With an Undergraduate Student popular over 200,000 people, and a larger sized city, a long with multiple Universities, Thessaloniki has a reputation to be the premiere “college town” within Greece. After spending a few months living in Thessaloniki, it is no surprise why the city draws such a large crowd of students. Prestigious Universities such as Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and University of Macedonia are located in Thessaloniki, providing many students the ability to receive a high quality education while enjoying the many wonderful qualities of Thessaloniki. Countless options for eating out within the downtown area, multiple movie theaters, shopping centers, accompanied by a large international student body, Thessaloniki has it all for the College Student. Besides the variety in entertainment and food, Thessaloniki is also a beautiful city, and many Students can be seen walking at the waterfront through out the day, enjoying the view.
Quality of Life is a major component of many students Education expierence. Here in Thessaloniki, the quality of life is very high for every demographic. As mentioned, the food is outstanding. Perhaps the best pastry shops in all of Greece can be found in the city’s streets, specifically around Tsimiski Street. Gourmet dining of seafood or some excellent street pizza is littered around every corner, especially near the University campus’s. The locals are very friendly, and many often greet students as they are seen off campus. Entertainment can be found from movie theaters to kayaking at the waterfront, Thessaloniki has it all. Thessaloniki is not an overwhelming city, and is easy to walk from place to place in. Also, when COVID-19 restrictions are not in place, the large student population can be seen out and about, making an abundant social life. Overall, Thessaloniki is quite the place to attend University at.
Education is another factor for those looking to attend a University (of any sort). With a large international student population, exposure to a large, diverse city, and high class academic education, one will be learning in and outside of the classroom while in Thessaloniki. Home to a large Muslim population, one can gain exposure to the Muslim influence and community in Greece, while perhaps making a friend from a different ethnic background from your class at a University. Many of the top academic programs in Math, Science, and History are held in Thessaloniki, making it an attractive place to study for Greece and many of Europe’s top scholars. Other international students from Asia and North America can also be found studying in Thessaloniki. This is the perfect setting for learning about the world and growing academically as a student.
Accessibility and Transportation. One will not feel isolated here, but one will not feel lost. A perfectly sized city with a population of around 600,000, one can enjoy always being around others, while concentrating on their studies. One does not need a car or go far from campus to find something to do, as there are plenty of great social options around the block (literally). It is a very easily walkable city, with going from the University to downtown in under 30 minutes walking time. There is a bus system, accompanied by many taxi’s, train station, Bus station, and airport, for those in need of those services. Thessaloniki is a very easy place to get to, and live in.
I do not attend University in Thessaloniki due to personal reasons, but it is worth giving a look for those reading. High quality academic programs, a wide variety in entertainment options, and energetic city lead many to pursue their education in Thessaloniki. It is not for everyone, but if you are willing to visit, give an application to one of the Universities located here. Anyways, Thessaloniki is always a great place to visit even not as a student. Put Thessaloniki on your bucket list of places to visit in Greece when traveling.
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