How to eat healthy, delicious meals in Athens on a student budget

Athens is a beautiful city where you can find lots of delicious food.

But is it possible to eat healthy, delicious food on a student budget?

In this article, we will detail how to do precisely that.

Eat out less - cook at home more

It's easy to eat healthy in Athens if you're willing to cook.

And with the endless number of fresh fruit, vegetable, and seafood markets... it's pretty inexpensive!

Get groceries at a local market

The best way to eat healthy and cheap in Athens is to go to the local markets. It's much easier to get fresh meat at a market than at a grocery store. Local markets have lower prices on produce and meat and can also be more fun because they are social. You get to see and chat with your neighbors and find out the latest gossip.

Another option is "laiki…

…which are street farmers' markets where you can get fresh produce. 

They'll sell at much-discounted prices if you go toward the end of the day. These are not organic, but they're still pretty good and inexpensive!

You can also find great deals on things like bread, feta cheese, yogurt, eggs, and olives at your local mini-market. Some are open 24 hours a day and have everything you need if you have a sudden craving for some olives at 3 a.m.

The most traditional local shops, called "mpakaliko," are where you find what locals eat. One of the oldest still successfully serving is Karas Trofima.

Conveniently located in the center of Athens at Em Benaki 23 str... get ready for the friendliest Greek shopping experience. You can find many delicious kinds of cheese, cold cuts, legumes, olives, Greek spirits, and other Greek products... at the best prices and with the friendliest service.

Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables

You can get seasonal fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices throughout the year. Add them to your diet in combination with other ingredients. Or use them as the main ingredients in salads. For example, orange juice is great for Vitamin C, which helps fight colds!

Shop the sales

Supermarkets run different promotions every week. Keep an eye out and shop at deep discounts.

Where to find a farmers' market

The Central Farmers' Market of Athens, called 'Varvakios Agora,' is a short walk from Omonia square. The Central Market is the biggest and best known among Greek people too. It's a good place for buying fresh fruit and vegetables in bulk at lower prices.

Farmers' markets called "laiki" are open weekly in different neighborhoods throughout Athens. Ask a local when is "laiki" in your area. Or check for more info here

Some easy to make delicious Greek meals

Greek yogurt is a great breakfast choice because it is filling and very nutritious. Eat with honey and walnuts. It is heavenly!

Vegetables are very affordable in Greece, so roast some veggies... and dip them in good quality hummus! This recipe is healthy, savory, and has a great texture which makes it satisfying. Hummus also goes great with fresh pita bread- stab some veggies with a fork and dip in hummus.

And of course the famous Greek Salad!

Eating out on a budget

"Magireuta" which means home-cooked food, is a great option to eat cooked food! Find your local place and enjoy the meals Greeks cook at home.

Souvlakia is another good option for an inexpensive meal. Order whole grain pita, lettuce, tomato, and meat of your choice and enjoy a full meal!

And last but not least...

Taste Greek pies

You'll find pastries filled with spinach and cheese called spanakopita (spinach pie), kreatopita (meat pie), tiropita (cheese pie), tiropites/pitakia (cheese/meat turnovers), and bougatsa (custard pastry). 

These pastries cost anywhere between €1 and €2.50 ($1.12 - $2.80) and can easily fill you up. And they taste AMAZING! (try it and thank us later).

Use student discounts

All you need to do is show your Student Identity Card to get discounts at many places around Athens. It saves you money at bars and restaurants all around Greece. You can also get discounts at museums and places of interest around the city.

In conclusion

The Greek diet is one of the healthiest you can find. And if you're ready to put a little time and effort into planning your meals, shopping for the right ingredients, and cooking... you'll be amazed how well you can eat in Athens, even on a student budget!

Your First Steps in a Shared Student Apartment in Athens

Top tips on moving in (don't screw up #4!)

Moving into your student apartment in Athens is super exciting. But it can also get stressful.

At roomsAthens, we want to make your first steps in a shared student accommodation a smooth ride.

So we compiled practical tips on arriving, moving in, meeting flatmates, laundry... and organizing your stuff. (especially helpful if you're new to the city and/or an Erasmus student).

Arrival & check-in

Tip one: arrival & check-in

During your booking process find out what type of check-in is offered.

If it is a self-check-in, make sure you received and understood all the instructions.

Unless you want to end up on the street with your luggage without being able to get into your accommodation in Athens...

Ask your landlord to provide a photo/ video. It's always helpful.

