FDUC lives off its history and in the comfort of its status, these are the elements that value its courses. Unfortunately, the teaching methods are archaic and there is a relationship of elitism and distance between teachers and their students. These teachers, with the rare exception, recite the same lessons for decades, trying to ensure the relevance of the books they wrote and that the students need to acquire, to religiously copy the material from their pages to the exam sheets.
Trying not to fall asleep in the face of the monotone speech of the professors, in the cold and damp rooms, sitting on the hard and old wooden benches, the students are still observed by the tourists, without awareness of space, noise or civility, encouraged by the faculty itself to wander en masse. through the corridors as if it were a zoo.
One side demands everything and the other learns to give in, the student has to try to extract the maximum value on his own, although occasionally he may be lucky enough to find truly talented and concerned teachers (which exist).
A reform and a new attitude are needed at FDUC to modernize both the methods and the approach and connection with students in order to take advantage of their valences and bring the institution into the 21st century. Somehow recovering its significance in the city and using without arrogance the responsibility and symbolism that is attributed to it as a house of knowledge and that so inspires the young people who place their trust there.

I studied Law at the University of Coimbra. I liked certain things about the program and the classes, especially how it would prepare you for everything regarding Law, specifically the courses and classes destined to how the Law started and relates to nowadays. Some teachers also were very interactive and innovative in the way they would present the program and classes, which I liked a lot, as I had never experienced their way of presentation before. What I didn’t like was the fact that a couple of teachers required you to use their own published books. These teachers were also very rigid in their way of teaching classes. The University itself could improve things by encouraging a more interactive, comprehensive program and more standardized teaching among their teachers, as the feeling I had with some teachers was completely the opposite with other teachers.

Regarding student life, the student life in Coimbra is great! I would definitely recommend the school as well, as they have great facilities, and really try to give you the most of what they can in order for you to improve. Speaking of the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra, it was not the most international (as some teachers taught in English and others did not), but other Faculties were extremely international, with classes both in English and Portuguese. Career prospects are good, especially around Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and the center of Portugal. In general, I would recommend trying it out. The student life really makes up for it, and the city is one of the most beautiful in Portugal. I believe the University and Faculty only need to standardize their methods a bit more and be broader and more inclusive of other methods.

The programming of the subjects is too heavy. The installations are old and uncared for, and it seems like the tourists are prioritized. There wasn’t a day in a class that wasn’t interrupted by a tourist barging into the room. Also, the oral tests are very poorly organized, and the university has a really poor consideration for the situation overall. The positive sides are the new generation of teachers that are more reasonable and understanding than the older ones.

Since I was little, I wanted to be someone important. But most of all, someone that could help others. So I decided to join this university. It’s prestigious it’s good and we can live the students’ life just by walking in the streets.

How come one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Europe, and perhaps in the world stayed in the century of its foundation? Although it’s a beautiful sight, most faculties are walking towards becoming ruins.
My programme is very respected worldwide, but it also feels ancient. And the way of teaching. If they were to become a little more progressive, I believe there wouldn’t be a more perfect school to study in – in any field – on this planet.

My experience at Coimbra’s University was the best experience ever. I’ve learned a lot, I had a lot of great students and all the facilities around campus.
Besides the historical sight of the university, there’s so much more to learn around the university. I recommend Coimbra’s University as one of the top universities in Portugal.