Experience in Athens, Greece by George

What is it like to live in Athens? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Athens is a big city experience. Athens is a dense metropolis, house of 2-3 million people. Its a livefull city, with a lot and different lifestyles to follow, many things to to and see. Things for every taste, from beaches to mountains, libraries to galleries and restaurants to bars and clubs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Student lifestyle in Athens is like a complete vacation period. You can do anything you want. Connect with people and local students and you 'll find a little open world in Athens. Either you're a party lover or an art enthousiast you'll find what you want.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Costs in Athens are a little strange. A common house for a person costs 400€ if its new, and well positioned. You can find cheaper ones if you'll search better. But accomodation cost descends when you share a flat with others. Other costs range from 5 to 50€ like for ex:
internet: 20€ per month
water: 5€ per month
heating and other house fees: 20+ (depending on area size and age of the flat, you could be paying 100+ for a 100sq meter old house.)
electricity: 30+
Personaly i live a full life in Athens with 350€, covering my food, drinks,a bit of clothing and everything else.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Athens? Is there any advice you can give?

Its a bit irritating i think. But if you're determined, in the end you'll find what you want. Things to look out for:

Ask the owner of the house for the full costs mentioned above. They might not refer to them by themselves because its taken for granted here in Athens. Ask them even if they can undertake the payments because you're a foreigner. Best thing to do? Find and rend a flat shared with locals. Every problem solved.
Try to rent something in central areas or near metro Stations to enjoy the most reliable mean of transport in athens. Regions around Megaro Mousikis, Ampelokipoi, Panormou,Evaggelismos,Kerameikos are the most youth and student popoulated. Zografou are is the main student area, near the two biggest campuses in Athens, Technical University and University of Athens. If you enjoy bike dont rent there because there are too many ups and downs on the road making it neraly impossible to stay on the bicycle.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is wonderfull if you discover the right sources. Even the well known souvlaki is tastefull. As it concerns the fast food, everything is good. There are good places to eat souvlaki, pizza, spaghetti, chinese, indian etc. You'll have to taste them to rate it. For better food quality, there a lot of restaurants downtown or not which can serve your taste well. Students stick more to souvlaki and pizza. (souvlaki costs around 2€)

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

Every place. Just google it.

Is it good to eat out in Athens? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

As mentioned above, there are a lot of places.

Is the nightlife good in Athens? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is awsome in athens. Depending on what type of nightlife you prefer, you'll find anything. Bars and mainstream clubs in Keramikos and Monastiraki, more alternative bars and ppubs in thisio/plaka, metaxourgeio, exarcheia. Electro music parties (dnb, house, trance etc) are very common and you'll find them anywhere.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

No advice at all, just enjoy your life here.