Families of students who succeeded in Greece’s national university entrance exams will have to dig deep into their pockets if their children are placed in universities away from home, according to a report by Mega Channel.
The cost of student housing has become a significant burden, especially for families whose children have been admitted to institutions far from their place of residence. Rents have increased in most cities — both in Athens and across regional towns.
Tuition May Be Free, But Rent Isn’t
Due to the skyrocketing rental prices, many high school graduates are now limiting their university applications to schools within their hometown, not necessarily based on academic interest but purely on affordability. At the same time, shared housing is becoming more popular among students as a way to reduce living expenses.
“We’re seeing a growing trend of cohabitation because, in many cases, the cost is simply unmanageable. Rental prices between Athens and smaller cities can vary by up to three times,” says Loukas Theodoridis, President of the European Association of Real Estate Agents.
According to Theodoridis, in some towns, a small apartment can be found for around €6 per square meter, while in Athens, prices often exceed €15, and in premium areas such as Kolonaki, where the Athens Law School is located, rents can even reach €20 per square meter.
akinita athens
Average Monthly Rent for Student Apartments (up to 65 sqm)
| City | Average Rent (€) |
|---|---|
| Athens | €530 |
| Thessaloniki | €500 |
| Patras | €380 |
| Komotini | €300 |
| Ioannina | €370 |
| Volos | €400 |
| Heraklion | €400 |
Impact of Short-Term Rentals
The expansion of the tourism season and the growing popularity of short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) have also placed additional pressure on the long-term rental market. Many property owners now prefer to rent to tourists, chasing higher profits — further reducing the available housing stock for students.
How Are Families Coping?
Faced with this reality, students and their families are turning to alternative solutions:
- Flat-sharing with other students
- Searching in more remote or less desirable areas
- Staying with friends or relatives, where possible
But such options are limited and often unsustainable, especially for first-year students unfamiliar with the city or without a support network.
Source: pagenews.gr