Experience in Athens, Greece by Roxana

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

When you get in Athens, give a chance to its people. Greeks are so warm, kind, loud, crazy. It will be a pity not having the chance to have a group of Greek friends.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

Crazy!

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

• One room: in shared apartment cost around 230-250 euro (expenses included).
• Supermarket: around 200 euro per month.
• Going out: between 100-150 euro per month.

Do your maths :)

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

Athens must be the only capital in Europe which doesn't rent furnished rooms. Also, Greeks don't share apartments. They don't have the culture of "roommate". Let’s say that is easier to get a date with Brad Pitt than finding a furnished apartment is Athens. But, if you find one the only thing you need to pay attention is on how old the apartment is.

If they are telling you that during the winter the heat is "on common" run away! Means that you will froze all winter and pay a lot of money monthly for heating. Yap... exactly. They are opening the heat just a few hours per day, most probably when you are at work or school. Old buildings have common heat.

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

Pork tigania, Kolokithakia tiganita, Paedakia arni, Horta, Mavromatika. I can't explain what they represent. Just order them :)

What places would you recommend visiting in Athens?

• Archeological museum.
• Likabitos Mountain (in the one in the middle of the city).
• Piraeus harbor, Philopapou hill.

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

Athens is about tradition, not fancy food :) This is not Paris. So, try the best Cretan cuisine at "Taverna Tou Diomatarhi" in Ano Petralona (very near to the green line). Go there, ask for Mr. Diomatarhis and tell him that Roxani sent you (this is me), then... sit at your table and learn what Greek hospitality means.

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

Everywhere :) From having cheap beers and "rakomelo" in Exarhia or Psiri, to dancing in Gazi, having a fancy cocktail in Glifada, going for a Leffe beer at "Briki" bar or for a glass of wine at "Fabrica de Vino", Athens is an amazing place to have fun!

What advice would you give future students heading to Athens?

Athens is the only city in Europe where people still know how to enjoy living, smiling, dancing. Take advantage of it, you will not find somewhere else this mood of living every moment.