Quick overview
If you are searching for Internacional University in Lisbon, the most important thing to know is that the former Universidade Internacional was closed in 2009. That means there is no active campus housing system to rely on today.
For students using this page as a location reference, the smart approach is to focus on Lisbon accommodation with strong metro access, especially around Benfica, São Domingos de Benfica, Sete Rios, Entrecampos, Alvalade, Arroios, Saldanha, and Campo Grande.
The best value in Lisbon usually comes from:
- PBSA / student residences if you want bills included and a simpler move-in.
- Shared flats if you want a lower monthly rent.
- Studios if you want privacy and can stretch your budget.
What the local housing market is like
Lisbon is a compact city, but it is also a competitive student rental market. Good rooms near metro stations can disappear quickly, especially for September arrivals. If you want a realistic search strategy, treat housing as a transport problem first and a room problem second.
For a legacy campus reference like Internacional University, that matters even more:
| Option |
Best for |
Typical trade-off |
| PBSA / student residence |
First-time arrivals, international students, short setup time |
Usually higher than a basic shared flat |
| Shared flat room |
Budget-conscious students |
More variability in quality and house rules |
| Studio |
Privacy, independent routines |
Highest rent per square metre |
| Family home / room |
Flexible, often calmer |
Less student-oriented than PBSA |
Best areas for students
If you want a practical housing shortlist, these are the areas to look at first:
| Area |
Why it works |
Housing note |
| Benfica / São Domingos de Benfica |
Closest fit for the former campus reference and strong everyday amenities |
Good for students who want a more residential feel |
| Sete Rios / Jardim Zoológico |
Strong transport links and easy connections across the city |
Useful if you need fast access to several universities |
| Entrecampos / Campo Grande |
Major transport hub with student-friendly demand |
Often a good balance of access and availability |
| Alvalade / Areeiro |
Well connected, walkable, and popular with students |
Usually cleaner than the absolute centre without feeling remote |
| Arroios / Alameda / Saldanha |
Central enough for nightlife and transport |
Better for students who want city life first |
| Baixa / Chiado / Cais do Sodré |
Best for central living and short commutes |
Usually the most expensive and most competitive |
For most students, Alvalade, Entrecampos, Arroios, and Benfica give the best balance of price, transport, and everyday convenience.
Accommodation types and realistic costs
Lisbon pricing moves with season and room type, but these ranges are a sensible planning guide:
| Accommodation type |
Typical monthly range |
Notes |
| Shared room in a flat |
€450-€650 |
Best budget option if you can share kitchens and bathrooms |
| PBSA single room |
€650-€950 |
Often includes utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning, or security |
| Studio in student residence |
€800-€1,200 |
Good compromise between privacy and student services |
| Private studio or one-bed flat |
€1,000-€1,500+ |
Best for independence, but the highest monthly outlay |
When comparing listings, check whether the headline rent includes:
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
- Internet
- Cleaning
- Laundry access
- Deposit and admin fee
In Lisbon, a room that looks slightly more expensive can actually be better value if bills are included.
Why PBSA is usually the easiest option
PBSA is usually the best first move for international students because it reduces the number of decisions you need to make at once.
Look for:
- Bills included
- Fast internet
- On-site maintenance
- Security or reception
- Study spaces
- Clear contract terms
PBSA is especially useful if you are arriving late, need to book remotely, or want to avoid the risk of sending money to an unknown private landlord.
Transport and commute tips
Lisbon’s Metro is the backbone of student commuting. The network has four lines and runs every day, with the service typically operating from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. under normal conditions.
Practical commute rule:
- Aim for a room within 10 to 20 minutes of a metro station.
- Prefer direct access to the Yellow, Green, Blue, or Red lines rather than relying on a long bus transfer.
- If you can, choose a building near a station with lift access if you have heavy luggage or mobility needs.
For many students, the best daily pattern is:
- Live near a metro station.
- Use the metro for campus travel.
- Keep buses and trams for short local trips.
Booking timeline
For a September intake, this is the safest timeline:
| When to start |
What to do |
| 4-6 months before move-in |
Shortlist neighborhoods and decide your budget ceiling |
| 3-4 months before move-in |
Start contacting PBSA and verified landlords |
| 2-3 months before move-in |
Compare contracts, deposits, and included bills |
| 1 month before move-in |
Confirm check-in times, keys, and document requirements |
| Arrival week |
Inspect the room, photograph everything, and keep copies of messages |
If you are arriving for September, do not leave the search until the last few weeks. Lisbon tightens up quickly in late summer.
Scam prevention and safety
Use these checks before paying anything:
- Never send a deposit before seeing a contract.
- Ask for a video tour if you cannot visit in person.
- Check the exact address and match it against the listing photos.
- Confirm what the monthly rent includes.
- Keep all communication in writing.
- Be cautious if the price is far below similar Lisbon listings.
For private flats, also ask about:
- Who the landlord is
- How the deposit is protected
- How the contract ends
- Whether furniture and appliances are included
International student guide
Portugal does not use a UK-style right to rent system, but landlords still commonly ask for documents. Be ready with:
- Passport or ID
- Visa or residence paperwork, if needed
- Proof of enrolment or admission
- NIF, if you already have one
- Proof of funds or guarantor details
If you are new to Lisbon, PBSA is usually easier because the documentation process is more structured and the support team can guide you through check-in.
Tenancy cheat sheet
Before signing, check these points carefully:
- Rent amount and due date
- Deposit amount
- Bills included or excluded
- Minimum stay
- Notice period
- Room inventory
- Cleaning and maintenance rules
- Guest policy
- Damage charges
- What happens at move-out
If the contract is unclear, ask for the missing detail before paying.
What to pack
| Bring with you |
Usually already provided |
| Passport, visa, insurance documents |
Bed, mattress, wardrobe |
| Laptop and chargers |
Basic kitchen furniture |
| Adapters and extension lead |
Desk and chair |
| First-week toiletries |
Fridge or shared fridge space |
| Any prescription medication |
Wi-Fi, if stated in the listing |
| A small emergency cash buffer |
Laundry access, if the residence includes it |
Do not assume every room includes the same basics. Ask about bedding, towels, kitchenware, and fans before arrival.
Accessibility and special requirements
If you need step-free access, an adapted bathroom, or a quieter environment, ask early. Lisbon has many older buildings, so the details matter.
Good questions to ask:
- Is there a lift?
- Is the entrance step-free?
- Is the bathroom adapted?
- Can I see the room layout?
- Is the street noisy at night?
For students with mobility needs, a modern PBSA building is often the safest choice because the facilities are easier to confirm in advance.
Final advice
Because Internacional University is a legacy reference in Lisbon, the right housing decision is less about campus proximity and more about transport, price, and contract quality.
If you want the simplest route, choose a PBSA or well-managed residence near a metro station. If you want the lowest rent, choose a shared flat in Benfica, Arroios, or Alvalade. If you want maximum privacy, budget for a studio and move early.