Norway:
It's easier to get a job if you're here to apply. If cash is a problem, couch surfing is extremely safe here.
We're not part of the EU. This means you cant just go here and get any job, you need to get a full time job based on a 3+ years university degree or a similar amount of experience. Only such job will let you apply for a work visa.
If you have a 3 years university degree you can also apply for a 2 year master in a university here. Many courses like this are offered in English. You're allowed to work up to 20 hours each week while studying. This will be more than enough to survive, but will leave limited time for actual studies. Studies are cheap (most universities are free, but with some administrative fees and book costs). Housing can be expensive, especially in Oslo. If you're ok with home cooking eating rice/potato/vegetables and some limited selection of fish and pork you'll do fine with food. Processed food and resturants are expensive.
After 3 years on work and/or student visa you can apply for permanent recidence.
Scandinavia is doing good. Norway is doing great. Sure, we face some problems, but the visibility of these problems in the media will ensure they have to be dealt with and not forgotten.
IMO one of the great things about Norway is that you can have any silly job and still have a decent life. Don't expect to be rich, but any full time job here will pay enough to be safe and even have some vacation or chance to travel. Even if you serve food at a resturant, you can afford to go to resturants (sometimes). Even if you clean floors you can expect your home plumbing to work and a flight home to Portugal during the summer. Those positions will not help you get a work visa, but it sure helps if you part time as a student.
Norwegians might seem cold at first (unless we are drunk). On the street we would never bother you, but if you stop us asking a question, most of us will go to great lengths to help you. Use the net to find places to meet new people, eg. student sports teams or local couch surfing meetings (even if you're not hosting). Invite people home for dinner, preferably in small groups. Norwegian social life is all about meeting in small mixed groups, then having a party once in a while. Focus on friends first, try not worry about dating before later. Once you get friends you'll have a good time.