Learning the local language
Start learning the language before you come to Portugal, this is the best way to engage with the local culture.
Student life
Lisbon campus
The first year of Forward’s learning expedition begins in Lisbon, which is recognised as one of the best places to study in Europe. Students attend classes at two learning centres in the city centre: Flores and Soriano, while living in the student residence in Benfica.
Soriano Learning Centre
Located in the famous neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, students attend some of their academic classes at Soriano, situated within the Interpress – Bairro Alto Creative Hub. Originally a printing facility where Lisbon’s newspapers were produced, the space now hosts numerous creative companies and provides an exclusive 150m² area for our students.
The Co-Working Space
Next to your living residence, you will find a large and private space open to the Forward cohorts, in which individual study, group learning, and conferences take place. The space is designed with flexible furniture to encourage and ignite creativity and collaboration.
Our campuses
Student clubs and social events
All Forward students can submit a proposal to create a club based on a shared interest. If approved, they will have access to a budget and can take the lead in managing the club’s activities.
Previous cohorts have established clubs for surfing, photography, running, reading, and much more.
Parque Florestal Monsanto, located near the student residence, offers a vast area suitable for various sports, while our co-working space next to the residence is the perfect spot for gatherings.
Many on-campus social events are also organised throughout the year, such as the Winter Holiday celebration and the Charity Ball.
Cost of Living in Lisbon
Let’s take a look at some of the costs you may have in your first year studying at Forward’s Lisbon campus.
| Activities | Costs per week | Cost per month | Cost per academic year (52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student home | From €175 to €220 | From €700 to €880 | From €9,100 to €11,440 |
| Private health insurance | €6.25 | €25 | €325 |
| Public transportation pass | €7.50 | €30 | €390 |
| Groceries | From €37 to €50 | From €150 to €200 | From €1950 to €2600 |
| Mobile Phone Plan | €2.5 | €10 | €130 |
| Leisure activities and daily expenses** | From €25 to €37 | From €100 to €150 | From €1,300 to €1,950 |
*includes gym, nightlife, cinema and other types of entertainment.
| Activity | Costs |
|---|---|
| Meal in a average restaurant | €15.00 |
| Coffee | €0.70 – €1.00 |
| Take away in a bakery (lunch menus, sandwiches…) | €3 – €7.00 |
| Cinema ticket | €7.80 |
| Nightclub entry | €10 – €15.00 |
| Single metro ticket | €1.85 |
10 tips from our students before joining the Lisbon campus
Studying abroad is one of the most important decisions in your life. By deciding to join Forward you will be pushed out of your comfort zones on a number of occasions: you will transition from high school to university, learn autonomy, live away from your family in a new country, be immersed in a multicultural student body so it’s a good idea to get prepared before arriving. Here are a few tips from our students:
Visit the Erasmus website
Visit the Erasmus website to gain access to the Erasmus card and access events throughout the year.
Best places near the Learning Centre
Estátua A Verdade de Eça de Queirós: this spot is right in front of the Learning Centre. Here our students can spend time enjoying the sun between classes.
Fábrica Coffee Roasters: rumour is you can have the best coffees from all over the world here. And let’s face it, students love to have a good cup of coffee while they study. Handily located right next to the Learning Centre.
Marie Blanchère: a French boulangerie located only two short mins from our Learning Centre, great for lunch and for snacking between classes.
Park Bar: a beautiful rooftop just only minutes away from our campus, perfect for a happy hour (or two) after classes.
Prepare for winter
Pack a few jumpers for winter but try mostly to pack items that you can layer throughout the year, days are generally hot with fresher nights.
Organise your parties
Do all the fun stuff in the first term so you have more time to study in the second and third term.
Cord and adaptor
Pack an extension cord and adaptor.
Discover the beaches around Lisbon
One of the best ways for our students to make the most of living in Lisbon is to take a trip to a nearby beach. Some of the most beautiful beaches that Portugal has to offer are just one hour or less away from our Lisbon Learning Centre. Here’s our top three:
1. Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, Sesimbra
2. Praia das Azenhas do Mar, Sintra
3.Praia de Galapos, Setúbal
Go to the Asian grocery
Go to the Asian grocery shops in Martim Moniz, there you will find cheaper condiments of any kind.
Take the essentials
Only take the essentials as you will be moving to Paris the year after.
Enjoy the experience
Most of all, don’t stress too much. It can seem like a lot of work the first couple of months when you arrive at Forward but make sure you enjoy it while you are here and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
Learning at Forward
No lectures, teamwork, small group seminars to debate and simulate, one on one tutoring, peer mentoring… The Forward College pedagogy takes inspiration from the most impactful teaching & learning […]
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Co-living in 3 countries
Forward College offers a unique experience beyond traditional university education. You will receive a world-class education and live together in student residences across three countries: Lisbon, […]
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