Student halls of residence in Athens

If you’re looking for accommodation options and considering living in a student residence in Athens, this article will be of great help to you! We give you all the information you need to know about residences, including their advantages and disadvantages, the key differences between private and university residences, tips for finding affordable options, and answers to the most common questions.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Athens

Some of the most notable pros and cons are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Athens

Facilitates meeting other people and students who are in the same situation as you. Furthermore, they usually have a multicultural environment, with people from different parts of the world.
Most of them are located close to universities, so you won't have to worry about getting from home to your classes.
They usually have 24/7 security and controlled access systems, which provides a safe environment.
Access to common areas such as kitchens, study rooms, and leisure spaces, which encourage coexistence and offer additional comforts.

Cons of living in student dorms in Athens

The buildings may not be in the best condition. That’s to say, the facilities can be quite basic, which makes the atmosphere not so welcoming.
They typically have a specific type of accommodation (rooms or studio apartments). This means that you can’t choose by type of accommodation in a specific residence.
They normally have strict regulations regarding visiting hours, noise and use of facilities, which can limit personal freedom.
Living surrounded by other students can result in a noisier environment, which could make it difficult to concentrate and rest.
The demand for places in university residences can be high, meaning not everyone can get a spot.

Private student residences in Athens

In the Greek capital there are some private residences available for students. However, places aren’t very plentiful, so it’s advisable that you apply as soon as possible.

Most private residences in Athens offer studio apartments. These are compact spaces that have a room, kitchen, and bathroom, so they provide much more privacy. They're fully furnished and tend to have a modern and youthful interior design, which makes it cosy. Residences generally have apartments of different sizes and characteristics, which make their prices vary according to that.

Please note that many of these residences ask students to bring their own towels and linens, kitchen utensils, and even cleaning supplies.

In these residences you can make use of several common spaces that are designed to form a community and for residents to share with each other. For example, there are usually leisure and study rooms. Additionally, some may have a gym.

An important fact to keep in mind: take a good look at the characteristics of each accommodation, because it may be a studio apartment that has a bunk bed for two people.

University student halls of residence in Athens

The reality is that there are very few universities that offer accommodation to his students in Greece. Additionally, those that do, such as the Athens University of Economics and Business, may have various application requirements. For example, they may require that you be a first-year student or that you stay for a minimum amount of time.

Regarding the type of accommodation that you can find in these residences in Athens, they normally correspond to single rooms. The bathroom can be private or shared with other students. In the case of those with a shared bathroom, they normally have their own sink inside the room, which provides a little more independence.

These residences may have basic and not very modern facilities, so take a good look at the photos so you know what each one looks like. In addition, you should bring decorative objects to make the space more welcoming!

If we talk about the common areas that the university residences in Athens have, you should know that they're often not very varied. However, they can have resting rooms, a reading room, a restaurant, among others. Take advantage of these spaces to share with other residents!

University Residences of the University of Athens

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offers accommodation in a Student Residence Complex (FEPA/ΦΕΠΑ in Greek). It’s located on the institution's campus and has four different buildings. It offers both single rooms and shared rooms. An important fact to keep in mind: the allocation of places is done through a public lottery, so they can’t guarantee you a place.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Athens, read this article.

University Residence Halls of the Athens University of Economics and Business

This institution was one of the first to offer accommodation to students. It has a residence that offers individual rooms and some common areas. However, the number of places is quite small, so it can be somewhat difficult to find a place there.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Athens University of Economics and Business, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Athens

Do your search in Erasmus Play! On our platform you can see all the private and verified residences that are available for your stay in the Greek capital. In addition, you can make the reservation online and completely securely.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Athens

Are there scholarships for student residences in Athens?
Yes, there are scholarships for student residences in Athens, offered by universities as well as government agencies and foundations. These scholarships are usually based on academic and financial criteria. Additionally, international students participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program can use the Erasmus scholarship to cover part of their accommodation costs, depending on the specific conditions of the program and the host university.
Which is cheaper, a room in an apartment or a student residence in Athens?
A room in a private apartment is typically cheaper than a student residence, especially if you share the apartment with other students. University residences, although they offer amenities and services included, tend to have a higher cost due to their location and facilities. However, prices vary depending on the area and accommodation characteristics, so it’s important to compare specific options before deciding.
When to apply for a student residence in Athens?
It’s advisable to apply several months in advance, ideally between March and May for the fall semester, or between October and December for the spring semester. Places are limited and assigned quickly, especially in university residences, so it’s important to apply when registration opens.
Are there female and male university residences in Athens?
Most residence halls are co-ed, but some institutions may offer all-female or all-male housing options, although these are less common.
What services do student residences in Athens usually include?
They typically include services such as Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, cleaning of common areas, access to shared kitchens, laundry, and general maintenance. They also often offer common areas for studying and socialising, such as living rooms, gyms, and recreational spaces.