Top 10 Ways to Save on Rent and Still Get a Great Co-Living Space

A vibrant co-living space in Athens for Erasmus students, with modern furnishings, a welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sense of community by Rooms Athens.

Moving abroad is an adventure but also a challenge... especially when your budget is tighter than a pair of jeans fresh out of the wash.

And while you might be tempted to settle for the cheapest shoebox you can find... please don’t!

Why?

Because your Erasmus experience shouldn’t feel like a survival challenge.

You deserve comfort, safety, and some style—without breaking the bank.

So, how do you do it?

By getting smart with your housing search.

Today, we’re spilling the beans on ten powerful ways to save on rent while still snagging a great co-living space.

These aren’t fluff tips. They’re actionable strategies that work—and we’ll prove it with examples.

Let’s dive in.

1. Know the Hot and Cold Zones

Not all neighborhoods are priced equally.

In Athens, trendy areas like Kolonaki will burn a hole in your wallet, while up-and-coming spots like Sepolia offer hidden gems at a fraction of the cost.

Example: Maria, an Erasmus student from Spain, originally looked for housing in Syntagma, the touristy heart of Athens.

After researching, she discovered Sepolia—a vibrant neighborhood with affordable rents and a community vibe.

She saved €150 a month and got to live in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s old stomping ground.

Tip: Explore areas just outside the city center. You’ll find better deals and still be a quick metro ride away from all the action.

2. Go for Co-Living, Not Solo Living

Sharing a space doesn’t just lower costs; it often comes with extras like utilities, Wi-Fi, and cleaning services included in the rent.

Co-living spaces are designed for social connections, so you’ll never feel alone.

Example: James from the UK was initially set on getting a studio apartment, but the costs were sky-high.

He opted for a co-living space in Athens, splitting the rent with three other students.

Not only did he save €200 monthly, but he also made lifelong friends.

Tip: Co-living isn’t just about splitting costs; it’s about gaining a built-in support system.

3. Time Your Move Right

Demand for student housing peaks right before the semester starts.

If you can, arrive a few weeks earlier to secure better deals.

Example: Sophia from Italy arrived in Athens mid-August instead of September.

She found an affordable co-living space in Exarchia before the student housing rush began.

By the time her classmates arrived, prices in her area had already jumped by 20%.

Tip: Early birds get the best housing—and the best deals.

4. Negotiate Like a Pro

Everything in life is negotiable, including rent.

If you’re staying for more than six months, landlords are often open to cutting you a deal.

Example: Alex from Germany signed a one-year lease instead of six months.

In exchange, his landlord knocked €50 off the monthly rent.

Tip: Mention your willingness to stay longer or pay rent upfront. You’d be surprised how often landlords agree to discounts.

5. Watch Out for Hidden Costs

A low rent might look good on paper, but if it doesn’t include utilities, cleaning, or Wi-Fi, you could end up paying more in the long run.

Example: Emma found a room for €320 and thought she’d struck gold. But when she factored in utilities and Wi-Fi, her monthly expenses shot up to €420.

A nearby co-living space offering an all-inclusive package for €380 would have saved her both money and stress.

Tip: Always ask what’s included in the rent before signing anything.

6. Skip the Fancy Furniture

Furnished apartments save you the hassle (and expense) of buying furniture.

Look for spaces that come fully equipped, especially if you’re only staying for a semester.

Example: When Lucas from Portugal rented an unfurnished flat, he had to buy a bed, desk, and kitchen utensils, which cost him €600 upfront.

Meanwhile, his friend Zoe rented a furnished co-living space, saving her both time and money.

Tip: Furnished spaces are a lifesaver for short-term stays.

7. Team Up with Other Students

Finding flatmates on your own can save you a fortune compared to renting through agencies.

Many Erasmus students are in the same boat and looking for people to share with.

Example: Elena posted in an Erasmus Facebook group looking for roommates.

She connected with two other students. They rented a spacious three-bedroom apartment together, saving them €100 monthly each.

Tip: Facebook groups and Erasmus forums are goldmines for finding like-minded flatmates.

8. Consider Slightly Larger Apartments

Counterintuitive, right? But larger apartments often have lower rent-per-room costs than smaller ones.

Example: Tom found a room in a three-bedroom apartment for €380, while his friend Peter paid €450 for a room in a two-room apartment.

Bigger apartments typically mean smaller rent-per-room, especially if you share with others.

Tip: Look at the total cost and divide it. Bigger spaces can mean smaller bills.

9. Skip the Broker Fees with Direct Rentals

Unlike platforms, which often require hefty brokerage fees, Rooms Athens owns and operates all the properties it lists.

Which means no middlemen, no hidden fees... and direct communication with the team responsible for your housing!

Example: Sarah from France wasted weeks searching on general rental sites, only to encounter scams and overpriced listings.

Then she discovered Rooms Athens, where she found a safe, affordable co-living space directly from the owner.

She saved hundreds of euros in brokerage fees and knew exactly who to contact for any issues.

Tip: Direct rentals save you money and give you peace of mind knowing exactly who’s managing your property.

10. Take Advantage of Discounts and Referrals

Many co-living providers, like Rooms Athens, offer referral programs or discounts for early bookings.

Example: Miguel referred two friends to Rooms Athens and earned a €100 discount on his next month’s rent.

Tip: Ask about discounts, referral programs, or perks for booking early. They add up fast.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on rent doesn’t mean sacrificing your quality of life.

It’s about working smarter, not harder. By following these tips, you can stretch your budget without settling for less.

Remember, the right living space can make or break your Erasmus experience.

If you found this guide helpful, check out our listings. We’re here to help you find a home where you can thrive—without blowing your budget.

Don’t just live abroad. Live well.