Co-Living vs. Private Housing for Erasmus Students in Athens – Which One’s Right for You?

A modern co-living apartment in Athens, fully furnished and designed for Erasmus students

So, you’re heading to Athens for your Erasmus!

But now you’ve got one big decision to make: Where the heck will you live?

You’ve got two main options—co-living or private housing...

The reality is that each one can make or break your experience.

Pick wrong, and you might spend your semester lonely, broke, or ready to book the next flight home. Pick right, and you’ll have the time of your life.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of both so you don’t regret your choice.

Co-Living: The Ultimate Social Experience (But With Some Trade-Offs)

Co-living is what it sounds like—you share an apartment with other Erasmus students.

Think of it as a modern version of student dorms... but with actual comfort and without sharing a bathroom with 20 strangers.

✅ Pros of Co-Living for Erasmus Students

1. Instant Friendships: Your Social Life Starts on Day One

You won’t have to try too hard to make friends because you’re literally living with them.

Whether it’s cooking together, going out, or just chilling in the living room, you’re never alone.

Like our tenant Emma, an Erasmus student who arrived in Athens knowing no one.

Within 24 hours of moving into her co-living apartment, she already had roommates inviting her out for souvlaki and drinks.

And by the end of the week, she had a group of friends who became her Erasmus family.

2. Lower Rent → More Money for Experiences

Athens is not crazy expensive, but living alone still costs way more than sharing an apartment.

Co-living lets you split rent and utilities, leaving you with extra cash for island trips, nightlife, and those overpriced iced lattes at cafés.

For example, if you rent a private studio, you might pay €600-€800/month.

A co-living setup?

You could cut that in half!

That’s hundreds of euros saved for traveling, eating out... and actually enjoying your Erasmus!

3. Fully Furnished & Move-In Ready

Most co-living apartments come with everything you need—bed, desk, kitchenware, WiFi, and even cleaning services.

Which means you won’t waste time shopping for furniture or figuring out why the WiFi isn’t working (because that’s already handled).

Just like when Luca, another Erasmus student, moved into a co-living apartment.

All he had to bring was his suitcase and... a few bottles of Limoncello.

Compare that to his friend who rented a private flat and spent two weeks buying furniture and setting up utilities.

4. Built-In Support System

Moving to a new country is overwhelming.

With co-living, you’re not alone...

Roommates and the housing provider help you navigate everything.

From the best supermarkets to how to deal with Greek bureaucracy...

Like when Sofia, a digital nomad, struggled to open a bank account, one of her roommates (who had already done it) walked her through the process step by step.

5. Zero Loneliness → Always Someone Around

Let’s be real: living alone can get lonely fast.

Co-living ensures that even on days when you feel homesick, someone’s around for a chat, a coffee, or a spontaneous adventure.

❌ Cons of Co-Living for Erasmus Students

1. Less Privacy → You Share Spaces

You’ll have your own bedroom, but the kitchen, living room, and sometimes the bathroom are shared spaces.

If you’re used to living alone, this might be an adjustment.

Solution: Set clear boundaries with roommates early on. Need alone time? A simple “Hey, I need a quiet night” does the trick.

2. Shared Responsibilities → Not Everyone Pulls Their Weight

Keeping a shared space clean requires teamwork.

Not everyone is great at doing their part, and that can cause frustration.

Solution: Agree on some basic house rules from the start—like who takes out the trash and how often the kitchen gets cleaned.

3. Different Lifestyles → Party Animal vs. Study Nerd?

Some roommates might love partying; others might be all about studying.

If you end up with someone whose lifestyle clashes with yours, it can get tricky.

Solution: Choose your co-living space wisely. Look for apartments specifically for Erasmus students, where most people will have similar schedules and priorities.

Private Housing: More Privacy, More Responsibility

Now, if you’re the type who needs complete control over your space, private housing might seem like the better option.

But it comes with its own set of challenges...

✅ Pros of Renting a Private Apartment

1. Total Privacy → No Sharing

You don’t have to share anything—not the fridge, not the bathroom, not the TV.

If you love peace and quiet, this might be perfect.

2. You Set Your Own Rules

No one to argue with over dirty dishes or music volume.

You decide how clean (or messy) you want your space to be.

3. Great for Couples or Close Friends

If you’re coming to Athens with a partner or best friend, renting a private place together can be a great way to have your own space while still sharing costs.

❌ Cons of Renting a Private Apartment

1. Higher Costs → More Money, Less Fun

Living alone is way more expensive.

You’re paying for everything yourself—rent, utilities, internet, furniture.

Example: Renting a private one-bedroom apartment in Athens costs around €600-€800/month.

Add in utilities, and you’re looking at €800+ per month—double what you’d pay in a shared place.

2. More Responsibilities → It’s All on You

With no roommates to split chores, everything falls on you—cleaning, taking out the trash, paying bills, handling repairs.

3. It’s Harder to Make Friends → You Need to Put Yourself Out There

Without built-in roommates, you’ll need to actively put yourself out there to meet people.

Take Adam, for example.

When he realized that staying home alone wasn’t helping him meet people... he had to push himself to attend events and social gatherings to make friends.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

🔹 Choose Co-Living If You Want:

✔ An instant social life

✔ Lower rent and fewer responsibilities

✔ A fully furnished, hassle-free move-in

✔ A built-in support system

🔹 Choose Private Housing If You Want:

✔ Maximum privacy

✔ Complete control over your space

✔ No shared responsibilities

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what matters most to you.

But if you’re an Erasmus student looking for an affordable, social, and hassle-free experience, co-living is the smarter choice.

Spots fill up fast—secure your place in one of our fully furnished co-living spaces at Rooms Athens today!

We’ve been hosting Erasmus students in Athens since 2015 and would love to help you, too.

Your Erasmus adventure starts with the right home. Let’s find yours. 🚀