Welcome to Athens, a city where 3,000 years of history seamlessly blend with a dynamic, modern lifestyle. Living in Athens as a student is far more than just attending lectures, it is an ongoing exploration of culture, endless sunny days and a welcoming community that immediately feels like home.
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 an unmatched nightlife and social scene tailored to 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 world-class performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Between the Mountains and the Sea: One of the biggest perks of studying here is the geography. On one weekend you can be hiking Mount Parnitha or Mount Hymettus and on the next, you can take the tram down to the Athens Riviera for a swim.
A Gateway to Europe and the Islands: With the port of Piraeus and the Athens International Airport nearby, the world-famous Greek islands and major European destinations are just a short trip away.
Good to Know (Survival Tip): As a student in Athens, you are entitled to a student card (Paso) offering 50% discounts on all public transport (metro, buses, tram), making commuting around the city both affordable and effortless.
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important steps in preparing for your student life in Athens. The city offers diverse housing options that cater to different budgets, lifestyles and preferences, ensuring you’ll find a space where you feel comfortable and independent.
University Dormitories An affordable housing option managed directly by universities, where rent is either free or very low. They typically offer basic, functional living spaces, usually in shared rooms. While they foster a great sense of community and help you adjust to a new country, availability is often limited. Priority is usually given to low-income or scholarship students, and they may have strict rules like curfews or visitor restrictions.
Private Apartments & Studios Renting your own studio or apartment is the most common choice for international students who prefer more independence and comfort. It gives you full flexibility over your personal space and lifestyle, though it comes with responsibilities like paying bills, handling maintenance, and potentially furnishing the space.
Shared Apartments (Flatsharing) A highly popular and social option! Many students choose to share larger apartments to split costs, making private rentals much more affordable. It’s a fantastic way to build a built-in community while splitting the expenses of city-center or suburban living.
HouSiG is a specialized platform designed to assist international students in finding suitable accommodation in Greece. Whether you’re searching for student dormitories, private rentals, or shared housing, HouSiG offers a wide range of verified listings to ensure a smooth and secure experience. The platform connects students with trusted landlords and housing providers, making it easier to compare options, check pricing, and secure a place to stay before arriving in Greece. With a user-friendly interface and reliable resources, HouSiG simplifies the accommodation search, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without housing concerns.
Greece is widely recognized as a student-friendly destination, offering a high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. Understanding your daily expenses will help you manage your student budget effectively and make the most of your time in Athens.
1.25€
3.92€
3.00€ - 4.00€
0.50€
3.80€
3.00€ - 4.00€
15.00€
4.00€ - 6.00€
7.00€
4.00€ base (+1€/km)
Getting around Athens is simple, efficient and highly affordable for students. The city features an integrated public transport network managed by OASA, meaning you can use a single ticket or card across almost all modes of transit. Whether you are commuting to your university campus or exploring the city center, Athens has you covered.
The Athens Metro (Lines 1, 2 & 3) The fastest and most reliable way to travel. Line 1 (the green line/electric railway) connects Piraeus to Kifisia, while Lines 2 (red) and 3 (blue) run deep through the city center, connecting major university areas and the Athens International Airport.
Buses & Trolleybuses An extensive network of hundreds of routes covering every single neighborhood in Attica. They run frequently from early morning until midnight, with several 24-hour lines connecting key student hotspots to the city center.
The Tram The scenic route! The tram connects the city center (Syntagma Square) to the coastal suburbs and the Athens Riviera. It is the perfect choice for a weekend escape to the beach.
Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) Mainly used for longer commutes, connecting the center of Athens with the Airport, Piraeus, and outer suburban regions like Corinth and Chalcis.
As a registered student in Greece, you are entitled to a 50% student discount on all public transport fares using your student ID (Paso).Once you receive your student ID (Paso) from your university, visit any major Metro station ticket office with your passport and your Paso. The agent will issue a personalized plastic Ath.ena Card with your photo. You can top it up online or via the app using your smartphone!
One of the best parts of student life in Athens is the incredible Mediterranean weather. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the city allows you to enjoy outdoor activities, café hopping, and trips to the beach almost all year round.
Spring & Autumn: Mild, beautiful and perfect for exploring the city’s historic center, hills and open-air markets.
Summer: Hot and sunny, making the nearby Athens Riviera and excursions to the Greek islands the ultimate weekend destinations.
Winter: Very mild compared to central and northern Europe, with rare snowfall and plenty of bright, sunny days (known as “Alkyonides days”).
All students from non-European Union (non-EU) countries are required to obtain a special student entry visa (Type D Student VISA) before arriving in Greece. This requirement also applies to nationals of countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Argentina etc) that are otherwise exempt from short-term tourist visa requirements within the Schengen Area.
The student visa is issued by the competent Greek Consular Authority or Embassy in the student’s country of residence and should be obtained prior to travel arrangements. Students are strongly advised to begin the application process early, as visa processing times may vary depending on the country and local consular procedures.
It is important to note that entering Greece with a tourist visa or another type of short-stay visa does not permit conversion to a student residence permit while remaining in the country.
In short, without the appropriate student VISA:
a residence permit for study purposes cannot be issued,
and the student may be required to return to their home country in order to apply for the correct visa.
For this reason, international students are encouraged to ensure that all required documentation has been properly completed and approved before their arrival in Greece.
Upon arrival in Greece, international students from non-EU countries are required to apply for a residence permit for study purposes in order to legally reside in the country for the duration of their studies. The application is submitted to the competent Immigration Authority through the relevant public services and administrative procedures.
Students are strongly advised to begin the application process promptly after their arrival in Greece and well before the expiration date of their student VISA.
Key Points:
The application for a residence permit must be submitted before the student VISA expires.
The application is examined and processed by the competent Immigration Authority.
In certain cases, students may be invited to attend an interview or provide additional supporting documentation.
During the application process, students may also be required to submit biometric data in accordance with Greek immigration regulations.
The residence permit for studies is typically valid for one academic year and may be renewed annually, provided that the student demonstrates satisfactory academic progress and continues to meet the legal requirements for residence in Greece.
Students are encouraged to carefully monitor the expiration date of both their VISA and residence permit and to initiate renewal procedures in a timely manner in order to avoid administrative complications or interruptions to their legal stay in the country.
Harokopio University of Athens aims to foster an inclusive, safe and academically supportive environment, helping international students adapt successfully to both university life and the wider Greek academic and social community.
An integral part of the international student experience at our university is the Erasmus Student Network Harokopio University (ESN Haro). ESN Haro is a vibrant student community dedicated to welcoming international students, organizing cultural events, trips, and social activities, and helping you integrate smoothly into student life in Athens.
The University and its administrative and academic services are committed to supporting international students throughout their studies and their adaptation to university life in Greece. The University provides guidance and assistance on:
Residence permit and administrative procedures.
Academic matters related to studies and student services.
Adaptation to everyday life in Athens and integration into the university community.
International students may receive support regarding registration procedures, access to digital services, communication with university departments and general information related to studying and living in Greece. The University also encourages students to seek guidance whenever they encounter academic, administrative or practical difficulties during their studies.
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