Erasmus Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by Patrick

Why did you choose to go to Thessaloniki, Greece?

I have long been interested in the Byzantine history and contemporary Greece. I thought Thessaloniki would be an excellent choice.

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

I got a tuition fee waiver for a one month intensive course in Modern Greek.

What is the student lifestyle like in Thessaloniki?

It is very affordable.

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

I would recommend the city, but I am not sure about Aristotle University. One Friday, I met with the scholarship coordinator at 12:30 for coffee. When I left at 2:00pm, I was mugged on campus. It happened within half a minute of leaving her office and walking through campuses. Three men attacked me and despite my shouts no one intervened.

I went back to the office and, though I was assisted, I was informed that these incidents are actually frequent for Aristotle University. The security situation is quite perilous. The University made no attempt to inform the other students on my program; and when I said they should have more security to prevent these things, they laughed and responded "well who will pay for that? "

What is the food like?

The food in Greece is either savory or sweet, for the most part. Don't come expecting spicy food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Thessaloniki?

It was very hard to find accommodation. Check the Erasmus networks. If someone on Airbnb tries to rent their place for more than 400/500 euros a month, tell them you know you can find cheaper places.

My friend (who came with me to the program) and I ended up paying 800 euros from Airbnb all together. Honestly, this was way too much, as our neighbors informed us (they were paying about 300 euros for much more).

How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?

If you aren't mugged or being scammed in your accommodation, you can easily live within 400-500 euros.

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

There are language courses at the university. However, Greek can be challenging. For Erasmus students, there can be limited (or no) classes in English. I spoke to one of the school's foreign student coordinators. We talked about how to draw in more international students and I suggested they offer more courses in English or even French, and she informed me that that was not something Aristotle University wanted to do. Her rationale: how does that make Aristotle University unique if they follow the international trend and start offering courses in English? I think that's rubbish, but know that it's the policy.

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

Airplane.

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

Valaoritou Street is the place for going out, in my opinion, or around that street.

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

You can find 1 euro tasty pizzas at Chris' Pizzas not far from the Rotonta; and just a bit away at the Kamara is a nice souflaki and gyro place for 2 and some euros.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Visit the castle on the hill,

Source

Kamara, Rotonta of course. Keep in mind the churches (Hagia Sophia, Demitrios) have weird hours. Not all churches are open all the time. There are a lot of old small churches too, check them out!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Thessaloniki in the future?

The city is mostly safe, but campuses in Greece are not safe. Remember this. If you are going through campus stick to public areas, and even there do not put your headphones in your ears. Try to blend in and always pretend you know where you are going. Try to dress like locals on campus. Do not expect help on campus or from the police. Police are not even allowed to enter campuses.