When your check-in is in person, here are the best steps to take:

• State your arrival details. Don't forget about the time difference when you share your arrival time

• Better yet, share your flight number. This way, it's easier to track and adjust to your actual arrival time.

On your arrival:

Introduce yourself in a friendly manner. If you arrive with a delay, don't forget to apologize. Being polite is always a great idea.

If your flatmates are home, greet them and briefly introduce yourself.

Property inspection

Tip two: Check your student room and apartment

Stay polite but firm if you notice anything different about your room and property. Don't be shy to ask questions!

You should receive a brief tour of the property with a demonstration and explanation.

If you haven't received this info, remember to ask how to operate the water boiler, AC, and appliances.

Usually, there isn't enough time to spot any discrepancies right away. So, instead of rushing out to explore all the city's hot spots... spend the first 24h checking your student flatshare in Athens!

Write down everything damaged, out of order, or missing altogether. Contact your landlord and your booking provider to let them know (if not booked directly).

Once again, be respectful but firm. You should receive what you were promised. It's your right.

If the landlord isn't willing to correct their omissions, arrange your exit. Obviously, you don't want to leave without booking another place.

So, arrange at least a week's stay, so you have time to visit places and make sure it's exactly what you what.

Assuming you find everything to your liking:

The room and apartment are just like in the photos, all appliances are in working condition and all the features as described...

Meet your flatmates

Tip three: Time to get to know your flatmates

The more, the better! Ask about their habits. Talk about yours.

Agree on how each will use the kitchen. Discuss food storage. Set boundaries.

Who likes finding out someone was secretly nibbling on your favorite breakfast without asking you.

Hygiene & cleanliness

Tip four: One of the most critical parts is keeping hygiene standards

It's especially crucial when you live in a shared student apartment.

When you rent student accommodation in Athens, chances are you won't have more than two bathrooms in a property.

That means you might be sharing the bathrooms with two, three, or more flatmates. It's essential you discuss and stick to agreed rules.

Don't use other flatmates' hygiene products; instead, make sure you are fully stocked on your own.

Clean the bathroom after using it. It's very unpleasant to walk into a flooded, filthy bathroom. No one likes it, and you wouldn't like it either.

Don't take too much time when you know everyone is in a hurry to get to school or work. It'll upset your flatmates for sure.

Don't pile up dishes in the kitchen. Create a routine and agree with all flatmates on sticking to it.

The same goes for garbage disposal: take it out DAILY... and save yourself from unwelcome guests like cockroaches.

Laundry is another task you should be as organized as possible. Many student apartments in Athens have a washer in the property.

For example, our properties all have washing machines inside the apartment. It makes our tenants' stay much more comfortable.

But having it and using it right sometimes come at odds. Make sure you know how to operate it.

Create a schedule on when each flatmate uses it. Agree on how you buy and use the detergent.

The clearer you all on such things, the easier this process will be.

Inviting friends over

Tip five: Remember to talk about inviting guests over

Put specific rules in place.

Your flatmates might be working on a paper. They won't appreciate noise coming from your room or living space.

Another super important thing is to know your building rules. ASK your landlord about large gatherings and party policies.

There have been many cases when the building manager calls the police due to excessive noise. In such an instance, you most likely get evicted and lose your deposit as a result.

If you're planning to have friends over for a party, it's good to warn the building manager and the neighbors.

But don't invite the entire university. No one will accept it.

Don't carry over set hours. No need to damage your relationship with the neighbors.

Athens is full of entertainment catering to all budgets, so you can continue partying, choosing one that suits you.

It's a well-known fact- Greeks are party experts. All you need is to party at the right place.

In conclusion:

Your first steps in your student flat in Athens will set you for a fantastic stay... or a struggle. It's up to you to make it the best experience ever.

Be mindful and respectful of others and stick to the building rules.

Agree with your flatmates on the main house chores.

And enjoy to the fullest. Greece is stunning and diverse in its beauty. We're sure you'll have an unforgettable time!

Now, you can take the guesswork out. Save time and money and make sure your landlord works 24/7 for YOU.

Get in touch with our team. We're looking forward to hosting you in Athens!

The Seven Top Reasons for Living in a Student Apartment in Athens

Why Group Living Is Great

Let's be frank. Living in a student apartment with other people is awesome.

In fact, student communities are an ideal way to make your experience a great one.

Why is group living a good idea?

You get to meet new people and make some good friends for life.

Plus, you get to learn about other cultures, habits... and how to live with people who might be completely different from you.

Here are the seven best reasons to rent a room in a student apartment in Athens.

