Let’s be real: choosing student housing can feel like navigating a labyrinth.

You’re in a foreign city, overwhelmed by options (and scams), and trying to balance comfort, safety, and budget.

If you’re an Erasmus student in Athens in 2025, this guide is for you.

Walk with us through a no-nonsense strategy to lock in the perfect housing so you can focus on enjoying the ride—not stressing about where you’ll sleep.

Step 1: Know What "Perfect" Means to You

Before you dive headfirst into Google, take a step back.

What does "perfect" housing actually mean for you?

For Juliette L.—the Erasmus student, it was about finding a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to make friends and focus on studies.

But everyone’s needs are different.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

• What’s my budget? (Include utilities—hidden costs are sneaky!)

• How far am I willing to commute to class?

• Do I want to live alone or with roommates?

• What amenities are non-negotiable? (Wi-Fi? A washing machine? A fully equipped kitchen?)

Example:

Let’s say your budget is €500/month, and you prioritize safety and a short commute to the city center.

Now, instead of wasting hours scrolling through irrelevant listings, you can focus on areas like Koukaki or Pangrati, known for their proximity to central Athens and vibrant student communities.

💡 Pro Tip: Write down your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” This list will be your compass.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Athens is a sprawling city, and not all neighborhoods are created equal—especially for students.

You need a place where you can study, socialize, and feel safe walking home after a late-night souvlaki run.

Top Neighborhoods for Erasmus Students in Athens in 2025:

1. Exarchia: Known for its artsy vibe, affordable rent, and buzzing student life

2. Koukaki: Quiet, safe, and close to the Acropolis and major universities

3. Pangrati: Trendy, full of cafes, and close to the city center

4. Sepolia: Affordable and home to a strong community vibe (fun fact: it’s where Giannis Antetokounmpo grew up!)

Example:

Imagine you pick Exarchia because you’ve heard it’s lively and affordable.

Excellent choice—but do your homework. Walk around during the day and at night.

Does it feel safe? Is public transport nearby?

💡 Pro Tip: Use Google Maps to calculate your commute time and check reviews of local cafes or bars to get a feel for the vibe.

Step 3: Be Smart About Budgeting

Don’t let a sweet deal on rent fool you—there are hidden costs everywhere.

Many landlords don’t include utilities, and Athens winters can be surprisingly cold (hello, heating bills).

What to Budget For:

• Rent: Set a hard cap and stick to it

• Utilities: Factor in water, electricity, heating, and Wi-Fi (usually €50-€100/month)

• Deposit: Most places ask for one to two months' rent upfront

• Extras: Cleaning fees, maintenance costs, or random landlord “fees”

Example:

You find a room in a shared flat for €400/month. Sounds amazing, right?

But the landlord doesn’t cover utilities, which average €80/month in winter.

Suddenly, your “bargain” costs €480/month!

💡 Pro Tip: Ask landlords or housing providers to clarify what’s included in the rent before you sign anything.

Step 4: Evaluate Your Housing Options

There are four main options for Erasmus students in Athens:

1. Student Dorms: Affordable but noisy and lacking privacy

2. Solo Apartments: Private but expensive

3. Airbnb/Hostels: Convenient short-term, but not budget-friendly for long stays

4. Co-Living Spaces: Shared apartments tailored for students, often fully furnished and move-in ready

Why Co-Living is a Game-Changer

Co-living spaces like the ones offered by Rooms Athens are designed for people like you.

You get a private room but share the living areas with other students, which is perfect for making friends.

Plus, they’re often fully equipped with everything you need (even utensils—no IKEA trips required).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re worried about privacy, look for co-living spaces with private bathrooms or fewer roommates.

Step 5: Spot and Avoid Housing Scams

The rise of online listings has also brought scammers out of the woodwork. Protect yourself.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• No Lease Agreement: Legitimate housing providers offer contracts

• Requests for Cash Payments: Always pay via secure methods

• Too Good to Be True Prices: If it’s way below market value, it’s probably a scam

Example:

You see a listing for a two-bedroom apartment in Kolonaki for €300/month.

Kolonaki is one of Athens’ most expensive neighborhoods. This deal is fake, guaranteed.

💡 Pro Tip: Stick with reputable housing providers like Rooms Athens, where all listings come with official lease agreements.

Step 6: Ask Questions Before You Sign

The best way to avoid regrets is to ask the right questions upfront.

Must-Ask Questions:

1. What’s included in the rent?

2. Are utilities shared or individual?

3. How is maintenance handled?

4. What’s the guest policy?

5. Can I see the exact room before signing?

Example:

You’re looking at a co-living apartment in Koukaki.

The landlord says Wi-Fi is included, but the speed is only 10 Mbps—a nightmare for Zoom classes.

By asking this upfront, you avoid frustration later.

💡 Pro Tip: If something feels vague, ask for it in writing. Always.

Step 7: Plan Your Move-In Like a Pro

So you’ve found the perfect place—congrats!

But the work isn’t over yet. A smooth move-in sets the tone for your stay.

What to Do Before Moving In:

• Confirm the move-in date and key handover process

• Check the apartment’s inventory list (you don’t want to be blamed for missing items)

• Take photos of any damage to protect your deposit

Example:

On move-in day, you notice a scratch on the kitchen countertop.

Snap a photo and email it to your landlord or housing provider immediately.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re renting through Rooms Athens, our app makes it easy to report issues and get quick responses.

Step 8: Stay Connected with Your Housing Provider

Your housing provider can be your greatest ally—or your worst nightmare.

Choose one with a reputation for stellar support.

Why It Matters:

Issues like broken heaters or noisy neighbors are inevitable. A responsive housing provider can resolve these quickly, saving you stress.

💡 Pro Tip: Rooms Athens offers 24/7 support via our app, so you’re never left hanging.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Housing?

Choosing the perfect student housing in Athens isn’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of strategy.

Know your needs, research neighborhoods, budget wisely, and stick with reliable providers.

If this guide has been helpful, check out roomsAthens.

We’ve been hosting Erasmus students like you in Athens since 2015.

From studios to spacious co-living apartments, we’ve got the perfect place for you.

Stop stressing. Start packing. Your perfect Athens experience starts with the right housing.