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Living in Thessaloniki

Studying & Living in Thessaloniki

If you chose to study in Thessaloniki you have chosen the right place! Thessaloniki is a vibrant student city, full of day and nightlife. It is a hub for 80.000 university students ready to welcome you! Friendly, diverse and safe, Thessaloniki is considered one of the best cities to study in.Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia.

Situated in the Gulf of Thermaikos on the Aegean Sea, the city is well known for its natural beauty, unrivalled sea view, but mostly for its youthful and upbeat flavour. With a population of 1.3 million, Thessaloniki has kept its friendly and laid-back character, making it an ideal student destination, easy to settle in and get around. Whatever your style is, this city will charm you with its rich cultural life, its large number of monuments, its exquisite cuisine, the vivid nightlife and beautiful surroundings.

For those who wish to have a short getaway from the city, Thessaloniki’s surroundings can please every taste; Places like Chalkidiki, famous for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, Mount Olympus, the ancient capital of Macedonians, Vergina, where the Royal tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great is, and Kaimaktsalan and Seli Ski Resorts are only a few of the many destinations that are approximately one hour away from Thessaloniki. Also, trips to nearby islands like Skiathos and Alonissos, is always a nice way to spend a few days away from the city. Our students often organise excursions and visit most of Thessaloniki’s attractive surroundings during their studies.

  • Contemporary yet Affordable

    Thessaloniki is a modern European city. However it has relatively low cost of living and can satisfy the needs of students’ budget.

  • Diverse and Multicultural

    Thessaloniki since its establishment, 2300 years ago, has always been a diverse and multicultural city. Today, with students from all over the world the city celebrates its diversity and international character.

  • Vibrant by Day and Night

    With an energetic student population and its youthful and upbeat flavour the city remains vibrant by day and night. Fabulous cafes, sizzling night life, bars, concerts and performances make student life in Thessaloniki even more exciting!

  • Safe and Friendly

    Though the second largest city of Greece, Thessaloniki has kept its friendly character and is considered one of the safest cities to study in.

  • Enchanting Surroundings

    Thessaloniki’s immediate surroundings include Chalkidiki’s sandy beaches and seaside resorts as well as beautiful mountains, lakes, and natural preservation areas that students can choose from for their excursions. DEI College also organizes excursions throughout each academic year, so students get to experience much more than Thessaloniki.

  • A Historical City

    The city was founded around 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon. An important metropolis in the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. It is home to numerous notable Byzantine monuments, including the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments, as well as several Roman and Ottoman remains.

History of Thessaloniki

As mentioned above, Thessaloniki was founded by King Cassander of Macedonia in 315 B.C.. The city soon became the commercial and cultural centre of Macedonia and of the Balkan Peninsula. In 168 B.C. the Romans make Thessaloniki the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia and the Southern Balkans. The city takes on a Byzantine character which it has maintained to the present day, with more Byzantine monuments than any other city in Europe. In 1430 Thessaloniki is occupied by the Turks. After a period of economic and cultural stagnation, the city begins to exploit the reforming tendencies of the Ottoman Empire and becomes once again a commercial and cultural beacon for the peoples of the Balkans.

A tour of the city will also give the tourist a comprehensive picture of the city’s historic past. One should start at the Ramparts, which in their present form extend over 3 kilometres and include 6 towers, the main one of which is the White Tower – the symbol of Thessaloniki. Then one should make one’s way to the Galerius complex, which dates back to the 4th century A.D. with the triumphal arch, the palace and the Rotunda, then to the Ancient Roman Agora and the Odeon, and finally to the churches, magnificent examples of early Christian and Byzantine art.

The city of Thessaloniki today, possessing as it does the second largest and most important port in Greece, the International Fair – which attracts commercial interest from all over the world- and the largest university in the country, and offering cultural events, theatres, Modern Art galleries, libraries, some of the most exclusive spores in Greece, an immense variety of high standard recreational facilities and examples of modern architecture, art nouveau and eclecticism, offers the visitor an exciting experience.