Erasmus Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by Irem

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Why did you choose to go to Thessaloniki, Greece?

Well, actually I didn't want to come here; because it was my first experience out of Turkey so I would like to go somewhere far from Turkey. Greece was a surprise for me, but now I'm really happy to be here. Because the culture is similar with Turkish culture and I realized that it's better for my first abroad experience.

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

Unfortunately I don't have a scholarship. I know it is strange but it's about my home university. My father sends me 600 Euro every month and I pay 220 Euro for my flat. This money is really enough for me.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Thessaloniki?

There is a student canteen in the university and food are for free for Aristotele University students. In the beginning of a day we meet there for lunch, then maybe walking in the city center, then gym, then we go to canteen for dinner. Some days we go to taverna. Tavernas are really good, cheap and food is amazing. After dinner if there is a party we get dress and go to party. At the end of the the day, we go to a bar which is called "Drink and Go". Everybody is here every end of days, sometimes we are chilling only in this bar with the most of Erasmus students.

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

Thessaloniki is a small city but you have a lot of opportunities for having fun. We are together all the time with Erasmus students because the city is small. So it's a good thing for us. Greek people are so nice, food is amazing and cheap. I pay too much money for the rent, you can find a cheaper one. But I don't feel like that I'm in an European city because of the architecture and landscape. But who cares, I definitely recommend the city for Erasmus.

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What is the food like?

Special meats, salads, vegetables.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Thessaloniki?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?

My rent is 220 Euros (everything is included). But it's really expensive to live in Thessaloniki because I'm living with Erasmus people. One of my friends lives with a Greek student and she pays 140 Euros.

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

Most of Greeks can speak English and that's why it's really easy to live here. We have Greek courses in the university for free.

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

Istanbul and Thessaloniki is close to each other. It takes around 9 hours by bus. It's the cheapest way and it's around 35 Euros. But if you want to go by plane Turkish Airlanes has a flight from Istanbul to Thessaloniki. But it's not cheap.

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Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Thessaloniki?

We have two area in Thessaloniki. They are called Valoritu and Ladadika. For partying and tavernas this places are good. And Bit Bazaar is good for tavernas. And there are a lot of cafes on the seaside. There are expensive but really cool.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Thessaloniki?

There is a place that is called "Elia and Lemoni". It's in Valoritu area and it's my favourite place. Also Bit Bazaar is really good.

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