Experience in Athens, Greece by Melina

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

Athens is the city that makes you wanna take aimlessly walks out of the blue, just to take a dose of its optimistic vibe. It's the city that makes you feel at home, even before getting out of the plane.It's a big familly table of people not knowing each other. It's a ''summer'' even when it's winter. Athens has so many places to be seen, so many historical attractions to be admired, so many entertainment spots to be visited, but still.. what makes Athens so special can't be described. It has to be felt. It's an aura. It's a vibe.It's an inspiration. It's a part of you that hasn't been descovered yet..

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

It's everything a student could ask for! The diversity of the options it offers is so wide, that is suitable for every kind of ''student dream''. From easy walks at picturesque places (such as Plaka), cozy cafeterias and hills that will definitely find you covered in the relaxing orange-purple light of the sunset, having the whole Athens city on your feet and probably holding a beer in your hand (such as Lycabettus and Strefi hills) to bars, pubs and of course, clubs, that can show up in every corner, staying open and full until 5 or 6 am!

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

Not much for sure. You can find cheap and nice apartments to rent almost everywhere in Athens, many of which are located very close to the universities. For example, the follow regions offer great rental oppurtunities for the students studing at the:

Law School of Athens: Exarhia

Athens University of Economics & Buissines:Patisia, Abelokipi, Poligono & Exarhia

National & Kapodistrian University of Athens: Zografou

Panteion University: Kallithea

Charokopeio University: Kallithea

For the rest of the universities, check the map and see which of the aforementioned regions is closer to the university :)

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

Not at all. Nowadays, there are many rooms, studios and appartments available for rent. Check on the Internet before arriving, but even if that haven't lead you to a choice, don't worry: you can even find a good and cheap place to stay, once you come here-the newspapers are filled with ads for renting!

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

The greek cusine is very tasty and it includes many local and traditional recipes. I guess you've heard of ''gemista''(peppers and tomatoes stuffed with rice), ''mousaka''(egglants, potatoes, minced meat and cream sauce), ''pastitsio''(just like mousakas but with spaghetti instead of the egglants and the potatoes), ''feta''(greek cheese), greek salad (with olives and feta), greek sauces (like tzatziki) and of course SOUVLAKI (my favourite). Write all of them on your list and you won't regret it!

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

First of all don't forget to visit Acropolis and it's archeological museum. There are also many others museums and historical attractions to visit (such as the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Mpenaki Museum, etc), which can always be combined with a coffee or a stop for food in the beautiful nearby areas of Syntagma, Monasthraki, Plaka and Thiseio.

Other than that, I would recommend to those staying in Athens during the late spring-summer-early autumn months to visit one of the near islands of Poros, Hydra, Spetses or Aigina, the ferry tickets for which are very cheap, if booked early.

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

Eating out in Athens is a good choice, and surely a really various one. Apart from the fast food stores (like pizza and Mc Donald's), there are also more solutions for tasty and cheap food. The ''souvlakia'' are sold literally everywhere, while there are many falafel and crepa places, especially in the center of Athens. The restaurants and the taverns can also be a good idea, as many of them have reasonable prices and hearty portions; just check the catalogues right out of them! My favourite one is a tavern called ''Ladokolla'', which is located in Kallithea and in Dafni and it serves very tasty greek food at the best price.

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

Without any doubt, Athens is one the most ''partying'' european cities. You can find bars everywhere. The most cheap and easy-going ones can be found at Exarchia, Monastiraki and Psiri. As long as the clubs are concerned, the safest choice is the region of Gazi:there are the one club/bar right next to the other (in total more than 20) while the metro station is right in the middle of the Gazi's square and the prices of the drinks are between 4 to 8 euros. During the summer months you could also go to Kalamaki & Glyfada, which are seaside regions, with a great view and nice cocktails (but be aware: the prices there are a little bit higher).

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Fasten your seatbelts and wear your greatest smiles!

Believe me, any other advice would be unnecessary. Once your foot touches the ground of Athens, its route would have already been defined. Just follow your heart..