Erasmus Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by Ella

Why did you choose to go to Thessaloniki, Greece?

A bit of a random choice, I liked the sound of the city, I like Greek food. I wanted to experience a new culture and all of these things were true of Thessaloniki.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I am from Australia so my funding is different. I received a €4000 loan which I pay back but I have hardly used any of the loan because living here is very cheap.

What is the student lifestyle like in Thessaloniki?

Student life mimics Greek life, relaxed start to the morning, a long lunch in the afternoon and many hours sitting on a coffee or a beer in between. And sometimes some study.

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

Yes. The university is quite outdated and many people have a lot of problems with their courses being taught in Greek and not English which is the main problem.

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What is the food like?

Amazing. Greek food is varied and delicious and Thessaloniki is supposedly the gastronomic heart of Greece.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Thessaloniki?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?

"Erasmus price" for a room in a shared flat in the middle of the city is generally around €200, sometimes with bills included sometimes without depending on how good you are at finding a deal. I spend around €25 a week on groceries, but you can eat breakfast lunch and dinner for free at the uni canteen if you go to Aristotle University.

When you go out for a meal it will generally cost under €10 with some wine or a beer.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Greek is hard but there are free courses offered at AUTH

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Thessaloniki from your city?

For me I had to fly. Ryanair does cheap flights from Rome, Paris, Brussels, Barcelona and a few other places.

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