PORTUGAL | Accommodation | Finding accommodation

General (student) housing situation

In Portugal, houses are made of steel foundations, cement and bricks. Houses made of wood are very rare in Portugal. The most popularly known houses made of wood are the typical beach houses found in Aveiro. These houses are painted in white and green, blue or red stripes. The origin of theses houses isn’t known, but it is believed that long ago, these houses belonged to local fisherman. Older houses and apartment buildings don’t have insulation in the walls nor heating systems. This can be somewhat uncomfortable in the winter, mainly in the northern region of the country. The use of space heaters and/or fireplaces is necessary. The construction of more recent housing units is done with proper insulation and installation of central heating and/or air conditioning systems. Housing units have become more comfortable.

At the beginning of each school year and, on a lower scale, throughout the year, universities and other places where young university students hang-out, such as, cafés and university associations have announcements up for rooms and apartments for rent. In general, it is easy to find a room or apartment due to wide availability.

It’s usual for apartment buildings to have cafés, restaurants and small shops on the ground floor. This can be convenient, but it can also increase the noise factor in residential areas. Noise is not prohibited between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Neighbours may call the police.

Before you start looking for an accommodation, you should ask yourself a few questions:

• Would I prefer to live on my own or share accommodation with others?
• What is my budget?
• Do I already have a preferred area where I would like to live?

Types of accommodation

• Apartment: You may prefer to share an apartment with other people. The rooms and/or apartments to rent are normally furnished with the basics: equipped kitchen, beds, sofas, table and chairs.
• Living with a family: Another option is renting a room with a family. Usually, this includes access to the bathroom and kitchen. Renting a room with a family may also include meals and clean laundry.
• University halls of residence: Halls of residence have shared and individual rooms and small studios available. The rooms are furnished with the basics, some have kitchenettes and private baths or, alternatively, each floor has a common kitchen and baths. Halls of residence are cheaper options for accommodation, an appealing aspect for any young student or trainee. However, in Portugal it is very difficult to get a room or studio in this type of accommodation. Those interested are subject to an application process that should begin at least one semester in advance. For more details on how to go about the application process, you should contact your host university through its Social Services Department or International Relations Office.

Once you have found suitable accommodation that meets your needs and preferences, you should consider the following:

• Is the accommodation secure? (Check the locks on doors and windows)
• Is the accommodation multicultural?
• Is the accommodation located near you place of work?
• What is the public transport like?
• What equipment is available in the accommodation (furniture, appliances), and is everything working?
• What type of heating is it, and is there an extra charge for it?
• Are there extra charges for electricity and water?
• Do I have any allergies, for example to animals?