Erasmus Experience in Athens, Greece by Sofía

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

It wasn't my first option but one of my friends was heading to Athens so i decided to put it on the to-go-list and here i am.

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

The scholarship is for 6 months with the possibility to stay longer tho. About money, 250€ monthly for the first six months, no matter how long you decide to stay, you will get the same money.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

That's just up to each student. You gotta live the life you want to, don't you?

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

Well, it depends pretty much on what you are looking for on the Erasmus program. If you want to have free time and enjoy abroad, come to Athens but if you really care about your studies and you take them seriously, this is not your place. I will explain this, the thing is that I don't really have lessons and they didn't tell about this before coming. I just think students should be able to know how their academic year is gonna be like but anyway, i do have some lessons with some of the teachers and i like them quite a lot. So after all, it always depends on the teacher, you know.

What is the food like?

Food is quite good. They have good typical meals that if you ever we get here, you must try. Such as musaka, stuffed tomatoes and peppers and definately, cheese and yogurt.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Athens?

Well, there are quite many flats to choose between. It's gonna depend pretty much on what you are looking for and where, that's for sure but rents are more or less the same, even tho to find a nice apartment can take a while if you wait till the last moment.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Prices are higher for me here than in Spain, for some others it might be cheaper, who knows, i guess it depends on where you come from. But if you know where to go, you will find normal prices as well, talking about food, drinks and such.
Rents are around 200€, if you are lucky enough it can be cheaper and for sure it can be more expensive, easily.
One of the great things here in Athens is that you will get free meals everyday at the university restaurant which means you are not gonna spend much money on food, which means saving, which means at the same time that living in Athens as an Erasmus student isn't really expensive.

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

Greek isn't easy. You have to get used to a new alphabet and it takes time but for sure language courses are avaliable and free of charge.

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

Well, i live in Galicia (Santiago de Compostela) so to come here i took a train to Madrid and from there i flew to Athens. Maybe no the easiest way beacuse by train from my city to Madrid is 5h journey but the cheapest. If you buy the train ticket some time before it costs three times less so you will not find a plane ticket that cheap.

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

It doesn't matter where you go, first of all, you will get Exarchia to buy the cheapest beer in town. After that, you can decide where to go or to stay around there instead. There are pently of Erasmus parties so no worries about that.

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

Well, there is this place around Exarchia which is like a buffet where you can get to taste typical food for almost no cash. Address is Charilaou Trikoupi 49.
Besides that, you will find plenty of 'fast food stands' all around where you can try the famous 'souvlaki'.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Acropolis is the most famous one, that's for sure. Kerameikos, The temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium... Several museums, depending on what you are interested in. Also, it's nice to walk around Panepistimio and see how the University of Athens looks like and also the National library. What a gorgeous buildings!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Athens?

Just pack your things, don't think too much about leaving because everything is gonna be fine. Anywhere you decide to go, you will find your place and enjoy your time there.