Experience in Athens, Greece, by Giga

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

This city has two sides, bad and good. If somebody wants to study in Athens he or she must choose good and safe areas to stay there. At the bad streets there are many dangers. which are bad streets and areas? One of them called Omonia. If you are going to stay Athens for study you must be sure that your apartment will not be near Omonia, also Attiki and these areas.

The best side for students is Zografou, it is the nearest district to National and kapodistrian university of Athens (panepistimiopoli). Also very good areas are near M station Evangelismos, Pagkrati, etc.

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Otherwise, I love this city, in spite of many problems and strikes. Greeks are very good people. There are many things to spend time very well and there are not also very high prices. If you will live good area you will be happy and you will have many adventures.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Student lifestyle is very good in Athens. First of all you will get good education. After classes you have many things to see in Athens or out from Athens. You and your friends can plan some excursion, in Greece there many places to go and in the evening there is possibility to have fun, eat good foods, drink and dance. This is it.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Okay. If you want to stay in studio alone you need about 300 euro per month, but if you want shared flats 150-180 euro is enough per month, but if you are alone it is better to have your own studio, this my personal opinion. Otherwise food is not expensive, because there is many shops and bakery where you can buy cheaper products, also in the university exist cafeteria where you can eat with little money. Transport is about 1,20 euro 1 hour ticket if you don’t have student card, but if you have you have to pay 60 cents in spite of 1,20 euro. As concerns the taxi I don’t recommend students for taxi, except necessary situations, because it is not cheap.

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

It depends on program which you go. Erasmus helps students and other programs too, but finally you must do your job. It is not difficult to find accommodation in Athens but it is difficult to find a good and safe place. Also easier is to find shared flats, because most of students prefer shared flats. I advise every student to do their best and also pay more for good areas, in my opinion it is much for foreigner student to be safe.

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

Greek food are good. There many but as many people also me like souvlaki, gyros and also wrape (cold cafe). Souvlaki is meat and gyros also meat but some taste ingredients. With these dishes you must drink beer, it would be great.

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I want to say true that I don't like Ouzo (Greek national alcohol drink), it is not good. But the famous thing is there Frape, everybody has it in their hands, every time and everywhere.

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

I recommend go near Zografou, near Syntagma (but not Omonia and these sides), near Evangelismos, Pagkrati, Illisia...

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

It is good, there is many places to eat. Greeks like eating out and that is the reason that exist many restaurants and cafes. For example, near Acropolis, there are many spots where to eat, but they are also a little bit expensive. Otherwise every living area have minimum one good place to eat.

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

Yes, there is nightlife. But I don't go in clubs but there is it. Near acropolis are many Greek restaurant where you can have a good time with Greek buzukia.

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

I advise first of all to search good places to live there and if you want to spend your money with care you must do it yes but not for your living place, you must pay to have good home in safe neighborhood, there is not criminals and you and your parents will be happy and calmly. This is it.

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