn't perform — it just is. Stay a weekend; you'll come back twice.

Évora
ÉvoraESN Évora

Roman Temple, Chapel of Bones, the Public Garden with its peacocks.

Cromeleque dos AlmendresSunrise at Praça do GiraldoAlto de São Bento
05 / 07

Algarve

1 ESN section

Cliffs the colour of caramel, water that's too blue to be real. Yes the beaches — but also caves, fortresses, and a fair every October.

Faro
FaroESN Algarve

Archaeological Museum, Alameda de João Garden, sunset at the Sagres Fortress.

Benagil cavesPraia da MarinhaSanta Iria FairSurf at Faro Beach
06 / 07

Madeira

1 ESN section · island

A volcano in the Atlantic, terraced into vineyards and laurel forest. You came for the views; you'll stay for the bolo do caco.

Funchal
FunchalESN Madeira

Porto Moniz natural pools, Madeira cable car, Cabo Girão — Europe's highest cape.

Pico Ruivo sunriseEspetadasCatamaran w/ dolphinsPorto Santo
07 / 07

Açores

island archipelago

Nine islands the colour of moss. Meals cooked in volcanic soil. Whales off the bow on a Tuesday afternoon.

Angra · Furnas · Sete Cidades
Angra · Furnas · Sete CidadesESN Açores

Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO), Furnas thermal pools, the Sete Cidades twin lagoon.

Pico mountain · highest in PTKima sodaBolo lêvedoFerry hopping
Chapter 05

Your year,month by month.

Some of these dates will become the highlights of your story here. Don't miss them — your local section will help you get a spot.

SEP
Welcome Month
OCT
— settle in —
NOV
Erasmus National Games
DEC
Christmas with Portuguese families
JAN
— exams —
FEB
Carnival
MAR
— spring —
APR
Erasmus National Meeting
MAY
Academic Weeks + Int. Games
JUN
— goodbyes —
JUL
— summer —
AUG
— see you again —
December · The one to write home about

Christmas with
Portuguese
families.

A different kind of Christmas — full of cultures, languages, and new friendships. Host families across the country open their doors to incoming students who can’t go home.

a table for everyone
End of chapter five

Now go,and let theand let the adventure begin.

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© 2025 Erasmus Student Network Portugal  ·  Editors Gonçalo Santos & José Rainha  ·  with all thirteen ESN sections