If you’re lucky enough to have been accepted to one of Lisbon’s fine universities or are only just considering studying in the Portuguese capital, chances are that you’re on the hunt for the perfect student accommodation in Lisbon.

With Student.com, finding your home-away-from-home is easy. Choose from shared housing, private studios and your own apartment in popular neighbourhoods like Bairro Alto, Arroios and Saldanha and use our filters to find the perfect match.

Start browsing our properties at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Lisbon, including cost of living, things to do and the best neighbourhoods! 

Get to know Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal where the sun shines nearly 300 days a year and the temperature rarely drops below 15 degrees. It’s a place where you can feel safe to wander around day or night, and where you’ll find cuisine that suits every taste and budget.

Located on Portugal’s west coast, it’s pretty much everything students could want from a European city. The city has one of the best climates in Europe and is filled with leisure activities, awesome food, wine, music and vibrant nightlife.

Despite being one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon is the perfect mix between old and new. It’s a city full of authenticity that’s rich in character, culture, history and heritage. During your stay, you’ll discover the legacy left behind by centuries of past civilisations that inhabited the city and the homage paid by its artists. 

Universities in Lisbon

One of the benefits of being a student in Portugal is the selection of universities to choose from. There are major public universities with tens of thousands of students, smaller private institutions and specialised schools.

Universidade de Lisboa

A major European university, the Universidade de Lisboa (University of Lisbon or ULisboa) is the largest and most prestigious university in Portugal. It offers over 400 courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels (some taught in English) through 18 schools and has around 50,000 students.

The university has received international recognition over the years and is deeply involved with the Lisbon metropolitan area and Portuguese society as a whole, being a major centre for teaching, research, innovation, sports, culture and art.

Heading to Portugal’s biggest university? Check out our range of ULisboa accommodation! 

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

The Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA University Lisbon or simply NOVA) is a higher education institution with internationally recognised research and quality teaching. Founded in 1973, it’s the youngest public university in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

With teaching units spread across Lisbon, Almada, Oeiras and Cascais, NOVA offers a wide variety of degrees in many areas of study. It’s home to around 20,000 students, which includes a large international community.

Looking to live close to campus? We offer a wide range of apartments near Universidade NOVA de Lisboa!

Instituto Universitário de Lisboa

Founded in 1972, the Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (University Institute of Lisbon or ISCTE) is a specialised institute offering a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in social sciences, humanities, business, technology and architecture.

The main campus is based in central Lisbon near Saldanha and is home to over 10,000 students. ISCTE is known for its strong focus on applied learning, with the university’s corporate partnerships providing lots of internship opportunities.

Secured your place at the university? Browse our selection of ISCTE accommodation! 

Universidade Catolica Portuguesa

The Universidade Catolica Portuguesa (Catholic University of Portugal or UCP) was the first modern university in Portugal to be founded without the direct involvement of the state. Opened in 1967, the fulfilment of a 40-year dream of the Portuguese Church, UCP has grown to include two further bases in Porto and Viseu.

The university’s 15 faculties and over 1,000 teaching staff are spread out across its four locations. It offers 13 undergraduate courses and around 30 master’s degrees to its 13,000 students. Around a third of UCP’s student body and faculty come from outside of Portugal, so you’re guaranteed an international atmosphere.

Going to be studying at this university? Explore our dedicated UCP accommodation!

Other universities in Lisbon

Lisbon has even more to offer beyond these major universities. Universidade Lusófona (Lusófona University) has campuses in both Lisbon and Porto and is one of the largest private universities in Portugal.

The Universidade Europeia (European University) also has a campus in the Portuguese capital, serving over 2,000 students. The Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa (Autonomous University of Lisbon) is another popular choice and serves as the oldest private university in Portugal. 

Things for students to do in Lisbon

A cosmopolitan city that’s affordable, blessed with a melting pot of cultures, stunning views, endless hours of enchanting sun and delightful food, Lisbon is a fantastic destination to study in – whether you’re from Portugal yourself, or looking for a place to study abroad.

Nightlife

Lisbon offers plenty of fun when the sun goes down. The city’s nightlife usually starts in the bars after dinner and kicks into high gear at around midnight, with many clubs opening their doors at around 2am.

