Experience in Athens, Greece by Chrysa

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

Living in Athens is great! However, (for the permanent habitats) it is better to live in one of the suburbs where life is quieter and the atmosphere cleaner(especially in the southern suburbs you are very close to the beaches)instead of the city centre which is hectic.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

As a student there are a lot of things you can do in Athens! In your free time you can visit some of the almost 50 museums and archeological sites, some of the almost 250 (!)theatres... But the favourite habit of local students is the COFFEE! We usually spend about 3 hours in a coffee shop! And they are everywhere!

You can enjoy your favourite beverage in countless cafeterias either in the city centre with a view of the Acropolis or in the suburbs.

But student lifestyle without parties? Of course not! The ultimate area for parties is Gazi (neighbourhood in the city centre) where there are numerous clubs. (As for beer, it is everywhere of course! Don't miss the chance to taste some of the greek ones!)

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

If you are a student in Athens, your uni will be either in the city centre or at area called Zografou. I don't know anything about the student accomodation provided by the unis so I'll talk only about the houses. Well, as in every capital of this world, renting a house close to the city centre or to the uni is much more expensive than renting in one of the suburbs( from some of which you do approximately 30-40min to the uni). So, the prices vary. For the smallest flats the prices start at about 200 euros.

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

I think it's qiuet difficult as we aren't used to share the flats. So, if you can't live in dormitories it's better to look for accomodation when you come here.

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

It's the typical mediterranian food based on simple recipes with olive oil. When you come here don't eat only the fabulous souvlaki and the greek salad. Taste our "ladera" (dishes using olive oil) like gemista (stuffed vegetables), fasolakia etc. Of course, don't forget our favourite cheese, FETA which perfectly accompanies the "ladera".

(remember: meat, here, is REALLY well-cooked!)

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

Apart from the typical archeological sites, visit the brand new "Stavros Niarchos foundation cultural centre" ( https://www.snfcc.org/default.aspx ), Sounio and the southern suburbs of Athens like Faliro.

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

Please, don't taste souvlaki at Monastiraki. There are numerous souvlatzidika in every neighbourhood! Well, one thing that makes me love Athens is that it has become a hot-spot for multi-cultural (street)food.

Visit: Los Loros (Kolombian- Venezuelan- http://losloros.gr/ )

Kafti Patata (https://www.facebook.com/KaftiPatata/)

Etnico (mexican)

Amandine's bagels

Falafellas (falafel) and soooo on

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

I think that you can find the best nightlife in Gazi.

http://www.athensguide.com/gazi/

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

When you come in Athens please don't get disappointed by the ugly parts of this city or the news. Don't miss the chance to visit the city of Piraeus (mikrolimano-pasalimani) too!( Piraeus is a different city although the "borders" between itself and Athens are not discernible. ) And of course pay a visit at some of our islands!