Erasmus Experience in Athens, Greece by Zsuzsanna

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

I absolutely wanted to stay in the capital city of Greece, since I had the chance to visit Athens before and I absolutely loved it.

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

Only 1,5 months and they gave us 500 euro.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Generally they are very cool about everything. Also it's a custom, that if they don't like something or want to change something they do a katalipsi - some kind of a strike, when they close the schools for a certain time. This can be quite annoying when it happens frequently.

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

I'm not sure. Athens is an amazing city with full of life, but studying there is not the best. Even if there is no strike at the school it can be a pain to attend classes because the weather is usually very hot and at my department the classrooms didn't have any airconditioning.

What is the food like?

Perfect. There is a lot of opportunities to eat not only greek food but anything. I wouldn't recommend restaurants in the hearth of the city because the waiters are very aggressive and also they ask a huge amount of money if they suspect that you are a foreginer. Also they have good supermarkets, you can get anything, but never forget that they are closed on sunday and their opening hours can be very random...

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Athens?

Yes, quite a lot, since it was very hard to find a proper and safe accomodation.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

For a month with renting a room/flat with food, going out and all these kind of stuff I would say... around 500-1000 euro.

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

Yes. There language courses are very good. They are not pushy, only want to help. Also the teachers are extremly kind and helpful in any way. I hope you will have the chance to meet with them, cause they are adorable!
Also I have to admit that the language is extremly difficult, it needs a lot of time to get used to it or to be able to use it, but don't worry, almost everyone speaks English quite well!

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

Well, we can use airplanes, but it costs a fortune, since to Athens we can travel by Aegean Airlines. There are coach buses that goes to Athens too, but seriously, do you want to travel 24-26 hours??? But true, it's half the price of the airplane ticket.

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

If you want to have fun guys, you absolutely have to visit Gazi!!! It's easy to get there (from downtown you can walk) or take the metro and go to Keramikos metro station. Gazi is perfect if you want to stay in the centre, and it's the usual winter residence of nightlife. But the best summer places are in Glyfada. Perfect clubs, good music, everything! Though it's really far if you don't have a car.

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

Actually I loved eating in Gazi too. The small tavernas has the BEST food. But generally I think you should try a few one and descide yourself which one you prefer the most!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Akropolis, Keramikos, National Museum, War Museum, Byzantine Museum, Ancient Agora, Historical downtown of Athens, Plaka, Lykavittos Mountain, the city is full with cultural sites...

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

First of all check www.apergia.gr EVERY DAY, cause Greeks strike a lot, so by checking the site you will be up to date and never have any surprises.
Always watch your personal belongings cause the city is full with thieves. They can magically rob you in an instant.
Girls, be prepared that Greek guys are very pushy sometimes.
You can always ask for help, because generally Greek people are not just lovely but very helpful.
And get used to shouting, Greek people are shouting even when they are not angry. Also never go to Exarcheia district and Omonoia if you don't want to be killed, raped, or robbed. Police men are everywhere they can always help you. Also the city is full with emigrants, so at night always ask someone to walk with you, it's a bit safer than walking around alone.
Hope I could help and enjoy your stay in Athens!