Skip to main content

FAQs Before Arrival

1. Will CATÓLICA-LISBON provide me with any help to find suitable accommodation?

The International Relations Office provides help to all exchange students to find permanent accommodation in Lisbon: useful accommodation search links and a list of our accommodation partners that offer special discounts is sent by e-mail to all students. A shortlist of provisional and permanent accommodation search links can also be downloaded from our website. Furthermore, on the welcome days we will have companies on-campus that will help students find accommodation. If necessary, during the first days of classes, the International Relations Office staff can help students to find suitable accommodation offers and provide help to schedule visits. 

2. Which are the best neighbourhoods to rent accommodation?

First, you have to decide if you want to live near the University or near the nightlife or city center. The neighbourhoods closest to the University are “Sete Rios”, “Laranjeiras”, “Alto dos Moinhos”, “S. Domingos de Benfica” and “Entre Campos”. If you want to be near the city's old center and nightlife the best neighbourhoods are “Chiado”, “Bairro Alto”, “Principe Real” and “Graça”. 

3. Which neighbourhood should I avoid?

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index (over the last few years it has been in the top 10, out of 163 countries) and Lisbon is also considered one of the safest cities when it comes to personal safety, for example according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Nevertheless, common sense is always applicable (for example, if possible, choose an accommodation that is well served with public transportation, closer to services or, ideally, close to the University).  

4. It is wiser to book provisional accommodation for the first days and seek for permanent housing during the welcoming week?

It depends on what you are seeking. For example, some students like to already be settled in their apartments and rooms as soon as classes begin, other students, find provisional accommodation for the first days and only after their arrival start to find permanent accommodation because they want to see the apartments in-person or share it with other exchange students.

5. With how many days in advance do I need to book a provisional accommodation before finding a permanent one ?

The latest day for arrival is usually a day before the welcome day, we leave it to your consideration if you want or not to arrive earlier than this date. However, please be advised that CATÓLICA-LISBON usually closes the last 15 days of August and during Christmas time. Nevertheless, you can always enjoy these days exploring the city and its outskirts!       

6. What do I need to have in consideration when searching for accommodation?

  • Try your best to have access to pictures of the room or house in which you are interested in before committing to anything. Be thorough about getting details such as what is included in the price, if the house has weekly cleaning, linen change, the ratio bathrooms/flat mates, how kind and liberal the neighbors are, if it has parking spaces, etc.;
  • Be aware that in case you rent a room or apartment that does not include running bills (internet, cable tv, water, electricity, gas) expenses may go from as low as 15€ to as high as 75€ or higher per person;  
  • Always try to have a rental contract, so that your rights and duties are fully covered. Read the contract very carefully and do not sign anything you are not comfortable with, if necessary show it to a person of your trust and ask for their inputs. In case your landlord does not provide you with a written contract, rest assured that this will not get you in any trouble and is a common practice;
  • Usually landlords request for one month deposit and also for the first month’s rent, there is no need to pay more than 2 months of rent in advance;
  • Be extra careful with online accommodation offers and to whom you transfer your money to. If it doesn’t seems trustworthy don’t rent it! 

7. Will CATÓLICA-LISBON be able to store my luggage until I find permanent accommodation?

At CATÓLICA-LISBON we do not have lockers or any specific space to safely store students´ luggage. If you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse there is a good chance that they can store your luggage free of charge. So before you start looking for something else question them about this. Here are some options where you can store your luggage:

Luggage Storage Lisbon

City Lockers  

ALTA DIGITAL