Nestled on the Western Edge between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Oporto is one of Portugal’s centres of economy, and also one of the most famous cities that represent Portuguese culture at its best. 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 Oporto.

1. Summer Morning, Autumn Afternoon, Winter Night The second-largest city in Portugal has a very typical climate. In only one day you can have a hot morning, a soft afternoon, and a cold night. Located in the north of Portugal, in Oporto, you can enjoy activities outdoors and indoors and don’t miss a bit of the city. And if you’re a fan of many activities then you’re in the right city. In Oporto, you can visit the best museums, enjoy your coffee, and lunch by the beach or the river. If you’re a fan of the sun, you can go to the amazing parks and relax while reading a good book. On the other hand, if you’re a rain fan, you can go to Lello library, or just enjoy Oporto’s amazing coffee shops around the city.

2. Low Cost of Living The cost of living in Oporto is low and is considered one of the most affordable and cheapest cities in Western Europe. Central Oporto is a bit pricey but overall it is a place where you can get your money’s worth. The living condition is great; food and drinks and transportation are cheap. For traveling throughout Oporto by public transport, the Andante Card is an excellent option as it will help you save some money, it costs around 30/40€. 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 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. 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 Oporto.

4. Safety In 2020, Portugal scored 3rd place on the Global Peace Index. 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 Oporto 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 Oporto. There are many other good universities in the city like Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, etc. which you should check if you’re thinking of where to study in Oporto. 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 Oporto 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 Oporto 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.