The flight from Rhodes to Athens was a quick but bumpy one. On landing in Athens I was thankful that the pilot had actually slowed down to stop and had not gone straight into the airport building, but I guess this was the Greek driving we were going to have to get used to. From the airport our apartment was closest to the Acropolis tube station, which is central to the rest of the city. We took the blue line to Syntagma metro station and then switched to the red line and carried on for one stop to the Acropolis. This journey (for a 90 min ticket from the airport into Athens) cost 10 euros; however, a normal day to day (5 day) ticket costs 9 euros and around 5/6 euros for a student ticket of the same. Food shopping proved to be difficult and expensive as the first shop we went to was a ‘My Market’ which was where we bought certain essentials for the house (bread, eggs etc), these small bits came to a large total of 26 euros. Although we soon found a Lidl by the stop on the train called ‘Kallithea’, prices were more reasonable here but still seemed to be more expensive than at home. With our hopes surrounding food shopping seeming to be cut short we found a bargain store in the shopping district (there are also others around in different parts of Athens) called ‘Bargain bazaar’ this seemed to offer more reasonable prices and there is an option here to buy pasta, rice etc. In bulk. We also found a cheaper store for bits for the house to make it seem more homely such as rugs, bins, laundry baskets etc. This shop is situated in Piraeus down one of the streets close to the station. With this being a bit out the way we looked to find a closer shop offering the same accessories. So, it was just our luck when we came across a ‘Tiger’ in the shopping district where we were also able to get storing baskets and other little decorative bits. The available attractions within the city are amazing and fairly priced for students as most places will have discounted tickets or will be free. The open-air theatre (said to be one of the best in the world) opposite the view of the acropolis promises to be an amazing and magical night as you watch a film while also looking at the lit-up Acropolis. This was 8 euros for us on a Friday evening; however, they have their student days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday where the tickets are only 6 euros. Alongside this, you can get into most attractions for free with your student card, so it works in your favour to bring it along. Another thing we found to do was sitting outside the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This is an open-air music venue, and by sitting outside you can clearly hear the concert happening inside. Many people stand outside here dancing to the music with either their own beer from home or a drink from the bar outside that still served passers-by as the concert continued. It was only cost 5.60 euros for 2 beers. Banking has caused us much grief in the first few days of living here. At an ATM that isn’t Attica bank (which offers free withdrawals), we learnt that it is better to reject the conversion rate as this provides you with a better rate when the money is withdrawn from your bank, meaning the 300 euros you get out may only come out of your bank as £270 (depending on the days exchange rate). Also, if you are planning on using your English bank card such as HSBC or Natwest remember to tell them you are going abroad and planning on using this card so that you have no moments of being unable to use your card when you need it the most. We have also signed up for an N26 card as this allows for bigger withdrawals from ATMs as well as allowing free withdrawals from a bank. Finally, the vibe of this city is amazing and being able to chill and drink on the streets creates a warm atmosphere. However, there is still a need to be vigilant and remember that you aren’t in your own home town and things may be taken incorrectly and could cause you to be in trouble. There are threats of muggings and Knife crime within the city, however, as long as you stay out of the darker alleyways and try not to walk off anywhere alone where you are unsure of the neighbourhood then the city will stay amazing. By Elly Babe (@elly_babexxx)Edited and published by Alex Hood (@alexjohnhood)
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The Academics:We are three Brighton University students who have been given the opportunity to study at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. This blog will be our way of sharing our experiences of living and studying in Greece, plus will include tips and advice for those also looking to study abroad or even just visit Athens. Who we are:
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June 2020
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