This 5-Minute Read Could Save Your Whole Erasmus Experience in Athens
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Live close, live fully. This is what Erasmus in Athens looks like when you’re in the right spot
Let’s get this out of the way:
If you pick the wrong location for your Erasmus housing in Athens, you’re gonna feel it every day.
In your wallet. In your schedule. In your social life. And eventually, in your mood and grades.
That’s why the location of your student housing is not just a detail—it’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make before or during your Erasmus stay.
Today, you'll discover:
Why location is everything
How to pick the right area based on you
Real-life examples that’ll save you from regret
The five location-based mistakes Erasmus students make
And how to spot a bad deal even if the apartment looks Instagram-ready
Let’s make sure you don’t end up 45 minutes from everything that matters.
Why Location Can Make or Break Your Erasmus Experience
There are two types of Erasmus experiences in Athens:
The one where you live close to your uni, your friends, the fun, and the freedom
And the one where you live “somewhere affordable” and spend your life on the metro, missing out
Here’s what happens when you live too far from the action:
You skip that random group dinner on a Tuesday because “it’s too far”
You waste hours commuting back and forth to class
You start feeling left out, disconnected, and tired of planning your life around the metro timetable
Trust me: you don’t want that life.
And the worst part? It doesn’t even save you that much money.
Mistake #1: Chasing Cheap Rent in the Wrong Neighborhood
A €50/month difference in rent feels like a win—until you realize you're spending €30/month on extra transport and sacrificing 3 hours a day in commuting.
Example: Let’s say you find a room in Perama for €300. Sweet, right?
Now factor in:
40 minutes to class one way
60 minutes to friends in Exarchia
At least 1.5 hours round trip every time you go out
And now you're basically living outside the Erasmus experience.
➡️ What to do instead: Choose a central neighborhood with other Erasmus students. Your time and energy are worth more than €1.60 per ride.
Mistake #2: Thinking “Close to the Metro” = Convenient
Don’t fall for this one.
Yes, being near a metro is nice. But being near the green line but far from your university is still inconvenient.
You want to live where your life is—not just near a train.
Example: If your university is near Panepistimio, living on the red line in Agios Dimitrios isn’t helpful. You’ll need to switch lines every day. That’s 15–20 minutes of extra commuting. Every. Single. Day.
➡️ What to do instead: Map your uni, your most likely hangout spots (Gazi? Exarchia? Neos Kosmos?), and see which neighborhoods give you easy access to all three.
Mistake #3: Picking a Neighborhood Without Checking the Vibe
Even if a place is central, the vibe matters. Living in a “residential area” with no students or cafes can feel like exile.
Example: Living in Ambelokipi? Central, yes. But mostly professionals and older locals. Quiet. Maybe too quiet.
Living in Exarchia? Still central, but with students, internationals, chill cafes, bars, and that sweet balance of lively and safe.
➡️ What to do instead: Ask yourself, “Can I picture myself walking around this area at 10pm and bumping into someone I know?” If yes, it’s probably your spot.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Walking Distance and Late Night Options
Athens has metros, sure. But they don’t run all night. And the buses? Let’s not.
You want to live in a place where, worst case, you can walk home without risking your safety or sanity.
Example: Let’s say you go out in Monastiraki. It’s 2:30am. No metro. If you live in Petralona or Koukaki: 15–20 min walk. No problem. If you live in Halandri: 35 min taxi or a sleepover on someone’s couch.
➡️ What to do instead: Make sure your housing is no more than 2–3km from the center or your uni. That way, you always have options.
Mistake #5: Assuming You’ll Be Okay Living Alone Far Away
This one stings.
Lots of students think they’ll be fine living solo in a cheaper area far from everyone. But after a few weeks, loneliness kicks in.
No one drops by. You miss group dinners. You stop going out because it’s “too much effort.”
Example: Living alone in Egaleo? Cheaper, yes. But unless your friends are nearby, the loneliness tax is very real.
➡️ What to do instead: Go for co-living in a central or semi-central area. You’ll make friends without even trying, and that changes everything.
The 4 Best Areas for Erasmus Students in Athens
Let’s make this actionable. If you want to be close to everything and feel part of the Erasmus wave, look here first:
1. Koukaki
10/10 walkability
Full of Erasmus students
Near Acropolis, Uni of Athens, nightlife
2. Neos Kosmos
One stop from Syntagma
Affordable but central
Quiet streets + modern apartments
3. Petralona
Artsy vibe
Close to Gazi, nightlife, Kerameikos
Great for foodies and creatives
4. Exarchia
Lively, alternative, full of students
Close to central universities
Slightly noisy, but never boring
5. Pangrati
Cozy, youthful, and full of local charm
Walkable to Zappeion, Syntagma, and the National Garden
Popular with students, young artists, and digital nomads
Quick Checklist: Is This a Good Location?
Ask yourself these 7 questions before you say yes to any housing:
How far is it from my university (by foot and metro)?
Can I walk to cafes, shops, and groceries in under 10 minutes?
Is the area safe to walk alone at night?
Will my Erasmus friends live nearby?
Is it close to places I’d actually go out in?
Do I need two metro lines just to get to class?
Can I imagine having fun and studying here?
If the answer is mostly “yes”—you’re golden.
Final Thought: Location Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Smart Move
Look—your Erasmus experience is not just about classes.
It’s about who you meet. Where you go. What you feel like doing after a long day.
And your address shapes all of that.
So don’t fall into the cheap-rent trap.
Pick housing that saves you time, energy, and frustration.
That makes it easier to say “yes” to life instead of “ugh, it’s too far.”
And hey—if this post helped you, you’ll love our hand-picked listings.
We’ve been hosting Erasmus students in Athens since 2015.
No surprises. Just clean, furnished, move-in-ready homes in the right locations.
👉 Check out our available rooms and apartments at Rooms Athens
We’ll help you land in the right place from day one.
