Erasmus Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by tatia

Why did you choose to go to Thessaloniki, Greece?

Because of my passion to Greek language :)

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

one year. 1000 euros per month and it's much more then actually you need to live in Thessaloniki. 700 euros per month are enough for living in good conditions in Thessaloniki

What is the student lifestyle like in Thessaloniki?

It's amazing, with their demonstrations, excursions, camping, night life etc.

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

Yes, with great pleasure

What is the food like?

very very delicious food, but there is one serious problem - after one year you'll have more weight then you had before.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Thessaloniki?

No, I found it alone, it's very easy. There are millions of announcements in the streets and especially near the university, about renting flat, studio or room.

How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?

200-250 euros for renting the studio (if you rent the flat with other students it costs much more less circa 120-150 euros).
50 euro for expanses (light, internet etc.) but it depends on the conditions which you get from the house owner, you may will not have to pay for this.
200-250 euros for food, but if you are student you can eat two times a day at the university's restaurant and so only 70-100 euros will be enough for morning food, coffee etc.
100 euro is very good for night life, not every night but cocktail costs 5-7 euros in all night clubs. Of course there are some expensive clubs but nor for students :D

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

Greek language is difficult enough, it isn't easy to learn it well in only one year, but there are intensive language courses at the university, 3 times a week for 2 hours. So you'll be able to learn the language on academic level if you really want it. And the lecturers are very good. Also some greek students make private lessons in greek and it doesn't cost much, or there are some greek students who want to learn other languages so you can contact with them and make sandwich system lessons with them. You can find many announcements of such students on the walls of the university. Good luck! :)

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

Bus is most economical but it's really hell to travel by bus for 2 days. So I usually go there by plane, the Aegean airlines are the best for me.

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

in "Paralia" bars. there are hundreds of them on the seashore of the city. It's also very famous disco "Vogue" which is popular between the students, and also the club 8Ball and many other clubs, you'll get in touch with them the first week of your arrive :))))

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

Garcon is the best, but it's veeery expansive. You can go to Ladadika, where are many good restaurants with traditional live music :)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Inside the city there are many archaeological sights, so you'll see them when you arrive. There is an archaeological museum, where you can find the golden stuff of Alexander the Great, National Theater and many other theaters and cinemas, Cinema museum, Hebrew's museum and their cemetery, thousands of churches and the best of them - the Agia Sofia, Agiou Dimitriou and Rotonda, many exhibitions and so on. In short terms there are many things to see in Thessaloniki and outside of it.

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

Get in touch with Greeks, they are the best people, really! and of course - don't let the wonderful chance to study Greek language and culture, on which is based the whole European culture.
Welcome and have a good stay in beautiful Thessaloniki!

kind regards,
Tatia