Living, studying and thriving in Athens
Your guide to everyday life as a student in Athens: where to live, what things cost, how to get around and what the weather is like.
Living in Athens
Welcome to Athens, a city where 3,000 years of history blend with a dynamic, modern lifestyle. Living here as a student is more than attending lectures: it is an ongoing exploration of culture, sunny days and a welcoming community that quickly feels like home.
The Athenian student experience
A city that never sleeps
From the traditional tavernas and rooftop bars of Monastiraki and Psirri to the artistic alleys of Exarcheia and Koukaki, Athens offers a nightlife and social scene for every student’s budget.
Culture at your doorstep
Walking through Attica feels like exploring an open-air museum. You can study with a view of the Acropolis, relax in the National Gardens or catch a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Between the mountains and the sea
One weekend you can hike Mount Parnitha or Mount Hymettus, and the next take the tram down to the Athens Riviera for a swim.
A gateway to Europe and the islands
With the port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport nearby, the Greek islands and major European destinations are a short trip away.
Good to know: As a student in Athens you are entitled to a student card (Paso) that gives you a 50% discount on all public transport (metro, buses, tram), which keeps getting around affordable.
Accommodation
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important steps in preparing for student life in Athens. The city offers housing for different budgets, lifestyles and preferences, so you can find a place where you feel comfortable and independent.
Your housing options
University dormitories
An affordable option managed by universities, where rent is free or very low. They usually offer basic, functional shared rooms and a strong sense of community, but availability is limited. Priority usually goes to low-income or scholarship students, and rules such as curfews or visitor restrictions may apply.
Private apartments and studios
The most common choice for international students who want more independence and comfort. You get full flexibility over your space and lifestyle, along with responsibilities such as paying bills, handling maintenance and possibly furnishing the place.
Shared apartments
A popular and social option. Many students share larger apartments to split costs, which makes private rentals much more affordable and gives you a built-in community in the city centre or the suburbs.
Find a home with HouSiG
HouSiG is a platform for international students looking for accommodation in Greece. Whether you want a dormitory, a private rental or shared housing, it offers a range of verified listings and connects you with trusted landlords and housing providers, so you can compare options and prices and secure a place before you arrive.
Cost of living
Greece is a student-friendly destination with a high quality of life and a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. Knowing your daily expenses helps you manage your budget and make the most of your time in Athens.
Transportation
Getting around Athens is simple, efficient and affordable for students. The city has an integrated public transport network run by OASA, so a single ticket or card works across almost every mode. Whether you are commuting to campus or exploring the centre, Athens has you covered.
Modes of transport
Athens Metro (Lines 1, 2 and 3)
The fastest and most reliable way to travel. Line 1 (green) connects Piraeus to Kifisia, while Lines 2 (red) and 3 (blue) run through the city centre, connecting major university areas and Athens International Airport.
Buses and trolleybuses
An extensive network covering every neighbourhood in Attica. They run frequently from early morning until midnight, with several 24-hour lines connecting student hotspots to the centre.
The tram
The scenic route. It connects the city centre (Syntagma Square) with the coastal suburbs and the Athens Riviera, perfect for a weekend at the beach.
Suburban railway (Proastiakos)
Mainly for longer commutes, connecting central Athens with the airport, Piraeus and outer areas such as Corinth and Chalcis.
Your student transit card (Ath.ena Card)
As a registered student in Greece you are entitled to a 50% discount on public transport fares with your student ID (Paso). Once your university gives you your Paso, visit a major metro station ticket office with your passport and your Paso. You will be issued a personalised plastic Ath.ena Card with your photo, which you can top up online or in the app on your phone.
Weather in Athens
One of the best parts of student life in Athens is the Mediterranean weather. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy outdoor activities, café hopping and trips to the beach almost all year round.
Spring and autumn
Mild and beautiful, perfect for exploring the historic centre, the hills and the open-air markets.
Summer
Hot and sunny, which makes the Athens Riviera and trips to the Greek islands the ultimate weekend destinations.
Winter
Very mild compared with central and northern Europe, with rare snowfall and plenty of bright, sunny days, known as “Alkyonides days”.
Looking for visa and residence permit information, student communities or emergency numbers? You can find them on the Student Life page of the BSc website.