Erasmus Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece, by Cristina

Why did you choose to go to Thessaloniki, Greece?

I had thought about going to your 'typical' destinations (the United Kingdom, France... ) but after seeing Greece on the list of Erasmus destinations, I did not think twice. I went with my gut feeling and it was definitely the right decision.

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, it is the capital of Macedonia and an important port city to the north of the Aegean Sea. The population (including its outskirts) is 1, 104 460 inhabitants.

How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive as financial support?

The scholarship lasted 9 months and I think I remember receiving at least €2000. The grant depends on your autonomous community. From what I understand, the community of Andalusia are very generous. Then there is a fixed grant for everybody who comes from within the European Union.

What is the student atmosphere like in Thessaloniki?

It's very good. It's a city with lots of students, as much as or maybe even more than Athens. To give you an idea, it would be like Salamanca in Spain. Many things are organised with students in mind: the nightlife, transport discounts, etc.

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

Yes. I went to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, but there are more universities and schools. This one is the biggest in all of Greece, with 44 departments which carry national and international prestige. There are classes in English, French, German and Italian. I met people who had classes in Greek and despite this they did not find the exams difficult and were able to pass. It may also seem weird that some faculties are separate buildings but this does not mean that the classes are worse. Besides from this, from my experience I recall Nikoleta, who was responsible for signing our learning agreement forms. She is efficient and very nice, so I did not have problems with the paperwork.

Moreover, to lessen expenses you can eat for free at the "Leschi" cafeteria, who serve lunch and dinner Monday - Friday and dinner on weekends. On top of this, the books you need to read are given to everybody for free in class! Except for the class note type ups, which they usually leave for you to collect at the stationary offices or shops close to the University.

How is the food in Greece?

You won't go hungry! The most well known food is "gyros" or "souvlaki", which you can order for around €3, of course, because it's fast food... The feta cheese is terrific and there are products like yogurt and milk that are a bit different and need to be consumed in two days, not like in Spain. Moussaka, made from aubergines... Anyway, my mouth is watering from the memories. A limitless amount of exotic food.

Furthermore, eating out is cheap. I would advise you to go to a Greek Taverna - you can get a starter, main and pudding for roughly €11 and in a really great atmosphere.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Thessaloniki?

No, I had already looked from Spain to be prepared. Regardless, I recommend looking for a place beforehand and then when you arrive you can see it in person and sort everything out, even if it means you have to pay to stay in a hotel for a few days. In Thessaloniki, you can find flats, studios...

How much is the cost of living in Thessaloniki?

I used to pay €150 for a flat, on top of the bills, which we had to pay approximately every 3 months. My flat was well situated, in the area closest to the centre. After that you'd have to include other expenditures (like going out, food) but as I have already explained, with the free cafeteria you don't have to spend much.

Transport is very cheap, in Thessaloniki the most common way to travel is by bus. Right now they are constructing an underground train which is expected to be completed in 2018. The bus ticket costs €0. 40, €0. 50 for a return and €0. 80 for an unlimited use day ticket - and that's including the price increases caused by the economic crisis. If you are not a student it is double, and it's worth me mentioning that even the fines for not buying a ticket are half the price for students. For these discounts you will need a PASO card, the student card - at least for the AUTH (Aristotle University); there are more universities in the city.

On the other hand, there are lots of supermarkets you would recognise from Spain, like Lidl. Apart from this, they have their own brands. For example, I always went to Masoutis supermarket, where the rate of VAT was 23%, just a tad more expensive. There are fast food places, which are all Greek chains. It's difficult to find a McDonald's (I only ever saw one in the whole city). As I have said, a meal out is €11, drinks are a bit more expensive with soft drinks being €3. Also, f you just spend the whole evening on the terrace and don't buy much they will not kick you out. Also they usually have games and other things in bars.

After this, you have mobile phone costs. The best mobile phone network is "Cosmote", you spend less than €10 a month and you have free calls and texts to other Cosmote customers. It's the best option for Erasmus students. With this sim and a cheap phone, at around €25, you will not have problems communicating with others.

