Erasmus Experience in Athens, Greece by Agata

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

I chose Greece not only because of the climate, but also because Greece is a country with ahuge history and a beautiful architecture and landscapes.

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

I was Erasmus student for 5 months from Poland. I got my scholarship from the first day being there. I got 360€ per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Athens is a very interesting place, where you can find variety of different entertaining activities. The members of ESN from different universities organize many trips, parties and other activities you can join.

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

Yes, for sure. I met there many nice people with whom I have still contact. Greek people are very friendly and always willing to help. Professors at the university are friendly also for foreign students. In the canteen of Athens University of Economics and Business you can have 3 free meals per day if you buy a card- it costs only 20 Euro per the whole semester!; )

What is the food like?

Very traditional. You can eat feta on many different ways. I think greek food is healthy comparing to the food from other countries. I recommend to try musaka, tzaziki, suflaki.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Athens?

I found my accommodation thanks to ATHENSMUS, an organization which helps Erasmus students. I didn't have to pay them for that, I only paid a deposit, which I got back at the end of my stay. I know also another company which helps foreign students to find accomodation. It is called Stay in Athens.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

It depends where you eat and live. I rented a double room in Kipseli district and paid for that 170 Euro per month (bills included). If you want to rent a single room is around 250 Euro per month (bills included). A monthly ticket for metro, buses and trolley costs 20 Euro. Entering a club is free but everybody has to order something to drink- a beer costs around 5 Euro in the club.

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

Yes, it's similar to Spanish (pronunciation), but you have to remember that they have a totally different alphabet. At my university 2 languages were available: Greek and German. It is not so difficult to communicate on the street because almost everybody speaks English, even older people.

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

I took a plane but it is also possible to go there by bus. I recommend plane -3h- because it's faster than bus (40 hours! )

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

The city center of entertainment is called Gazi, Monastiraki Square and Kolonaki. There are a lot of clubs and everybody will find something interesting. Me and my friends usually were going to Matchbox, because there you can listen to Greek music. Other clubs: Why Sleep, Socialista, Voodoo, Six Dogs, Jojo (near Kipseli).

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

Tavernas are very good and cheap. I don't remember the names...

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Of course Acropoli, Ancient Agora, Imittos, Lycabite, Aeropag, Panatheic Stadium, National Archeological Museum, Syntagma Square and many others. I recommend also to visit Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Kefalonia and Rhodes. A very interesting place is also Meteora with monasteries, Delphi or Patra.

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

Take as much as you can from your Erasmus period! Visit, party and enjoy your Erasmus to the limits!