Top 5 student cities in Greece

Studying in Greece is a unique experience: history, sea, good food and a lively university life. If you’re thinking of moving to Greece, here are the top 5 student cities in Greece and everything you need to know before choosing your destination.

 

Throughout this article, you’ll learn about the country's main university destinations, with information on the pros and cons of studying in each city, the most prominent universities, and the average rent for students. This will allow you to compare options and find the place that best suits your budget and lifestyle.

 

Furthermore, through our online student accommodation platform, you can quickly and securely search and compare verified rooms in different cities across Greece, ensuring you find the perfect place for your new academic experience.

 

Athens

The Greek capital is undoubtedly the academic and cultural heart of the country. Athens offers a very active university life, with a wide range of studies, historical sites at every turn and a modern atmosphere full of movement and opportunities.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Athens

The academic experience in Athens has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

 

Pros of studying in Athens

• It’s the Greek city with the widest range of cultural and leisure activities.
• It’s home to highly prestigious universities.
• The student atmosphere is very lively, with an intense social life.
• The Greeks are very friendly towards foreigners.

 

Cons of studying in Athens

• It’s a very touristy town and certain areas are crowded with people all year round.
• The weather in summer can be excessively hot, exceeding 40°C.
• Prices are the highest in the country for accommodation, expenses and services (although they are still lower than in other European capitals).

 

Top Universities in Athens

Some of the country's most renowned institutions are located in Athens.

 

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Also known as the University of Athens, it’s the oldest and largest institution in Greece. It has a campus in the city centre and others in the neighbourhoods of Zografou, Goudi, and Dafni.

Find out more details in the guide to accommodation near the University of Athens.

 

Student housing in Athens

The price of student accommodation in Athens is the highest in Greece, but it’s inexpensive compared to other European capitals. The most economical option is usually a room in a shared flat, which typically costs €220 upwards, although the average is around €350. There is also the option of a studio flat, which usually costs around €400 per month in neighbourhoods further away from the city centre.

 

Are you looking for accommodation in the Greek capital? Read our guide to student housing in Athens, featuring the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

 

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second most important city in Greece and a favourite among international students. It has a youthful energy, a vibrant cultural life, and a large student population, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a fun university experience in a more relaxed setting than Athens.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Thessaloniki

Studying in Thessaloniki can be very enriching, although you’ll also encounter some more complicated aspects.

 

Pros of studying in Thessaloniki

• The student environment is one of the best in the country.
• Prices are more affordable for students.
• It’s next to the sea and has a very pretty promenade.
• It’s a safe city with a more relaxed lifestyle.

 

Cons of studying in Thessaloniki

• The variety of leisure and dining options isn’t as extensive as in the capital.
• Job opportunities are more limited, and it’s sometimes necessary to know Greek.
• There are no beaches in the city, you have to travel to reach them.

 

Top Universities in Thessaloniki

This city is home to a very prominent institution.

 

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in south-eastern Europe. Its main locations are in the centre of Thessaloniki and Thermi area.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to housing close to Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

 

Student housing in Thessaloniki

In Thessaloniki, the cost of rent is also generally high for the Greek average, especially considering the high demand from students. Rooms in shared flats usually start at €190, while studio flats start at €300 and up.

 

Would you like to know more about accommodation types, areas and prices? Access our guide to student accommodation in Thessaloniki and discover the most important things you need to know.

 

Patras

Located in western Greece, Patras is a lively university town known for its youthful atmosphere. It’s the third largest urban centre in the country and offers seaside living with an interesting academic offering, ideal for those seeking a balance between study and leisure.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Patras

Choosing Patras to study brings with it great advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

 

Pros of studying in Patras

• Its student atmosphere is enjoyable.
• Their prices are affordable for a student's budget.
• The nightlife is very lively.
• Opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture in a quieter town.

 

Cons of studying in Patras

• Some areas may have outdated infrastructure.
• The supply of accommodation is limited and the market is competitive.
• Its connection with the rest of Greece is more limited.

 

Top Universities in Patras

Among its universities, one in particular stands out.

 

University of Patras

This institution is one of the largest in Greece, excelling in the fields of research, engineering and science. Its main campus is in Rion, north of Patras, and it has other campuses in the surrounding area.

Find more practical information about the university and its faculties in our guide of housing near the University of Patras.

