Experience in Thessaloniki, Greece by Valentina

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

For me student life in Thessaloniki was a great experience. It's a big city so you have many options and variety of places to visit but not too big to cause a problem in transportation. Just the ideal proportion. I totally and highly recommend it. Wherever you are in the city the sea isn't too far (actually most roads which aren't parallel to it, they lead to it) so you can always find some time to go and walk by the sea. It's not clean but when the weather gets better beaches are quite close. The center of the city is actually a students' center as it's full of young people. There are places to hang out, activities to join, cultural, film and music events.

How much does it cost to live in Thessaloniki?

An average cost for a student is about 700 euros including rent, food, entertainement and extra costs. It can be less if you follow a modest life but still without having to miss something.

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

It's not difficult at all as long as you search between June and September...during other periods the options are less. Be sure to see the house or photos of it as many apparments especially in the city center are old with dysfunctions and serious problems (p.e. holes in floors)

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

It's just great. Either you want junk food or cooked meals you can taste delicious dishes in many places. For example, the famous souvlaki, mousakas, pastitsio, bougatsa, lahanodolmades (stuffed cabbage), kolokithakia (zucchini).

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

Thessaloniki never sleeps at night. To name only a few favourite students' neighbourhoods: Bit Pazar, Ladadika, Kamara area, Aristotelous, sea are. There is a variety of places but if you are in the mood of walking you are most likely to find a new 'hidden' place you didn't know it existed.