Starting university is a truly important milestone in our lives and choosing the right place to live is a decision that can shape the entire experience of the first year. Therefore, it’s important that you do not rush into choosing your University Residence in Lisbon.

If you are looking for more than just accommodation, and want your stay in the city to be an unforgettable and enriching experience, you have come to the right place. At Collegiate AC – holder of an international award – offers you accommodation with incredible features and facilities. The best part of it? It’s right in the center of Lisbon!

1. Prioritise the characteristics of university residency

Feeling comfortable and safe in the space where you sleep and spend most of your time during college is crucial. First things first, arrange your new home to make it feel like, home. 

Before making the list of university residences that you plan to visit, make a list of the characteristics of a space that are important to you (your room and common areas), such as, for example, the type of decoration, the type of bed and wardrobe, if it has heating, of service or cleaning and laundry services, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, etc. 

We advise you to weigh carefully which ones are most appropriate for you. Then once you have made this list, it will be easier to choose your university residence, as you will have a better understanding of what you want and don’t want during your university experience.

 

2. Location is important

Now that you’ve made your list, it’s important that you start checking out the location of the residences you have chosen. Use Google Maps to locate them and see how far they are from your college. The best student residences are just short walks away from uni campuses. This is why the location tends to play in favor of this type of accommodation, as they are usually in neighborhoods with good connections.

At the Marquês de Pombal Residence of Collegiate, you have metro stations with excellent connections that take you everywhere, just 5 minutes away. And because it’s right in the center of Lisbon, you can also choose to walk. It’s a Win-Win! In addition to saving time, you save money.

3. The people who will live with you

One of the most exciting, fun things about starting university is the chance to meet lots of new people. A residence is also an excellent opportunity to meet fantastic people and possibly friends for life. Some university residences are known for their sense of community, while others have a reputation for being more relaxed. There are pros and cons to each option and the choice between one or the other will always depend on you and your preferences. It’s important that you start taking some time to analyse and think before you decide.

So, if socialising is something important for you, when you visit them, evaluate if the residence encourages interaction between residents with common areas and organization of events. Building a community is really important Collegiate AC, we want to ensure that from the moment you move into your student residence, you will become a part of a large, vibrant community.

4. Space for you and your privacy

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert everybody needs a space to their own, where you can concentrate, relax, or simply enjoy your privacy. In fact, the lack of privacy may be one of the reasons why you do not take advantage of your experience as you should, especially if you have not yet experienced living with other people. This is a factor you’ll especially appreciate when you’re under pressure because of exams or other responsibilities.

Therefore, when choosing your university residence in Lisbon, it’s important that you consider having space just for you where you can simply enjoy it, especially if you have not yet experienced living with other people. This is a factor you’ll especially appreciate when you’re under pressure because of exams or other responsibilities. Plus for those introverts, that time alone will allow you to rest and recuperate, so that you can enjoy the company of others.

 

5. What others say about the residence

Nowadays, there are few people who step into something without taking into account the testimonies. The so-called reviews often give us the security we need when making a decision. After all, there is nothing like listening to the opinion of other people who have already gone through the experience that we plan to embark on. So, when choosing your university residence, read and listen to what other students have to say about it. It will help you to take the step forward with more certainty.

Contact the residences and ask for a virtual tour. To see if they have what you are looking for and that will guarantee you a wonderful experience.

We hope that our tips have been helpful for you to choose the ideal residence for you in Lisbon. Analyse all factors well and make your decision thoughtfully. As they say in Portugal, “o seguro morreu de velho”, that is with calm and thoughtfulness you will be able to make the best decision and avoid unpleasant surprises.