March 11, 2026

Living on Campus: Tips for Students

5 min

If you are going to study in Porto or are thinking of moving there, you have probably already heard about the university city.

The Asprela University City area in Porto is home to several faculties, research centers, and thousands of students every year. That's why living in this area has become one of the most popular options among university students.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about living in the university town, from transportation to the places where students spend most of their time.

What is the University City of Porto?

The University City of Porto is the city's main academic hub. It is located in the Asprela area and brings together various higher education institutions.

Here you will find, for example:

  • Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto

  • School of Medicine

  • School of Economics

  • Porto Higher Institute of Engineering

This university campus welcomes thousands of students every day, creating a very dynamic academic environment.

University campus in the Asprela area of Porto with university students

Transportation at the University City

One of the great advantages of living on campus is the ease of access.

The area is very well connected to the rest of the city by:

  • Porto Metro

  • several bus routes

  • bike lanes

The Polo Universitário station is one of the busiest in the entire metro network.

For students, living close to campus means less time commuting and more time to study or enjoy university life. Many university students opt for residences designed specifically for students, such as those offered by StepHouse, which allow them to live close to universities and have spaces designed for studying and socializing.

Faculties at the University City

The University City of Porto is home to some of the country's most important academic institutions.

Among the best known are:

  • Faculty of Engineering (FEUP)

  • Faculty of Medicine (FMUP)

  • Faculty of Economics (FEP)

  • Faculty of Sports (FADEUP)

This concentration of faculties creates a true university campus, where students from different disciplines interact on a daily basis.

University students walking across campus in Asprela

Where do students spend their time in Asprela?

In addition to classes, university life also takes place outside the classroom.

Some of the places most frequented by students in the university area are:

  • coffee shops near the faculties

  • university libraries

  • parks and green spaces

  • inexpensive restaurants

Many students also take advantage of the common areas in university residences to study or socialize. In the residences at StepHouse, for example, there are study rooms, common areas, and spaces designed for students to balance their academic and social lives.

Advantages of living in the University City

Living near the university campus offers numerous advantages for students:

Proximity to faculties
Reduces travel time.


academic environment You are surrounded by other students.

More social opportunities
University events, activities, and gatherings.

For this reason, many students look for accommodation close to the university to get the most out of their academic experience. In university towns, modern residences such as those offered by StepHouse offer accommodation solutions specifically designed for students who want to live close to campus and have services tailored to university life.

Students socializing near the university campus in Asprela

Comparison: popular university campuses

University campus City
University City of Porto Porto
University City of Lisbon Lisbon
Santiago Campus Aveiro

 

The University City of Lisbon, for example, is another major academic hub in Portugal, similar to the Asprela campus in Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a university town?

A university town is an area that brings together several faculties, residences, and services designed for students.

Where is the university district of Porto?

It is located in the Asprela area and brings together several faculties of the University of Porto.

Is it worth living near the university campus?

Yes, because it reduces commuting and allows you to enjoy academic life more.

What is the university campus?

It is the set of faculties, research centers, and university infrastructures concentrated in the same area.

Living on campus can completely transform your college experience.

The proximity to the universities, the academic atmosphere, and the active social life make this area one of the most sought-after by students in Porto.

If you are starting college or planning to move to a new city, choosing to live near campus can make your daily life much easier and help you get the most out of this stage of your academic life.