Study abroad in Athens
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Athens.
Country
GreeceStudent Budget
EUR 850 – 1,300/month
Transport Card
OASA student fare card if eligible
Population
About 640k municipality / over 3M metro
City Vibe
Greece's biggest academic and cultural base: historic streets, major universities, late social life, metro access, and strong value if students avoid tourist traps.
Who loves this city?
Students who want big-city energy, ancient history, warm evenings, low-cost food, and social life that starts late.
What makes it special
Athens lets students live among layers of history while still having a messy, current, creative capital around them.
Newcomer shocks
- Traffic and noise can be tiring at first.
- August and September heat changes how you plan the day.
- Greek admin often requires patience and repeated follow-up.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C / 6°C | Rainy | 10h daylight; bring a light coat |
| February | 13°C / 7°C | Rainy spells | Mild for Europe; pack waterproof layer |
| March | 16°C / 9°C | Some showers | Spring blossoms; pleasant walking |
| April | 20°C / 12°C | Occasional showers | Easter crowds; ideal sightseeing weather |
| May | 25°C / 16°C | Mostly dry | Warm; sunscreen needed |
| June | 30°C / 21°C | Very dry | Hot; hydrate and avoid midday sun |
| July | 33°C / 24°C | Dry, heat wave risk | Peak heat; light cotton clothing only |
| August | 33°C / 24°C | Dry | Hottest month; many locals leave |
| September | 28°C / 20°C | Light rain possible | Best beach weather; less crowded |
| October | 22°C / 15°C | Rain returns | Mild; great for Acropolis visits |
| November | 16°C / 11°C | Rainy | Pack a warm layer and umbrella |
| December | 13°C / 8°C | Rainy and cool | Festive atmosphere; light winter coat |
Winters are mild but homes can feel cold indoors. Pack layers rather than only summer clothes.
Packing checklist
- High-SPF sunscreen for May–Sep
- Lightweight cotton for summer
- Rain jacket for Oct–Mar
- Comfortable walking shoes for ruins
- Reusable water bottle (tap water drinkable)
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
56.3 / 100
Mid-range · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | EUR 350 – 600/month | Rooms vary sharply by neighborhood and tourist pressure. |
| Groceries | EUR 180 – 300/month | Local markets, bakeries, and simple cooking help. |
| Transport Monthly | EUR 15 – 30/month | Student discounts may apply with local documentation. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Zografou / Ilisia
Budget to mid-rangeNational and Kapodistrian University and NTUA campus access
Pangrati
Mid-rangeCentral life, cafes, and balanced commutes
Koukaki
Mid to highWalkable central Athens and Acropolis-side atmosphere
Exarchia
Budget to mid-rangeAlternative cafes, bookshops, and student politics
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission letter
Insurance
Proof of funds
Lease or accommodation confirmation
Timing
Start before August if arriving for autumn.
Give yourself extra time because August can be slow administratively.
Red flags
No contract
Cash deposit before viewing
Unclear utility costs
Listing address far from the advertised metro stop
Safety
Safety Index
45.0 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
55.0 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Manageable for students. Watch pickpocketing in metro, Monastiraki, Omonia edges, and tourist crowds; heat and traffic are also real risks.
Top risks
- Pickpocketing in crowded metro and tourist areas
- Heat exhaustion during late summer arrival
- Traffic and scooters when crossing streets
- Rental scams
Transport
🚇 Metro, tram, trolleybus, and bus
Metro is easiest for newcomers, but buses often matter for campus routes.
Check OASA student fare rules with your host institution.
🚶 Walking
Great in central neighborhoods, but hills, heat, and uneven pavements matter.
Not applicable.
🚆 Ferry, coach, and train
Useful for islands and mainland trips, but peak season can be expensive.
Check student and youth discounts before booking.
Events & Activities
Athens Epidaurus Festival
Summer
Ticketed with some reduced options
Major theatre and music programming in iconic venues.
Open-air cinemas
Spring to autumn
Low to moderate
A very Athenian social plan for warm evenings.
Acropolis and museum student visits
Year-round
Student/youth reductions may apply
Essential context for living in the city rather than just visiting it.
Athens Street Food Festival
May / October
Free entry; food €3–8 per item
Affordable way to eat across Greek regional cuisines and international street food in one place
Full Moon at the Acropolis
August full moon night
Free (special opening)
One night per year the Acropolis opens for free under the full moon — unmissable and completely unique
Mount Lycabettus sunset hike
Year-round
Free
Best 360° panoramic view over Athens and the Acropolis — 15-min walk from Kolonaki, perfect for golden-hour photos.
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
ISIC (International Student Identity Card) Discounts
Get international student discounts at main museums, galleries, cultural sites, and tourist attractions.
VisitLocal Museum Youth/Student Days
Many national and municipal museums offer free or highly discounted entry for students and young residents under 26.
VisitCulture & student events
Carry student ID for archaeological sites, museums, cinemas, and theatres.
VisitFood Savings
Ask your host university what documents are needed for OASA student fares. Fares & passes
Universities
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
Greece's oldest and most prestigious university (founded 1837) with 70,000 students — a major Erasmus destination in Europe's most historically rich capital city, with strengths in law, medicine, humanities, and natural sciences.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Meeting Places 5
Public Groups 3
ESN KAPA Athens
ESN chapter for international students in Athens.
ESN NTUA Athens
ESN association connected with NTUA exchange life.
This is Athens
Official city guide for events, neighborhoods, and cultural planning.