Thinking about studying in Greece? Whether you’re an international student or moving from another city, managing your budget is key to enjoying student life without financial stress. Greece is known for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European countries, but expenses can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and personal choices. This guide will break down essential costs like housing, food, transportation, and entertainment, helping you plan ahead and make the most of your student experience in Greece.
All students enrolled in Greece’s Higher Education Institutions are entitled to obtain an academic ID upon online application. The online platform for obtaining an academic ID is provided by the Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning, and Religions, with technical support from the National Research and Technology Network (GRNET), accessible at http://paso.minedu.gov.gr. The academic ID is a durable card with anti-fraud protection and remains valid as long as the student maintains their student status. Students can collect their ID cards at designated delivery points, selecting the most convenient one during their application submission, without any financial burden. Additionally, a digital version of the academic ID is available as a PKPASS file for Android and Apple devices.
Beyond serving as student identification, the academic ID offers a variety of discounts. Academic ID holders are entitled to reduced fares on public transport, including OASA SA services, by issuing a personalized ATH.ENA CARD through OASA’s online platform. Additionally, students can benefit from discounts on museum and archaeological site entrance fees, theater and cinema tickets, as well as certain bookstores, restaurants, and technology stores. These discounts help make student life more affordable while encouraging cultural and educational experiences.
Greek universities have restaurants and dining rooms, offering meals to their students. For students who meet certain criteria like low income, international students holding a scholarship, etc., food is offered for free, while for the rest is offered at a very low price. Students can visit the website of their faculty and find more information at the section of student welfare).
3-4€
3,80€
1,25€
7€
4€ to start (+1€/km)
3,92€
15€
4-6€
0,50€
3-4€
You can find out more about cost of living in Greece by clicking this link.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas and islands enjoy plenty of sunshine year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are cooler, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, where snowfall is common. The country’s diverse geography creates local variations, with inland areas experiencing more extreme temperatures. The pleasant climate makes Greece an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year.
Greece uses the Euro (€) as its official currency, like most countries in the European Union. One Euro (€1) is divided into 100 cents, and banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, while coins range from 1 cent to €2. If you’re traveling from outside the Eurozone, you can exchange your money at banks, exchange offices, or even some hotels. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to carry some cash, especially for small purchases, public transport, or in more rural areas where card payments may not be as common.
New Year’s Day – 1 January
Epiphany – 6 January
Clean Monday(First day of Lent) – movable
Independence Day and The Annunciation– 25 March
Good Friday– movable
Orthodox Easter Sunday – movable
Orthodox Easter Monday – movable
Labor Day/May Day – 1 May
Holy Spirit Monday – movable
Dormition of the Holy Virgin – 15 August
WWII Day / “OHI (no) Day”– 28 October
Christmas Day– 25 December
Saint Stephen’s– 26 December
Greece has a well-connected transportation system, making it easy to get around. In major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, public transport includes buses, trolleys, metro, and trams, offering affordable and convenient travel options. For island trips, ferries are the main mode of transport, connecting the mainland to popular destinations. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries, but ride-hailing apps like Uber and FreeNow also operate in some areas. If you’re planning to explore more remote locations, renting a car or using intercity buses (KTEL) can be a great option.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas and islands enjoy plenty of sunshine year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are cooler, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, where snowfall is common. The country’s diverse geography creates local variations, with inland areas experiencing more extreme temperatures. The pleasant climate makes Greece an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas and islands enjoy plenty of sunshine year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are cooler, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, where snowfall is common. The country’s diverse geography creates local variations, with inland areas experiencing more extreme temperatures. The pleasant climate makes Greece an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas and islands enjoy plenty of sunshine year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are cooler, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, where snowfall is common. The country’s diverse geography creates local variations, with inland areas experiencing more extreme temperatures. The pleasant climate makes Greece an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas and islands enjoy plenty of sunshine year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are cooler, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, where snowfall is common. The country’s diverse geography creates local variations, with inland areas experiencing more extreme temperatures. The pleasant climate makes Greece an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year.
University dormitories in Greece offer an affordable housing option for students, though availability is often limited. These dorms are typically managed by universities and provide basic but functional living spaces, usually in shared rooms. They are a great option for those looking to minimize expenses, as rent is either free or very low. However, priority is usually given to low-income or scholarship students, making it difficult for all international students to secure a spot. Living in a dormitory also fosters a sense of community, allowing students to interact with peers from different backgrounds, which can be especially helpful for adjusting to a new country. Despite their affordability, university dorms may have limited amenities and strict rules, such as curfews or visitor restrictions, which might not suit everyone’s lifestyle.
Renting an apartment is the most common choice for international students who prefer more independence and comfort. In cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, students can find a variety of options, from small studios to larger shared apartments. Prices vary based on location, size, and amenities, with city-center apartments being more expensive than those in suburban areas. Many students choose to share apartments to split costs, making this option more affordable. Renting provides flexibility in terms of personal space and lifestyle, but it also comes with responsibilities such as paying bills, handling maintenance issues, and furnishing the space if necessary. While it offers more privacy than dormitories, students need to be cautious when dealing with landlords and rental agreements to avoid potential issues.
HouSiG is a specialized platform designed to assist international students in finding suitable accommodation in Greece. Whether you’re searching for student dormitories, private rentals, or shared housing, HouSiG offers a wide range of verified listings to ensure a smooth and secure experience. The platform connects students with trusted landlords and housing providers, making it easier to compare options, check pricing, and secure a place to stay before arriving in Greece. With a user-friendly interface and reliable resources, HouSiG simplifies the accommodation search, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without housing concerns.
If you are an international student in Greece, you must have health insurance during your studies. The insurance can be issued through any private insurance agency.
If you work part/full-time, you are entitled to free public health insurance from the Greek state, allowing you access to a public hospital and getting your prescription medications by paying a low contribution.
If you require further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our helpdesk!
Tips, guides, and must-knows for students and visitors in Greece.
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