1. Living in a student apartment is cheaper than renting your own apartment, so you can get a nicer apartment for less money.

2. Meeting new people. If you're shy or introverted and do not like meeting new people, moving into a student apartment will help you come out of your shell! Living with like-minded people will help you meet new friends... and make memories that will last forever!

3. You can improve your foreign language skills. Practice makes perfect. And spending lots of time together will make you speak a foreign language daily.

4. Learning about various cultures. The most exciting thing about living with people from other countries is learning about many cultures. You can gain a lot of insight into cultural values, food habits, and much more!

5. Living together teaches responsibility. Is this the first time you're living away from home? Then, it's time to learn the art of managing your own house! You'll have to learn how to handle household chores, manage your finances, cook meals, and manage laundry, among many other things! This will teach you responsibility and keep homesickness at bay.

6. You won't be alone all the time. Having someone else living with you means there will always be someone to talk to when you get home from class. It can also help keep loneliness at bay if your partner or best friend isn't around as much as you would like. You might also find that having someone else around will help motivate you to get up and go out more often.

7. You can also split shopping and cooking responsibilities so that another person takes over every day. This way you don't have to cook every day, but you can eat something delicious every day.

So, finally, when all is said and done, there is more than one reason for you to try out student apartment life. If you are not sure whether it's for you or not, don't worry. Just look around and see which of the points above seem the most attractive to you personally.

Good roommates, if appropriately chosen, can be the most significant part of student life in Athens.

Who knows?

You may even meet your future spouse in these places where you invest most of your time studying and socializing with other people.

It could be an excellent investment for the rest of your life!

Ten costly mistakes to avoid when renting furnished apartments in Athens

What Erasmus students and nomads get wrong with accommodation in Athens...

Are you moving to Athens to have a great time during your Erasmus year? Or maybe you're a nomad looking for a new experience? 

If so, it's not always easy to find and rent the best apartment. 

This article helps you avoid some of the costliest mistakes... and instead focus on what matters most: meeting new people and exploring Athens!

Here are the top 10 mistakes you should avoid.

1. Not signing a contract

Reading and signing a contract is the first thing you should do when renting an apartment. A contract can protect you from fraud.

The most important things to look for are the deposit and termination clauses. 

The deposit is what you pay when you sign the contract. 

You should receive the deposit back in full upon your departure. Provided, of course, there is no damage to the property, and you've paid all your bills on time.

The termination clause states how much notice you must give the landlord before leaving.

2. Trusting everything that the listing description says

When looking for a student room or apartment to rent online, make sure you read everything.

It is common to see listings that say "fully-furnished" or "all bills included." But then it turns out there isn't a fridge or washing machine in the house... and you have to pay extra every month for water and electricity.

Make sure the contract you sign describes what you're getting exactly. 

3. Not asking about pets, noise, and smoking policy

Some landlords consider pets or noise to be a deal-breaker. Some want only non-smokers in their apartments. Others don't care what you do as long as you pay your rent on time. 

Make sure you know where the landlord stands before you sign a lease.

4. Not paying attention to the exact location of your apartment

It isn't easy to find apartments for students in Athens near your campus or university building. 

But it doesn't mean that you should settle for anything less than that. 

By choosing a place that is far away from where you go every day, you might face a longer commute... and unexpected costs that come with it.

5. Not asking about internet connection, furniture, appliances, etc.

The description of a flat or a room may be incomplete. 

To avoid unpleasant surprises after making a move-in, like discovering missing kitchen appliances or realizing that there is no furniture in the bedroom except for a bed... make sure to ask all these questions before signing a contract.

It might seem like a harmless detail, but it can be a huge issue if you're moving into an Erasmus apartment in Athens, especially during the summer months.

Athens is not just hot. It's also humid, which can make you feel like you're living in a sauna. 

So ask your landlord whether the house has air conditioning and the procedure to turn it on.

And don't expect to find an air conditioner in every room; usually, there's one or two in a house. 

If there's no air conditioner at all, look for another place! You'll be glad you did. 

6. Picking an apartment without considering who you're living with

Do your homework and interview the people you'll be living with - this will save you from some unpleasant surprises!

If you want to live with other people in an apartment, be sure to ask to meet them before signing the contract. 

If your landlord refuses, keep looking.

7. Not taking photos of the apartment before moving in

You may think your landlord will never try anything shady with your deposit money... but unfortunately, that's not always the case. 

To protect yourself from false damage claims, take photos of the entire apartment before moving in (or better yet, video). 

