Top 5 Things to Look for in Erasmus Housing to Avoid Disappointment

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A cheerful Erasmus student relaxing in their fully-furnished apartment in Athens, perfectly located near public transport and vibrant student life.

Here’s the hard truth: your housing can make or break your Erasmus experience.

Pick the wrong spot, and you’ll be stuck dealing with overpriced rent, nightmare roommates, or worse... a landlord who ghosts you when the Wi-Fi dies! (oh horror!)

But pick the right place? Game-changer.

You’ll have the space to relax, the community to thrive, and the setup to make the most of your time abroad.

So let’s cut the fluff and break down the five absolute must-haves when choosing Erasmus housing.

1. Location: The Right Spot = The Right Life

Don’t fall for “it’s just a short commute.”

A bad location will drain your time, energy, and social life faster than you can say “Athens traffic.”

You need to be close to the action. That means:

  • Proximity to your university

  • Easy access to public transport

  • Walking distance to cafes, nightlife, and where life actually happens

What happens if you ignore this? Imagine this: you find a cheap apartment outside the city.

It looks fine—until you realize getting anywhere involves three bus changes and a 30-minute wait.

Now you’re missing out on late-night hangouts and that spontaneous “let’s grab souvlaki” text because you’re too far away.

Pro tip: Map everything out. Use Google Maps to check travel times. Look for neighborhoods Erasmus students rave about, like Exarchia or Pangrati. Trust us, location isn’t just a convenience—it’s your gateway to adventure.

2. No Hidden Fees or “Surprises”

What’s worse than overpriced rent? Sneaky extra charges that weren’t mentioned upfront.

Some landlords or agencies might leave out little details like:

  • Cleaning fees

  • Sky-high utility bills

  • Shared costs for things like heating

The nightmare: You snag a place for €350/month. Amazing, right? Until the landlord casually mentions the €120 winter heating bill and the €50 “common expenses.” Suddenly, you’re way over budget.

The solution: Ask. Every. Single. Question. What’s included in the rent? What’s extra? Get it all in writing. If the landlord gets cagey, run. Transparency is non-negotiable.

3. A Community That Matches Your Vibe

Your roommates will either be your Erasmus family—or the reason you spend all your time locked in your room.

Here’s the deal: Living with like-minded people makes everything better. Shared meals, study sessions, nights out—it’s the stuff Erasmus dreams are made of. On the flip side, a mismatched group (think: party animals + neat freaks) is a recipe for disaster.

Worst-case scenario: You move in with three strangers. One’s a ghost, one’s a slob, and one loves blaring music at 2 AM. You’re left feeling isolated—or furious.

How to avoid this: Go for co-living spaces. They’re built for Erasmus students and designed to foster community. Providers like Rooms Athens specialize in matching you with people who share your energy. Less drama, more fun.

4. Move-In Ready = Stress-Free Living

When you’re moving abroad, you don’t want to spend the first week buying furniture, fixing broken appliances, or hunting for a desk.

Your housing checklist should include:

  • A desk for studying

  • A kitchen that’s actually usable

  • A proper bed (no futons or mattresses on the floor)

  • Strong Wi-Fi (because let’s face it, Zoom calls and Netflix are non-negotiable)

Picture this: You show up at your “fully furnished” flat... only to find a wobbly table, a single chair, and a bed that feels like a medieval torture device. Now you’re spending your first week shopping for essentials instead of exploring Athens.

Avoid this by: Demanding photos. Ask detailed questions about what’s included. A reliable provider will have nothing to hide.

5. A Lease Agreement That Protects You

No contract? No way. This isn’t the time to rely on a handshake deal.

A proper lease isn’t just about covering your rent—it’s your safety net. It spells out what’s expected, who’s responsible for repairs, and ensures you can’t get kicked out without warning.

The horror story: A friend rents a room without a lease. Midway through the semester, the landlord decides to “raise the rent” or give the room to their cousin. With no contract, there’s nothing she can do.

How to stay safe: Always ask for a formal lease. Bonus points if it’s written in a language you understand. Good housing providers will have clear, professional agreements—and might even help with your visa paperwork.

The Bottom Line

Your housing is the foundation of your Erasmus experience.

Get it wrong, and you’ll be stressed, broke, or worse—miserable.

But get it right, and you’ll have a home base where you can relax, thrive, and create memories you’ll talk about for years.

And here’s the good news: finding the perfect place doesn’t have to be a struggle.

At Rooms Athens, we’ve got your back. No shady fees. No stress. Just great housing designed for Erasmus students.

Check out our listings… and start your Erasmus adventure the right way!