The Erasmus Corner, a trendy destination in Bairro Alto, famous for its crowds, is a cool place to get to know other students from the expat community. To hang with the locals, gather near Titanic Sur Mer in Cais do Sodré, a funky live music venue perched on the waterfront.

Exclusive, special and original, the unique Silk Club is a different way to enjoy the atmosphere of Lisbon’s nightlife. The premium and contemporary Japanese restaurant & bar turns into a nightclub after midnight, with breathtaking views of the city.

A few other lively spots are waiting to be explored off the beaten track such as Casa Independente. One of Lisbon’s hippest nightclubs is located in the city’s Intendente neighbourhood and is well worth checking out for its local boho vibe.

To sample some of the best selection of local brews, head west to a tunnel in the city’s Alcântara district for the unique Quimera Brewpub. If you prefer to sample Portuguese wine, try By the Wine, a cosy wine bar that features 3,000 empty bottles fixed to the ceiling.

Lastly, for inexpensive drinks, grab a terrace table outside Sol e Pesca, one of the city’s quirkiest bars. On the same street is arguably the most eclectic of Lisbon’s after-hours venues, Pensão Amor, which hosts naughty burlesque shows and poetry recitals, and offers good beer too.

Arts & culture

Lisbon is a city that expresses its appreciation of art in a unique way. The fusing of urban art by world-famous artists, such as Vhils, with Manueline-style ornamental art can only be seen in the Portuguese capital, where you can enjoy the figurative art of tile making (azulejaria) on almost every street.

Besides what you can see walking around, Lisbon’s cultural profile is bolstered by some truly world-class museums such as the Museu do Fado and the treasure trove that is the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian – one of the world’s great museums, where you can marvel at Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art.

Elsewhere, explore the contemporary canvas of striking modern architecture at the former Expo 98 site, Parque das Nações, northeast of the city. Here you can visit the Oceanário de Lisboa – Europe's largest indoor aquarium. While you’re in the area, make sure you check out the mesmerising Oriente railway station as well.

History

Lisbon's rich heritage and history, which dates back to pre-medieval times, provides more to feast your eyes on. Historic monuments and sites define Lisbon’s character, from historic places to the most recent museums and architecture projects.

The 16th-century monastery at Bélem is considered one of the greatest examples of Manueline architecture in the country and houses the tomb of revered Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Its filigree stonework is worthy of UNESCO’s World Heritage moniker.

Domes, spires, and belltowers punctuate the city’s skyline. The 45-metre-tall Neo-Gothic Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift) looms over the Baixa (downtown) district and is a sight to behold. 

Food & drink

Lisbon is a dream come through for foodies and wine lovers. Fresh fish and seafood choices figure prominently in many restaurants in the seafaring city, while you’ll also find lots of tapas-style dishes with a Portuguese twist.

For large portions of hearty traditional local food piled onto large aluminium platters, find the tascas. Portugal’s own version of a Spanish bodega, or an Italian osteria, these places are hidden between avenues and alleys all over the capital.

The famous bacalhau (salted cod) in its various forms, pastel de nata, and grilled sardines are just some of the many delicious staples that can be found in the city. Exotic Brazilian, Mozambican and other ex-colonies’ cuisines spice up an already colourful and tasty ethnic menu.

Outdoors

With a ‘photo opp’ around every corner in Lisbon, your Instagram grid will be the envy of your friends back home. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the sun and sea, from the urban beaches along the Linha de Cascais and the multicultural ones in Costa da Caparica, to the remote and crystal-clear beaches of Arrábida and the mysterious sands of Sintra.

If seaside beauty is not enough, there are splendid viewpoints all around Lisbon. Known as the ‘cidade das sete colinas’ (the city of seven hills), Lisbon is full of hills and mounds that provide some truly breathtaking panoramas. The Miradouro de Santa Luzi terrace, which takes in sweeping views of Alfama and the shimmering River Tagus is one of the most rewarding.

If you fancy a day trip, head to the stunning Parque Natural da Arrábida, a protected area of cliff coastline, lush forests and sandy beaches set between two historic fishing towns. Here you can get your heart racing with hiking and mountain-biking, or just relax by the beach. 

Best student areas in Lisbon

From the bustling city centre to the outer districts with a slower pace of life, Lisbon is home to several student areas that each offer something different. 

