Information guide for international students, not individual legal, tax or medical advice. Check requirements, amounts and procedures with the competent source before acting.
Operational framework
In Greece, citizenship, duration, course and work determine different procedures. For an Italian the path starts from an EU registration certificate with the competent police authority for stays over three months, with registration, resources and coverage; for a non-EU citizen from a national visa and residence permit for study according to the Migration Code. The sections separate the cases and indicate tests and risks.
City
Rule:Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and islands have different markets and transportation.
What to do:Choose from campus and real neighborhood.
Operational verification:Link the rule to the current source, your category, and dated proof; note the deadline and competent authority.
Transport
Rule:OASA, OASTH and local networks do not share every product.
What to do:Check student pass.
Operational verification:Check identity, complete document, territory and receipt. Don’t rely on verbal confirmation.
Heat
Rule:Summer, buildings and air conditioning impact the budget.
What to do:Check insulation and bills.
Operational verification:Enter the passage in the calendar with cost, deadline and alternative plan in case of delay.
Earthquakes
Rule:You know Drop Cover Hold and Safe Point.
What to do:Follow Civil Protection.
Operational verification:Review the point when your course, major, duration, job or insurance changes.
Fires
Rule:112 sends alerts; evacuate early.
What to do:Do not enter closed streets.
Operational verification:Link the rule to the current source, your category, and dated proof; note the deadline and competent authority.
Tongue
Rule:Contracts and offices often operate in Greek.
What to do:Ask for translation and written confirmation.
Operational verification:Check identity, complete document, territory and receipt. Don’t rely on verbal confirmation.
Digital
Rule:TAXISnet and banking are sensitive.
What to do:Protect MFA.
Operational verification:Enter the passage in the calendar with cost, deadline and alternative plan in case of delay.
Routine
Rule:Review certificate, AFM, AMKA, home and coverage.
What to do:Update the monthly file.
Operational verification:Review the point when your course, major, duration, job or insurance changes.
Plan the first week
Before your flight, save your address, home access, transportation, documents, insurance and contact details offline. It comes with an alternative means of payment and a small reserve; Don’t carry all your funds on one card. Plan sleep and meals in the first few days instead of cramming bank, home, university and work into twenty-four hours.
Do a neighborhood reconnaissance: stop and last service, supermarket, pharmacy, GP/urgent care, illuminated place and emergency point. Share the route with a person. Check telephone coverage inside the house and register SIM. Enable MFA only after setting recovery methods.
Home and natural kit
Prepare water, food, flashlight, radio or alert, power bank, medicines and copies of documents according to local risks. Don’t buy random items: use Civil Defense/emergency authority guidance. Know meters, electrical panel, exit and smoke alarms. Agree with roommates who gets the kit and where to meet.
For outdoors apply a rule: plan, weather, equipment, communication and waiver. Good weather in the city doesn’t describe coast or mountains. Indicates itinerary and return time; brings layers, water and navigation. Respecting closures, flags and local authorities is part of safety, not a tourist limit.
Social network and adaptation
Build three different networks: practical (roommate/mate), institutional (international office, tutor, support) and personal (friends/family). Don’t depend on just one person for home, work and translation. Participate in orientation and clubs, but protect study and rest time.
Culture shock, loneliness and fatigue may set in after the initial excitement. Maintain routines, physical activity, meals and contacts. Ask for support before losing membership or money. A successful move doesn’t require pretending everything is easy.
Monthly check
Review budget, working hours, attendance, home, health, documents and seasonal alert. Download statements, delete unused access and update backups. Check that the telephone number connected to the bank and portals is active. Plan holidays, renewals and moves in advance: urgent decisions are the ones most exposed to scams and violations.
Seasonal and first-week protocol
From May to October monitor Civil Protection and weather for heat and wildfires, keep 112 alerts active and follow evacuation orders. Identify earthquake safe points, utility shut-offs and the assembly area. In the first week verify the AADE lease, AFM where needed, insurance, the competent police office, campus route and transport disruptions. Protect TAXISnet, banking and gov.gr OTPs. Ferry, rail and urban discounts use different operators and may require the academic ID.
Official sources
Verified: 2026-08-22.
Go deeper
Driving licence & ID
Exchange rules, international permits, and minimum ages differ widely. Confirm with the national or state motoring authority in Greece before driving; rental desks usually require licence plus passport or national ID.
Mobile plans & SIM
Compare prepaid vs contract; you will usually need ID and sometimes proof of address. Ask about number portability, fair-use data caps, and EU/international roaming if you travel outside Greece.
Groceries & food
Mix discount supermarkets with local markets and food-rescue apps where they operate. Check Sunday opening rules and bag/bottle deposit schemes in Greece—they affect weekly cost.