Student Accommodation Lisbon

Lisbon is a growing student city with home to Portugal’s top universities. If you are looking for the ideal student housing options in the city, then you’ve come to the right page. University Living will be your trusted partner in finding the ideal student housing in Lisbon and other popular cities in Portugal.  

Education in Portugal is free and compulsory for students up to 18 years or high school. This is just one of the many reasons for Lisbon’s growing popularity among international students.  

Top Demanded Student Housing in Lisbon

International students in Portugal are offered a variety of housing options. The top demanded housing options in the capital are university halls/ dorms, private student apartments, PBSAs/ student complexes, and homestays. Each of these student properties provides a unique living experience and support students in their own ways. 

University Dorms/ Halls

University dorms/ halls in Lisbon are managed by the universities and local bodies. The University of Lisbon operates 20 student residences across the city, providing affordable housing options for both local and international students. These accommodations are designed to support students' academic and social experiences, ensuring a comfortable stay during their studies in Lisbon. 

Private Apartments

Another popular housing options in the capital are private apartments. These self—catered apartments are the right choice for students looking for an independent and privately lifestyle and maintain a balance between their academics and social opportunities. Their cost might be a little high, but their features offer a luxury lifestyle and come with furnished properties and private kitchen and bathroom. 

PBSAs/ Student Apartments 

Purpose-built Student Accommodations are student complexes build next to popular destinations in the city. The student villages are a hub of residential and socializing activities and are popular for their affordable housing options. These rooms in Lisbon come with essential furnishing options and other equipment. 

Homestays

Hundreds and thousands of international students opt for homestays in Lisbon. These equip them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture. Living with a local family provides daily language practice and firsthand experience of traditions and customs, enriching the academic journey beyond the classroom. Programs like CIEE Lisbon facilitate such experiences, offering homestay options that include meals and comfortable accommodations.

Top Student Accommodation in Lisbon

1. Estoril  
2. Carcavelos Lombos  
3. Livensa Living Lisboa Marques De Pombal Lisbon  
4. Livensa Living Lisboa Cidade Universitária Lisbon  
5. Carcavelos  

About Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital and largest city in Portugal. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and Europe’s second-oldest capital after Athens. Lisbon boasts a history spanning centuries. Originally settled by pre-Celtic tribes and later developed by the Phoenicians, it became a Roman municipium under Julius Caesar, named Felicitas Julia Olissipo.  

Following the Roman Empire's fall, Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths, ruled until the Moors captured it in the 8th century. In 1147, Afonso Henriques reclaimed Lisbon, and by 1255 it became Portugal's capital, replacing Coimbra. Today, Lisbon remains the nation's political, economic, and cultural hub, rich in historical significance. 

Lisbon is an alpha-level global city, recognized for its influence in finance, commerce, fashion, media, arts, education, and tourism. It is one of Portugal's two global cities (alongside Porto) and hosts three Global 2000 companies: EDP Group, Galp Energia, and Jerónimo Martins. As a major European economic hub, Lisbon boasts a growing financial sector, with PSI-20 as part of Euronext. The Lisbon region leads Portugal in GDP PPP per capita, totaling $179 billion, or $61,713 per capita. 

Facts About Lisbon

1. Although Lisbon functions as Portugal's capital, its status has never been officially confirmed by statute.  
2. Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities, predating other European capitals like Paris, London, and even Rome.  
3. The iconic yellow trams of Lisbon were originally imported from the United States, leading locals to nickname them "Americanos."  
4. The Capela de São João Baptista, commissioned in 1740 by King John V, was among Europe's most expensive chapels upon completion, showcasing the wealth of that era.  
5. The traditional music genre Fado, deeply rooted in Lisbon's culture, translates to "fate," reflecting themes of melancholy and longing.  
6. Lisbon's coat of arms features two ravens guiding a ship, symbolizing the birds that accompanied Saint Vincent of Saragossa's remains to the city.  
7. Opened in 1732, Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon holds the Guinness World Record for the world's oldest bookstore still in operation.  
8. The devastating earthquake of 1755 destroyed much of Lisbon, including the Royal Ribeira Palace. The ruins of the Carmo Convent remain as a haunting reminder of the catastrophe. 

Student Friendly Areas in Lisbon

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto in Lisbon is popular for its vibrant atmosphere and central location. The neighborhood is renowned for its lively nightlife, offering numerous bars, restaurants, and cultural venues that foster a dynamic social scene. Proximity to landmarks like the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara provides stunning city views, while the nearby Baixa-Chiado metro station ensures easy access to other parts of Lisbon. Additionally, the University of Lisbon's various faculties are accessible via public transport, making Bairro Alto a convenient and engaging place for student living. 

Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighborhood and offers international students a unique blend of history and vibrant local culture. Its narrow, winding streets are home to traditional Fado music venues, providing an authentic Portuguese experience. Proximity to landmarks like São Jorge Castle and the Lisbon Cathedral enriches daily life with historical significance. Living in Alfama immerses students in a lively community, enhancing their cultural and academic journey in Lisbon. 

Marquês de Pombal

Marquis of Pombal Square, or Praça do Marquês de Pombal, is a bustling hub in Lisbon that seamlessly blends history with modernity. At its center stands a towering monument honoring Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the 1st Marquis of Pombal, who led Lisbon's reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake. The square connects several major avenues, including Avenida da Liberdade, a tree-lined boulevard renowned for its luxury shops and theaters. With the Marquês de Pombal metro station serving both the Blue and Yellow lines, the area offers excellent connectivity. 

Ideal Cost of Living in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the most affordable European cities. The estimated cost of living in Lisbon is €750/ month, without rent and tuition fees. The tuition fees and rent are calculated separately as they greatly vary based on the university, academic level, and the type of student housing. Here’s a detailed breakdown for the entire cost of living in Lisbon for international students. 

1. Tuition fees: €697 to €2,000/year 
2. Accommodation: €450 to €999/month 
3. Cost of Food or Grocery: €220 - €310/month 
4. Cost of Gas and Electricity: €100 - €140/month 
5. Cost of Internet & Mobile phone: €85 - €170/month 
6. Cost of Dinner at a restaurant: €170 - €255/month 
7. Cost of Laundry: €50 - €80/month 
8. Cost of Stationery and Textbooks: €43 - €70/month 
9. Cost of Clothing: €150 - €220/month 
10. Cost of Travel (Buses, Trams, Trains): €150 - €210/month 

Tourist Attractions in Lisbon

Belém Tower

Belém Tower in Lisbon is a historic fortress built in the early 16th century, once guarding the city's harbor. The tower is known for its Manueline architecture and features intricate carvings, a drawbridge, and defensive walls. It's an iconic symbol of Portugal's Age of Exploration. The best time to visit is during spring or early autumn when the weather is mild. Nearby public transport includes the Belém tram stop (Tram 15) and buses, offering easy access from the city center. 

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome, located near the Tagus River in Belém, Lisbon. Built in the early 1500s, it showcases the late Portuguese Gothic Manueline architectural style. The monastery became the burial site for the Portuguese royal dynasty of Aviz in the 16th century. Vasco da Gama and poet Luís de Camões are among those buried here. In 1983, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the nearby Belém Tower. 

Praça do Comércio

The Praça do Comércio is a large, harbor-facing plaza in Lisbon, one of the largest in Portugal. Originally the site of the Royal Palace of Ribeira, it was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The plaza was rebuilt as part of the Pombaline Downtown restoration under Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Minister of Portugal. From the 19th century, it housed key state departments, including the Ministries of Finance and War. In 1910, it was classified as a National Monument, just months before the establishment of the Portuguese Republic. 

Universities in Lisbon

University of Lisbon (ULisboa) 

Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa) is the most prestigious university of Portugal and is ranked #260 in the QS World University List 2025. It comprises 18 schools, over 100 research units, and offers 400 degree courses. With a student body of around 50,000 and a staff of 6,500, ULisboa is a major hub for education, research, innovation, sports, and culture. Established in 2013 through the merger of Universidade Técnica de Lisboa and Universidade de Lisboa, it plays a vital role in Lisbon's cultural and scientific development. ULisboa attracts over 1,000 international students annually, fostering global academic partnerships and excellence. 

Universidade Nova de Lisboa  

The Nova University of Lisbon was established in 1973 and is the youngest public university in the city. NOVA has teaching units in Lisbon, Almada, Oeiras, and soon in Cascais. Its nine academic units are a significant cultural, artistic, academic, and technological asset. With a strong tradition of innovation, NOVA has achieved notable results in the economy, services, and extracurricular training, forging key partnerships with national and international institutions. NOVA is also involved in various mobility programs within European Higher Education Institutions and collaborates with Brazil, Portuguese-speaking countries, Latin America, and other global regions. 

Universidade Católica Portuguesa  

Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) is a leading private university in Portugal, with campuses in Lisbon, Porto , Braga, and Viseu. Each year, UCP welcomes a large number of international and domestic students across a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It has a total enrollment of over 10,000 students. Popular courses include Business Administration, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences. UCP consistently ranks among the top universities in Europe for its research and academic excellence.