Erasmus co-living in Athens: 45 Important Questions To Ask Before Signing on the Dotted Line
The beginning of an Erasmus exchange is an exciting time with lots to think and do.
One of the most important things you need to think about early on is where you'll be living during your time in Athens.
Co-living is an excellent solution for those who are coming to Greece as students.
There are several advantages, and it's no wonder that more and more people choose co-living options.
To make sure you make the right choice and avoid getting an overpriced dump, we compiled 45 essential questions to ask before booking your place in Athens.
How many residents are there?
What are the house rules?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can I have a tour of the apartments?
Is furniture included?
Do you provide necessities like towels and sheets?
Is the kitchen private or shared?
Do you provide cleaning services? How often?
How is cleaning done?
Is cleaning included in the price, or is it an extra charge?
Is there parking available nearby or on the premises?
Is there a dedicated workspace in my room?
Is there a laundry room on-site?
What Kinds of Amenities are Available in the Co-Living Space?
What About Kitchen Set-up and Cooking options?
Do you have a roommate matching service?
Do you offer any discounts for longer stays?
What's the average age of residents currently living there?
Are there any extra charges apart from rent?
Are pets allowed, and what are the pet policies like?
Is the apartment close to public transport, universities, and other amenities?
What are your terms and conditions for subletting?
If subletting is allowed, how far in advance do I need to inform you?
What happens if I need to shorten/extend my stay?
Who can I contact if there's a problem, like something stops working or gets broken?
Do I have to pay extra for maintenance?
If I have friends who visit and want to stay with me, is that ok? For example, if my friend wants to stay for a day or two, is it ok if they sleep in my bed while I sleep on the sofa?
Do you live in the house yourself?
I don't know if I'll be staying all year or not. Can I write a fixed-term contract and then extend it if I want?
How far away is the property from the city center/university/public transport/nearest supermarket?
What are the nearest supermarkets to the house? Or are smaller shops nearby where I can buy basic things (tissues, toothpaste, food, etc.)?
Is the house close to any bars/cafes/restaurants/shops?
What type of coffee machine does the house have?
Are there any other Erasmus students living in the house at the moment?
Who's included in the contract?
If the bills aren't included in the rent, what estimate of how much I'll need to pay each month?
What is included in the rent, and what extra costs should I be aware of?
Is there a security deposit, and when will I get it back after I move out?
Are you looking for people who will stay for at least six months, or do you accept shorter stays?
Which services are included in my rent, and what can I choose to add to my base rent?
Is there wifi throughout the apartment, including inside each bedroom, or is it just in one public area of the home?
Do you have an English-speaking property manager who will be available?
What is the policy for overnight guests?
How do you handle noise? Loud music? Quiet hours?
Can I smoke, drink or use drugs (if legal) at home?
If one thing is clear, it's that finding the perfect co-living space is a challenging task.
There are a lot of factors to consider, and every person's situation is unique.
The more questions you ask, the easier it will be to source better information.
And by asking the questions above, you should be able to find a co-living space that fits your needs and preferences perfectly.
Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that you have covered all your bases and have done your due diligence.
Good luck!