Athens has become one of the most popular Erasmus destinations in Europe, and it is easy to see why: a mild climate, a lively student scene, ancient history on every corner and islands a ferry ride away. But a semester here comes with its own practical quirks. These nine things, grouped into three areas, will help you settle in faster.
Why Athens works so well for exchange students
Athens is a big, busy capital, home to several major universities, including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Athens University of Economics and Business and the National Technical University of Athens. Thousands of international students arrive every semester, so there is a well established network of student associations, Erasmus groups and events from the very first week.
The city also offers a rare mix. You can spend the morning in a lecture, the afternoon walking past the Acropolis and the evening at a taverna with friends, all without spending much. Compared with many Western European capitals, day to day costs such as eating out, coffee and public transport are often noticeably lower, which makes an Erasmus in Athens easier on the budget than many students expect.
That said, Athens rewards students who understand how things work locally. Paperwork, timing, transport and the rhythm of the day all differ from what many northern Europeans are used to. The nine points below are grouped into three areas, each numbered on its own.
Getting settled in your first weeks
The first weeks are about sorting out the basics. A little preparation here saves a lot of time queuing and searching later.
Get your AFM early
The AFM is the Greek tax identification number. You may need it for a phone contract, a rental agreement, some bank services and other official paperwork. Ask your university’s international office how to apply as soon as you arrive, because many other steps depend on it.
Choose your area wisely
Popular student areas include Pangrati, Koukaki, Kypseli and Zografou, which sits near the main campuses of two large universities. Check the commute to your faculty before signing anything, since distances in Athens can be longer than they look on a map.
Master public transport
Athens has three metro lines, a tram to the coast and a large bus network. A standard ticket covers a set period across modes, so one ticket can take you across the city. Ask whether you qualify for a reduced student fare, since the rules depend on your status and the documents you hold, and keep your ticket validated at all times because inspections are common. The airport journey costs more than a normal fare, so check the price before you travel.
Housing deserves extra care. Many international students find rooms through university groups, trusted platforms or recommendations from previous exchange students. Always view a place, in person or by live video, before paying anything, and ask exactly what is included in the rent, such as internet, heating and building charges. Older buildings can be cold in winter and very hot in summer, so ask about heating and air conditioning too.
Heads up: Never send a deposit for a room you have not seen, even if the listing looks perfect; rental scams targeting incoming students exist in every popular Erasmus city, Athens included.
Everyday life in the city
Once the paperwork is done, daily life in Athens has its own rhythm, and adapting to it early makes everything smoother.
Adjust to the timing
Greeks often eat lunch in the afternoon and dinner late, sometimes after nine. Some shops keep split hours with a midday break, and quiet hours in residential buildings are common in the early afternoon. Matching this rhythm makes daily errands easier.
Shop at the laiki
Almost every neighbourhood has a weekly street market, called a laiki, selling fruit, vegetables, olives, cheese and more at good prices. It is one of the cheapest ways to eat well and a great place to practise a few words of Greek.
Respect the heat
Early autumn and late spring can be very hot, and summer even more so. Carry water, use sun protection and plan walks and sightseeing for mornings or evenings. Many locals slow down in the hottest part of the day, and it is wise to do the same.
Food is one of the great pleasures of an Erasmus in Athens. Souvlaki and gyros are cheap and filling, bakeries sell spinach and cheese pies for breakfast, and tavernas offer shared dishes that are ideal for group dinners. Kiosks, known as periptera, are everywhere and sell drinks, snacks, phone top ups and much more, often late into the night.
Making the most of your semester
Beyond the practical side, a few habits help students get far more out of their time in Greece.
Learn the basics of Greek
Many people in Athens speak English, especially younger people, but learning the alphabet and a few phrases makes a real difference. Being able to read signs, menus and metro stations removes a lot of daily stress and is appreciated by locals.
Plan island trips smartly
Ferries from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina connect Athens to dozens of islands. Travelling outside peak summer is cheaper and quieter, and booking ahead matters on popular routes and holiday weekends. Check student discounts when you buy tickets.
Stay flexible with classes
Academic life can feel different from home. Timetables may change, some information arrives late and occasional strikes can affect schedules. Stay in close contact with your professors and the international office, and confirm exam dates well in advance.
Social life tends to happen outdoors for much of the year. Friends meet in squares and cafés, on rooftop terraces with views of the Acropolis, or at neighbourhood tavernas that stay busy until late. Coffee culture is a big part of daily life, and a single iced coffee can easily last an hour of conversation. For international students, this makes it relatively easy to meet people, because socialising is relaxed, unhurried and often spontaneous. Joining your university’s Erasmus Student Network section, a sports club or a language exchange in the first weeks gives you a ready made circle, and local students are often curious about where you come from and happy to recommend their favourite spots.
Key takeaway: An Erasmus in Athens is at its best when you adapt to the local rhythm, from late dinners to afternoon quiet hours, instead of trying to live on the schedule you had at home.
Weekends and day trips from Athens
One of the biggest advantages of an Erasmus in Athens is how much is reachable in a day. The coastline south of the city, often called the Athens Riviera, has beaches you can reach by tram or bus, which makes a swim after class a realistic plan for much of the year. Further along the coast, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is a classic sunset trip.
Inland, Delphi and its mountain setting make an unforgettable day or overnight trip, and the elegant seaside town of Nafplio in the Peloponnese is a favourite weekend escape. Closer islands such as Aegina and Hydra can be visited from Piraeus without a long ferry journey, which makes them ideal for a first island experience before tackling the Cyclades.
Student and Erasmus associations regularly organise group trips at reduced prices, which are a good way to travel cheaply and meet people in the first weeks. Once you know your way around, travelling in small groups with friends often gives more freedom.
Staying safe and healthy
Athens is generally a welcoming city for students, but like every busy capital it has its risks. Pickpocketing happens on crowded metro lines, at busy stations and in tourist areas, so keep your phone and wallet secure, especially on the line serving the port and the main sights. At night, stick to well lit streets and ask local classmates which areas they prefer to avoid.
If you are an EU student, bring your European Health Insurance Card, and check what your insurance covers for private care. Pharmacies, marked with a green cross, are easy to find and pharmacists can advise on minor problems. The European emergency number 112 works in Greece. Save it in your phone along with the contact details of your international office.
Budgeting for a semester in Athens
Costs vary depending on your neighbourhood and lifestyle, but rent is usually the largest expense, followed by food and travel. Many students find that cooking at home with market produce and eating out at simple tavernas keeps food costs manageable. Travel is where budgets often stretch, because weekend trips to islands and other parts of Greece are hard to resist. Setting aside around 20% of your monthly budget specifically for trips helps you enjoy them without running short at the end of the semester.
Check whether your Erasmus grant arrives in one payment or several, and plan around the dates. Having a card with low foreign transaction fees is useful if your bank account is outside the eurozone, and carrying some cash helps at markets and small shops, although card payments are widely accepted in the city.
In short
Sort your AFM and housing early, learn the transport system and the alphabet, adapt to the local rhythm and budget separately for island trips; Athens rewards students who settle in deliberately.
Quick actionable tip: Before you arrive, ask your host university’s international office for their step by step guide to getting an AFM, and check which of your other paperwork depends on it.
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