Erasmus Experience in Athens, Greece by Johanna

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

Because of the beautiful nature, great weather and the Acropolis!

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

My scholarship was for 5 months and I received about 300 euro/month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Great friendships, good education, but very busy with a lot to learn and a great deal of homework.

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

Yes!

What is the food like?

Never got my food-card from the school so never tried their food but the food you can buy in the city is very nice and usually quite cheap.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Athens?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

My rent was 350euro/month.

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

I took a Greek language course and it was a nightmare! Super hard to understand and keep up with.

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

You have to take the airplane because it's so far away. It's not cheap at all I'm afraid.. Costs around 250 euro each way.

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

I loved all the areas around the Acropolis and would have stopped at any of those cozy taverns they have there.

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

You have to stop for a pita at the PitaPan close to Syntagma station! Super cheap and best taste ever!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Beside Acropolis you should not miss out on Benaki museum - amazing!

PS: It's totally free of charge every Thursday! Also pay a visit to the breathtaking views from both Philopappos hill and Lykavittos hill.

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

Remember that you usually get in for free at all museums and tourist attractions with your student card! Perfect! Also don't expect that your teachers will come to the lesson in time - sometimes I had to wait over 40 minutes before my teachers came and had their lessons! But there was another problem as well: there usually never was any available classrooms - which meant the classroom always changed.. Sometimes we had class in one building, sometimes it had been moved to another building. It's really confusing the first month or so before things get settled I'm afraid.