Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by Melina

What is it like to live in Thessaloniki? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's very hard to get lost in Thessaloniki because all roads and buildings are designed in squares. People are friendly, you can just say hi to someone and they will start making a conversation. If you play guitar don't hesitate to play outside, you have a lot of chances of people coming to sit around you and be like you know each other for years, except of course if you play for money.

The weather will be either too hot or too cold and it's doesn't rain too often. When you are new here, probably in the beginning you will feel your skin is sticky and this is due to the sea, but you will get used to it quickly.

If you plan on using the bus often, I recommend buying a monthly card for €15 (student price) which provides you limitless pass on bus, you can also buy it for 3 or 6 months.

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In university students organize parties almost every week, on Fridays or Saturdays.

What is the student lifestyle like in Thessaloniki?

As a student you have loads of opportunities, with your student ID you have 50% discount in almost everything. Thessaloniki is the biggest student town in all Greece, even bigger that Athens which is the capital. Students hang outside more than at home, I guess this is due to the warm weather and that they are very outgoing.

How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?

I can't say if it's expensive or not because this depends on what country you come from, however some avarage prices are (in euro currency):

€1. 10 for a 6-pack water from the supermarket.

€0. 50 for bread in a bakery.

€0. 80 for a beer (500 ml) in a supermarket.

€2. 5-5 for a beer (500 ml) in a bar.

In Aristotelus local store you will find ridiculously cheap and fresh meat, fish, fruits and vegetables and if you go around 1 p. m. and 2 p. m. when they are near the close time you can get it even cheaper, think about it as a food bazzar. You will find also lots of €1 stores and there the cigarettes are even cheaper. Don't worry, it's the same quality.

Now, if you are the healthy eating type of person, I have to tell you that here all whole grain products are more expensive, you can find for example white rice for €0. 60 while the same amount of brown rice can cost €2.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Thessaloniki? Is there any advice you can give?

It's very easy to find accommodation, keep in mind though that August-September is the most busy time because all new students move to the city during those months.

Depending on which university you're attending, prices vary from one neighbourhood to another.

Students usually look for an aparment in Ano Poli, Agios Paulos, 40 Ekklisies and Agios Dimitrios. All these neighbourhoods are quite good, they're cheap and close to the university.

If you are in ATEI, then look in Sindos but keep in mind it's far from the city center. If you want to live close to the center, search in every neighbourhood around the train station.

If you don't want to spend your time for finding an accommodation, when you enroll in university you will see loads of renting posters for students, which means that they include furniture, internet and that they are close to the university. There is also a chance that someone asks you if you are new and searching for a home, some of them might be old, but don't be afraid to answer and talk to them.

What places would you recommend visiting in Thessaloniki?

Depending on your interests.

People usually run around the port and students hang out there having a beer. You will also see many street artists and different events that take place there.

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Students usually hang out at night in the castles, but personally I prefer going there in the morning and study there with my coffee because you have a view of all Thessaloniki, silence and fresh air.

Seyh Sou is ideal for mountain biking and running but I usually go there just to pick pines.

Unfortunately you can't swim in the port, although you can go by bus or boat to the beach in Peraia and Angeloxori. However, most Thessalonicians prefer Chalkidiki. In the first leg of Chalkidiki, there is a student camp in Poseidi Beach which only students are allowed to enter. It cooperates with AUTH so if you are from this University, you have a free entry. If you are a student from any other university, you have to pay something. Make sure you bring your tent with you and food and water, although you can just buy something in the bar.

Personally, I recommend Orange Beach, in Sarti, second leg of Chalkidiki. It has clear blue water with white soft sand surrounded by rocks and a forest. People of all ages go there for camping even until October, even though free camp it's illegal. Young people put music on every night and dance, so who knows? Maybe you end up organizing your own mini festival! Just make sure you don't put on a fire because there's a big problem with forests fires during the summer in every part of Greece.

In general, visit all the nearby places, go for a hike in Mount Olympus, visit Meteora, have your natural spa in the the thermal waterfalls in Kilkis. Go fishing in Florina, which is surrounded by rivers (and bears). If you go to Florina make sure you take your jacket with you even if in Thessaloniki it's 30 degrees Celcius! Go to Volos by train and make a stop in Larissa, Larissians have an unique culture. Go to Los Almiros Festival which is completely free and takes place in Volos every 3rd-6th August, usually with rock music. Go to Kavala and learn the history of the city and from there take the boat and visit the Aegean Islands, Ikaria is one of the best ones. You can also go from Kavala to Thassos to jump from an 8 m. mountain into the famous Giola's natural pool just for €5 (round trip), or you can go to Lemnos for €8 and sandboard in the one and only Greek dessert.

You can free camp everywhere even it is supposed to be illegal, you pay a fine only if they catch you in the tent but if you have a hammock it's fine, just take your rubbish with you and say thank you to the mother nature.

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Is it good to eat out in Thessaloniki? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Personally, I never eat out. However, in Navarinu Square (Kamara) you will find affordable gyros, crepes, bakery, pizzas, burgers, fruits salads, fresh juice... In Pizza Chris you can buy a pizza for just €1 and it's actually good quality.

Taverns also provide you good quality and affordable traditional greek food.

Is the nightlife good in Thessaloniki? Where is good to go?

If you want to have a beer, go to Ladadika, it's a square surrounded by pubs. I enjoy Blue Barrel which has nice black beers for €5 (500ml) and has always live rock, metal, folk or jazz music. However, most students prefer the 8ball, which makes specific parties to welcome Erasmus students.

If you prefer a bar where you want to meet people and dance, then go to Balaoritu, it's kind of a square surrounded by clubs where they play many different music genres, so go and experiment.

What advice would you give future students heading to Thessaloniki?

Most of the greeks speak English, even the older generation and they are very friendly and helpful so don't hesitate to ask for anything. Of course, there is always a chance to meet someone rude but don't give up, just go ask the next person you see. If you are Spanish or Italian we will love you! Also, travel, travel and travel! Use your student ID for discounts now that you have the chance. Trains and buses are almost the same price, but if you like meeting people then take the train. Boats are also very cheap, depending on the destination, prices vary from €2 to €30.

If you love parties you can also go to Kavalas Univesity where students organize 2 week festival with camping around May, it's free!

You can also travel outside Thessaloniki. From Greece it's very cheap to go to the Middle East and with your ESN card it's going to be even cheaper, so don't miss the chance!

I recommend you to save money for when you arrive here because if you are thinking about getting a part time job, it's not that easy. I won't say it's impossible, but it's really difficult. However, if you are willing, it's very easy to work in Greek islands during the summer season.

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