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto serves as Lisbon’s historic centre and bohemian hub. By day, you can wander the cobblestone streets, stopping by at traditional tasquinhas, art galleries and second-hand bookstores. By night, the area transforms into a hive of activity with bars and clubs going until the early hours.

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, Bairro Alto could be the neighbourhood for you. Housing is mostly comprised of traditional apartments in historic buildings, offering reasonable rents and a central location with good access to lots of universities. 

Arroios

The vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood of Arroios is another of Lisbon’s student hotspots. It’s based just north of the city centre, a stone’s throw from the main attractions and with excellent transport links to major universities throughout the city.

Here you’ll find lots of international restaurants, cosy cafes and cool bars that are great for hanging out. The housing is spacious and generally very affordable, with a mix of traditional apartments and purpose-built student residences on offer. 

Saldanha

Known as Lisbon’s business district, Saldanha is a great option if you’re looking for a more grown-up and sophisticated vibe. There’s still plenty to see and do in the area, but it’s much quieter at night than the likes of Bairro Alto.

There are lots of nice shops, cafes and restaurants, while the location is great for reaching ULisboa and ISCTE. However, it is generally one of the more expensive areas for student housing in Lisbon.

Student cost of living in Lisbon

Lisbon offers excellent value for money compared to other major European cities, with most students budgeting €800–€1,200 per month for accommodation, groceries, transportation and other living costs.

Rent represents the main expense, ranging from around €400 per month for the cheapest accommodation and up to €1,000 per month for a modern student residence near the city centre. 

Free things to do in Lisbon

When your budget is running low, Lisbon offers lots of free activities to keep you occupied. Numerous sites and attractions are free to enter, including the Igreja de São Roque, the Casa da Cerca and the Casa dos Bicos.

Lisbon is best explored on foot, and you can enjoy historic neighbourhoods like Alfama, amazing views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia and stunning gardens at Parque Eduardo VII, all without paying! 

Student discounts in Lisbon

Discounts are another way to save during your time in Lisbon. As a university student, you can apply for a discounted Navegante card, which unlocks unlimited travel on all metro, bus and tram services in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

Another card to consider purchasing is the Cartão Jovem, which is available to domestic and international students under the age of 30 and offers exclusive access to a host of discounts throughout the city. 

Public transport in Lisbon

The centre of Lisbon is compact and walkable – albeit very hilly – but there’s also a reliable public transport system on offer when you need to travel longer distances or find yourself in a rush. 

Metro

The metro is the main method of getting around Lisbon. It consists of four colour-coded lines, which pass through most of the city’s major universities. Services run from 6:30am to 1am, and you’ll rarely ever have to wait more than 10 minutes for a train. 

Bus

The bus is another solid option that will take you all over the city, including to remote areas not directly served by the metro. Night buses run along priority routes after the metro closes, which is handy for getting home after a night out. 

Tram

Lisbon also has an extensive tram network made up of six different lines. These predominantly serve central areas and hilly neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto – so they can spare you a strenuous walk when you’re sightseeing in the centre. 

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisbon a safe place for students to live?

Lisbon is a very safe city for students. Crime rates are low compared to other European capitals and you can walk freely in most areas without any issues. As with any city, it’s still important to pay attention to your surroundings, but in general you have very little to worry about. 

When should I start looking for student housing in Lisbon?

High demand for student housing in Lisbon means it’s best to start your search at least three months before your university start date. The most desirable are often booked months in advance, so the earlier you begin looking, the more options you’ll have. 

How much does student housing in Lisbon cost?

Housing costs in Lisbon vary considerably depending on the area and amenities. Shared apartments start from around €400 per month, while a student residence may cost as much as €1,000 per month. The student housing we list typically ranges from €500–€700 per month.

Where are the best areas for students in Lisbon?

Bairro Alto is a top choice for students who want to be in the centre of the action, Arroios is culturally diverse and popular with younger crowds, while Saldanha has lots of modern amenities and is well-placed for reaching many of the city’s major universities. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Lisbon?

Students from the EU don’t need a visa to study in Portugal. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for a student visa and have this ready before moving to the country. You can read about the application process and requirements here. 

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!