Erasmus Experience in Athens, Greece by Lucka

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

I wanted to go to the south for a good weather. I also wanted to see Athens sightseeing.

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

I received 400€ per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

It´s nice, you can choose from a lot of activities to do.

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

Yes, but I would like to tell them not to expect from Athens as much as I did. I thought that it would be a better town. To say the truth, Athens are really dirrty and this is the thing I don´t like about it.

What is the food like?

Very good, in taverna you always get a big portion.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Athens?

Not too much.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Comparing with Czech Republic, it´s more expensive, especially because of the current exchange rate with € and Czech croan.

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

Yes, I have a Greek language. As you learn it in Greece, you learn it very soon.

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

Probably with airplane but you have to buy ticket really soon, later it´s expansive. We can also go by bus but you will spend 30 hours in the bus.

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

Probably to Gazi area near Karameikos metro station.

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

Almost all tavernas are good, be carefull about the seafood - whether it´s frozen or fresh.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Go to Santorini, if you have a chance to visit it. It´s really beautiful!

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

If you want to go to the trip, you´d better go with ESN or on your own. I don´t recommend you Athensmus trips - they are unnecessarily cheap and their organization is very bad. And be careful about looking for an apparment - it´s better to pay more and live in a nice appartment than to destroy your Erasmus by living in an awful flat.