Student Accommodation Near University of Beira Interior

So you are heading to UBI and wondering where you will actually sleep at night? Don't worry – you have got options, and some of them are pretty great! 

University Living has become a real lifesaver for students. Think of it as Airbnb for student housing – you can browse everything from tiny but cozy studios to shared apartments where you will probably end up becoming best friends with your roommates. The best part? It's designed specifically for students, so no awkward conversations with landlords who don't get why you need to study until 2 AM.

If you want to stay on campus, UBI's got you covered through their Social Action Services (SASUBI). They run seven residence halls plus various apartments. Just heads up though – these spots are mainly reserved for students who are far from home or on exchange programs, so competition can be pretty fierce.

Let's be honest – living off-campus is where the magic happens. You will actually get to experience what it's like to be a local in Covilhã, not just a tourist with textbooks.

Your housing options break down like this:

• Shared apartments: Perfect if you are the type who studies better with background chatter and doesn't mind negotiating over whose turn it is to buy toilet paper

• Private studios: Ideal for introverts or anyone who's had enough of roommate drama

• Whole houses: Great if you have a solid friend group and want to recreate your favorite sitcom

The real perks of off-campus living? You will actually understand Portuguese culture beyond what you learn in class, you can eat dinner at 10 PM without anyone judging you, and depending on where you land, your wallet might thank you too.

Just remember to think practically – how long can you handle walking uphill to campus every day? Is the neighborhood safe for late-night library sessions? Can you actually afford groceries after paying rent?

Founded in 1986, UBI started as a polytechnic back in 1973 and has grown into something pretty special. It's not just another university – they actually care about connecting students with real industry experience and cutting-edge research.

Money talk (because we all need to know):

• Bachelor's: €697/year if you're from the EU, €5,000/year if you are international.

• Master's: €1,037/year for EU students, €1,500/year for international students.

• PhD: Ranges from €1,625 to €2,750/year for international students.

You will need your high school diploma (obviously), proof you can handle the language, and whatever specific requirements your program demands.  

Pro tip: actually check the UBI website for your specific program – requirements can be sneaky different between departments.

Covilhã won't bankrupt you like Lisbon or Porto might, but you still need to be realistic about money:

Monthly reality check:

• Rent: €250–€350/month for shared places, up to €500/month for your own studio.

• Food: Around €150–€200/month (more if you discover you can't actually cook and resort to takeout).

• Getting around: Public transport is reasonable with monthly passes.

• Fun stuff: Budget another €100–€150/month for movies, drinks with friends, and those random things you convince yourself you need.

University Living has a cost calculator that's actually pretty helpful for figuring out if you can afford that slightly nicer apartment or if you should stick with the shared place with the questionable shower pressure.

Choosing where to live can make or break your university experience, so let's get specific:

• Right by campus: This is the no-brainer choice if you are not a morning person. Roll out of bed and be in class in five minutes. You will save money on transport and never miss those last-minute study groups. Places like micampus Covilhã offer modern amenities and you'll be surrounded by other students going through the same academic stress.

• City Center (Centro Histórico): If you thrive on energy and want to feel like you are really living in Portugal, this is your spot. You will have cafés, restaurants, and shops right outside your door. It's still walkable to campus, and you will get the full Portuguese small-town experience with cobblestone streets and all.

• Bairro da Estação (near the train station): Quieter and often cheaper, perfect if you are planning weekend trips around Portugal or just need some peace after intense study sessions. The trade-off is less spontaneous social life, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.

• Santo António or Canhoso: These are for students who want more space and don't mind a short bus ride to campus. Think suburban vibes with actual breathing room and probably a better chance of finding parking if you have a car.

Covilhã is small enough that you are never really far from anything important. Just think about whether you prioritize convenience, nightlife, quiet study time, or saving money.

University life isn't just lectures and exams (though there's plenty of both). Covilhã sits right next to Serra da Estrela – Portugal's highest mountains. We are talking incredible hiking in summer and actual skiing in winter. How many universities can say their students hit the slopes between classes?

The historic center isn't just Instagram-pretty (though it definitely is) – it's got real character with street art, family-run cafés where the owners will remember your coffee order, and stories about Portugal's textile industry that shaped this whole region.

For day trips, Covão d'Ametade and the Zêzere Valley offer those perfect study-break adventures where you can actually breathe and remember there's a world beyond your thesis.

And here's the thing about UBI – they actually organize cultural events that aren't completely awkward. It's a real way to meet people and understand Portuguese culture beyond what you see in tourist brochures.