Make sure everything looks OK — no holes or water leaks — and note any damage or issues on your contract. 

That way, when it's time to get your deposit back, you have proof. 

And having proof will protect you from any landlord's attempts to "load" you with any repair costs... for things you didn't damage.

8. Not getting a receipt for any cash payment you give for your rent or security deposit

If you end up paying more than you agreed on, having these receipts will help your landlord understand that he is incorrect.

9. Not getting apartment insurance

If you're renting an apartment and your landlord does not have coverage for the entire building or unit and its contents... you may want to consider getting insured yourself.

This is especially important if you have expensive items like laptops, cameras, or other electronics. 

There are many types of insurance available.

A typical policy includes coverage for theft or damage from a fire or natural disaster. 

As with all types of insurance, there are many options and factors that can influence how much they cost. 

The cheapest policies generally cover only fire and natural disasters, while more comprehensive policies cover theft and injuries. 

10. Not following house rules

Many people ignore the house rules. This is one of the biggest mistakes since it can end up in eviction. 

For example, if you're not allowed to have pets, and yet you have one... or if guests are not allowed after 11 pm, and you don't follow this rule, the landlord may evict you. 

Avoid making too much noise. This is another mistake that can be a massive issue.

Don't do it if your rental doesn't allow gatherings or parties with loud music. You will end up in a conflict with your landlord, making things difficult for both of you.

In conclusion.

You should do your research and make sure you know what you are going for, especially when it comes to Erasmus apartments.  

The proper planning will lead you to have a great experience in your Erasmus apartment.

Good luck and have a wonderful time in Athens…

Want to make sure you get the right place without memorizing all the above?

Get in touch with our team. 

roomsAthens team has been expertly providing Erasmus students and professionals with affordable furnished rental properties for almost a decade now. 

We're always happy to help!

How To Find Awesome Flatmates In Three Simple Steps

Erasmus Students Enjoying Hot Beverage In Their apartment In Athens

Co-living is great for creating memories.

The challenge is how to make sure the memories will be good.

Of course, a lot depends on your choice of housing. But even more relies on who you're sharing the house with.

So, how can you make sure you don't end up living with Hannibal Lecter?

There isn't a definite formula. Many aspects of finding a great flatmate are pure luck.

Yet, a few things can point you in the right or wrong direction.

Based on our decade-long experience providing shared apartments for Erasmus students and professionals coming to Athens... here are three simple steps to follow.

The first step is ASK.

No shame in asking your future landlord a simple question: who do you usually rent to? Are your tenants students?

If not, who can I expect to co-live with?

What is their age? Background? Interests?

If these questions seem to you like prying, well... are you better off asking questions or asking if you could leave without losing your deposit?

For example, we get asked these questions eight times out of ten bookings.

And we gladly answer them without disclosing any personal details of course.

Now, will that solve all your worries if you know that your future flatmates are students... who are studying journalism, like playing musical instruments and collecting coffee mugs?

Most likely not.

But at least you'll know if you have anything in common.

Step two is Connect.

Request your future flatmates’ contact info. Connect with them on social media.

Talk to them. The sooner you get to know each other, the more you can understand their personalities.

Don't go too personal but do ask questions.

Find out if that's a first-time living away from their parents.

Talk about choirs. Talk about studies. Talk about habits.

Are they really interested in learning? Or more in hanging out with friends, drinking, and having fun?

In other words, take the guesswork out of the equation.

Don't get embarrassed to find out more about who you're to co-live with for almost a year.

Your peace of mind and wellbeing are way too important.

Step three is Present.

Talk about yourself too. Show your personality.

Talk about your hobbies, interests, values... and whatever else can help your future flatmate understand you.

This way, you can at least hope they'll be respectful of your views.

Remember to be subtle about it. No one likes when someone forces their views on them.

Discuss the house rules. What you agree with and what you think is too harsh.

This will give you insight into what to expect.

For example, when all the questions we receive are about playing music, hanging out on the rooftop... and inviting friends for parties it's obvious the main concern isn't their studies.

In conclusion:

If you want to make sure your stay is filled with great memories, don't shy away from asking questions, requesting information... and learning everything you can about your future flatmates.

That's the difference between "OMG, I miss my new friends" and " I hope to never meet another creep like that.

great flatmates help creat amazing memories

Are you an Erasmus student, professional... or just relocating to Athens for a new experience?

If you want to rent a comfortable & secure fully furnished room or apartment in Athens... then give us a chance, we’ll be happy to host you!