Erasmus Experience in Athens, Greece by Jessica

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

I talked with an Erasmus student from Athens that did his internship in my city and got interested. I definitely wanted to go somewhere warmer than in my home country! I have been to Greece before and I liked it then, even though I didn´t spend that much time in Athens. So it felt like a familiar environment somehow.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I got an Erasmus-scholarship for three months, which was worth 900 euros = 300 euros per month.

I also applied for another scholarship in my home country before I left and got about 500 euros. That money I didn't get to use while I was abroad though, I got it a couple of months after I got back home.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Because I did my internship in Athens instead of other studies, I didn't visit my receiving university that often.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Athens to other students?

I would definitely recommend the city to everyone! I can't say that much of the university, but some teachers that I met when I arrived seemed nice and helpful.

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What is the food like?

I like greek food because they use a lot of vegetables. I got to try some of the traditional greek dishes and liked it, even though it doesn't taste that much because of the mild spices they are using.

In some places, the restaurant prices were higher than I thought, but in the smaller local restaurants, you got to eat more than enough for a low price.

The prices in the bigger supermarkets were also much better than in the small ones.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Athens?

I lived in three places during my stay. The first one was kind of pricey, about 600 euros for one room. Luckily I moved out after one month. The second apartment was a little studio that I found and lived there only for a week before I got to move to a better one. The last apartment was a shared flat for four people in the Acropolis area and was about the same price as the first one, besides better located and much bigger.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

It depends on how you use your money. It can be cheap but it also can be very pricey. I had a budget from the beginning and followed it quite well.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I think there are some language courses, but I decided not to go on any. The Greek language is very difficult because of the different letters. After I been there for a while I learned some basic things to say and I managed to communicate a little bit. All of the Greek people aren't so good in English but they are nice and helpful most of the times so you will manage just fine.

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What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Athens from your city?

It's a long way so you have to travel by plane.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Athens?

It depends on what mood you are in. There are many different places to choose from, the calm and cosy bars and restaurants in Plaka, Psyri, Thiseio or Exarcheia or the bigger nightclubs by the beach e. g. I myself liked the beach parties a lot and the ones that the ESN students organized all over the city.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Athens?

There are many so it's hard to just pick one or two, but the ones that the locals go to are almost always better! They are cheaper and a better choice in general if you ask me.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is a lot to see in the city! Because I lived near Acropolis I went there very often and loved the view. I also went to Lycabettus hill a couple of times. I would recommend visiting some islands nearby as well when you got some extra time!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Athens in the future?

Athens is full of lovely people, there's great weather almost all the time, cheap prices (if you choose the right ones), many beautiful places to explore and more relaxed lifestyle to be a part of. You don't wanna miss it!

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