The cost of living in general is similar to Spain and if you already live in a flat here it will not be difficult for you to manage your expenses in Thessaloniki.

What about the language? Did you go to a language course at the University?

At first I was a bit scared about going to a country that speaks such a different language - at least it seems that way from an outsiders perspective - but once you arrive it's easy to get by with English. Even the older generation know how to speak English if they are kind enough to help you and if you say you are from Spain, they will help you with whatever you want (they love us).

With regards to Greek, I took private classes with a friend who was able to help me. They also give courses at different times during the semester or all year round in the School of Modern Greek Language. To attend these classes you will have to sign up in advance and pay the fees. The year I was there they did a survey to win free classes - so watch out for these offers.

The language is complicated to write but as long as you put the effort into learning it, it gets easier. You end up noting all the similarities between Greek and Spanish and that helps you. In fact, Greeks usually find Spanish easy to learn and more and more young people are starting to study it. Learn the alphabet well so that you can read important places in Greek.

What is the most economical way of getting to Thessaloniki from your home country?

I come from Santiago de Compostela and I took a Ryanair flight, stopping off in Bérgamo (Italy). I had to catch two planes and check in for both flights. I do not remember the price exactly but it was at least €100, which is actually not very much.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is known in Europe for a good night out. In Summer it's overflowing with people, whereas in Winter, everybody waits for the weather to get better before they come out. Nevertheless, you'll have a good time in Winter because the cold, although it can be more intense than in Santiago, does not last very long... "Ladika" for example is an area that young people go to, where there are many bars; there is a better atmosphere there. "La Torre Blanca" also has lots of customers, even though it is more to have a drink and take a stroll and there you can even get on a boat that gives you a half hour ride around the port. As well as this there are clubs like "8ball", and "Figaro" (where us Erasmus used to go to), bars like "Silver Dollar" and "Monroe", which is great inside, with rock music from the 70s and 80s. Bars are always full... A big city with lots of students and good weather... Any place is good to go to if you want a drink.

And to eat out in Thessaloniki? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Right now I don't remember the names of the tavernas, but honestly, you will enjoy them and eat well, wherever you choose to go. I have been to the "Ladadika" area the most, there are tavernas upon tavernas and they're loud and busy - in a good way. Also do not forget to drink ouzo, and if you dare to, go out and dance to Rembetiko (Greek folk music), which is usually played by musicians on a podium or platform. It usually starts when people are eating their desserts and it is completely normal, don't be shy. If you stand up at any time during your dessert, you might not be able to sit back down.

And what about cultural visits?

Anywhere in Greece exudes culture. Thessaloniki has lots of museums, many of which are free for students. Being a student in this city is advantageous in lots of ways! But do not expect to see Greek columns or anything, that's in Athens. Thessaloniki is Byzantine; you can wander calmly through the streets and you'll undoubtedly see a church that goes unnoticed between two buildings. There are lots of churches, museums and Ano Poli (the Upper Town) has an ancient mural which is very charming, etc. And it's not just the city that has interesting culture, but the outskirts as well.

Is there any advice you'd like to give to future Erasmus students in Thessaloniki?

First of all, I would say that the Greek people are very friendly and will help you with anything, even if in some places they want to swindle your money because you're a foreigner, they are good people. For sure, if you can haggle, do it, if not you'll find they may lower the price anyway, just to keep up with the haggling tradition.

Enjoy every moment, time will fly by. Soak up the culture, speak the language - or try to because it will enrich you, even if you think it is a useless language - get to know the locals as well as other Erasmus students and if you can, students that are not from your own country, the further away they come from the better, you will be able to tolerate and understand more things.

Erasmus is an academic experience first and foremost, but you will look back at it and remember it more for what it personally brought you. It will change you for the better; lots of us already want to re-do the experience. It will be one of the best things you will do, at least in university!

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