Nestled on the Western Edge between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Talking about its capital, Lisbon which is not only the heart of Portugal’s economy but also one of the country’s most famous cities in terms of culture and heritage. This amazing old city with historic buildings and amazing food is growing in popularity both amongst tourists and international students. It’s considerably more affordable than other European cities and dubbed as the city that has almost everything.

So, if you’re a student planning to study or settle abroad. Here are some reasons why you should settle down in Lisbon.

1. Great Weather and Outdoor Fun Portugal’s capital city is blessed with almost 300 days of sunshine throughout the year and has one of the best climates in Europe. Isn’t that magical? This excellent weather allows people to enjoy a lot of outdoor activities all year round. Taking long leisurely walks, going to the beaches, playing or sitting in a park, or even just enjoying the famous coffee blend, Bicas. And if you’re a fan of outdoor activities then you’re in the right city. Because of the good weather, more people have started going swimming, mountain biking, kite surfing, scuba diving, etc. Since there are many beautiful beaches, you can enjoy playing beach soccer or beach volleyball with your friends.

2. Low Cost of Living Lisbon’s cost is low and is considered one of the affordable and cheap cities in Western Europe. Central Lisbon is a bit pricey but overall Lisbon is a place where you can get your money’s worth. The living conditions are great; food and drinks and transportation are cheap. For traveling throughout Lisbon by public transport, the Viva Lisboa Card is an excellent option as it will help you save some money. Portugal has a vibrant food scene which is taken very seriously here. Food is very cheap especially vegetables and fruits and even fine-dining restaurants will not burn a hole in your pocket when compared to other European capitals.

3. Job Opportunities Lisbon has the highest GDP per capita in Portugal and is the hub of several major businesses, production, economics, and tourism sectors. You can find a wide range of jobs in the city – anything from childcare to IT services to mass media. While speaking Portuguese will give an edge over others when looking for a job, it’s not mandatory, since a large number of international companies like Cisco and McKinsey International based here. The city has the greatest concentration of services due to major service providers moving into and operating from Lisbon. There are also several job opportunities in various public and private higher education institutions most of which are present in Lisbon.

4. Safety In 2020, Portugal scored 3rd place on the Global Peace Index with Lisbon as Europe’s safest capital. Its crime rates are very low, so you can have that sense of security to freely roam and explore the city. Although, there are some areas in the city that you need to be aware of and also not to wander very late in the night. Since the city is swarmed by tourists most of the time, pickpockets are the biggest concern you’ll have to deal with. The best thing about the city is its people, they are generally warm, helpful, and open to people of all cultures. The city has a laid-back approach to life so living a joyful and fulfilling life can be a reality here.

5. Excellent Higher Education Institutions Studying in Lisbon offers a wholesome experience as it is home to some great universities, some of them are even ranked quite well in the global university rankings. It is home to the prestigious University of Lisbon, which is the largest university in Portugal. It was formed in the year 2013 by the merger of the former Technical University of Lisbon (UTL) and the University of Lisbon (UL).

There are many other good universities in the city like Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, etc. which you should check if you’re thinking of where to study in Lisbon. These higher education institutions offer a wide range of programs that are taught in the English language across various disciplines like management, economics, finance, computer science, and engineering.

There are several reasons why students should settle down in Lisbon but these 5 are the most important ones as they cover all the aspects related to students. So, if you’re planning to study in Lisbon and looking for accommodation in the city then University Living is the right place for you. It is a global student housing platform that allows students to book accommodation in more than 265 cities around the world.