 

Student housing in Patras

In general, prices are lower than in Athens or Thessaloniki, making it a good option for those looking to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality of life. As a reference, a room in a shared flat usually costs €190 upwards, while a studio flat starts at €390.

 

 

If you’re going to study in this Greek city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Patras with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

 

Heraklion

Located on the island of Crete, Heraklion is one of Greece's most interesting university cities. It offers a coastal setting with pleasant weather for most of the year, a relaxed pace of life and a very welcoming student atmosphere, ideal for those looking to study in a city with a good quality of life and proximity to the sea.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Heraklion

Heraklion stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

 

Pros of studying in Heraklion

• It has a mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year.
• It offers the opportunity to experience life on an island.
• Prices are more affordable than in large cities.
• It has a safe and peaceful atmosphere.

 

Cons of studying in Heraklion

• The cultural and leisure offerings are fewer than in Athens and Thessaloniki.
• To travel to other cities, flights or ferries are required.
• The atmosphere may be too quiet for those who want more action.

 

Top Universities in Heraklion

The island's capital is home to several prestigious institutions, including:

 

University of Crete

The University of Crete has a campus in Heraklion, called Campus Voutes. It’s located on the outskirts of the city, about 45 minutes away by bus. It’s home to the Faculty of Science and Technology, as well as the Faculty of Medicine and the University Hospital.

 

Student housing in Heraklion

The average rent for students in Heraklion is usually around €250 for a room in a shared flat. This means that this expense may be more economical than in larger Greek cities.

 

Are you planning to study in the capital of the island of Crete? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Heraklions, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

 

Rethymno

 

Also located on the island of Crete, Rethymno stands out for its relaxed university atmosphere and coastal beauty. It’s a small city with a great student life, where the cobbled streets of the historic centre coexist with beaches, cafés, and cultural spaces that create a very pleasant environment for living and studying.

Pros and cons of studying in Rethymno

Student life in Rethymno has many positive aspects, but also some disadvantages that may affect your daily life.

 

Pros of studying in Rethymno

• Its mild Mediterranean climate allows you to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
• It has beaches and is close to some very beautiful natural sites.
• The cost of living is affordable for a student.
• It has a relaxed pace of life and is very safe.

 

Cons of studying in Rethymno

• Nightlife is more limited than in larger cities.
• To travel to other cities, you usually need a ferry or a plane.
• Their lifestyle can be very relaxed.

 

Top Universities in Rethymno

It’s home to a highly prestigious university:

 

University of Crete

The main campus of the University of Crete, the Gallos Campus, is located in the city of Rethymno. The Gallos neighbourhood is about 25 minutes away by bus from the city centre.

 

Student housing in Rethymno

Rental costs for students are usually slightly lower than in Heraklion and considerably more affordable than in larger cities. However, limited supply and high demand at the beginning of the academic year can cause prices to rise. On average, a room in a shared flat costs around €240 per month, and a studio flat starts at €450.

 

In our guide to student accommodation in Rethymno, you can read more details about the different types available, convenient areas to choose from, and other interesting information to know.

 

Find accommodation in Greece with Erasmus Play

Studying in Greece is an opportunity to access quality education in a safe, culturally rich environment with a more affordable cost of living than in many other European countries. Each of the top 5 student cities in Greece offers a different experience: Athens has the most academic offerings, Thessaloniki stands out for its youthful atmosphere, Heraklion and Rethymno for their Mediterranean setting, and Patras for its balance between study and social life.

 

Before choosing a destination, it’s important to compare not only universities and programmes, but also accommodation prices and the characteristics of each city. On our online student accommodation platform, you can search, filter and book verified rooms throughout Greece safely and easily. This way, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your academic experience and making the most of your stay in Greece.

Other guides on studying and living in Greece

With the following guides, you can find out more about studying in these Greek cities:

Studying in Greece

• Erasmus in Greece
• Erasmus in Athens
• Erasmus in Thessaloniki
• Erasmus in Heraklion
• Erasmus in Patras
• Erasmus in Rethymno

Accommodation and student residences in Greece

• The best neighbourhoods for students in Athens
• Guide of Student residences in Athens
• Guide of Student residences in Thessaloniki
• Accommodation near Athens University of Economics and Business
• Flatshare in Athens
• Flatshare in Thessaloniki
• Flatshare in Heraklion
• Flatshare in Patras
• Flatshare in Rethymno