For first years

Welcome to medical school

Moving to Thessaloniki to study medicine is exciting and a little overwhelming. This page is what we wish someone had given us in our first week.

City tour, Freshers '23

Your first week

Three things to do before anything else.

do these first!

Step 1

Find your classes

Lectures are in Amphitheatre B. Pick your lab group in the timetable and it shows only your own classes, week by week.

Open the timetable

Step 2

Join the Discord

Ask questions, find notes and meet your year. Request an invite with your details and we'll send you one.

Request an invite

Step 3

Become a member

Membership is free. It gets you into clubs, events and elections, and gives you access to Past Papers.

Join IMSOG

Arrival checklist

Paperwork for your first months in Greece. Tick things off as you go. Your progress is saved on this device only.

Register with the schoolComplete your enrolment with the International Studies Office (ground floor, Administration Building). This is where you get your university account details.
Activate your @auth.gr accountYou need it for eLearning, the student portal and university Wi-Fi. It can take a few weeks after enrolment.
Get a Greek tax number (AFM)You need an AFM for a rental contract, a bank account and a phone contract. Ask at the tax office (DOY) with your passport or ID.
Get a social security number (AMKA)Needed for doctor's appointments and prescriptions. Ask at a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) or an EFKA office.
Sort out your residence paperworkEU citizens staying more than three months register with the police's Aliens Department. Non-EU students need a student residence permit. The International Studies Office can tell you what applies to you.
Apply for your Academic IDThe student card (Akadimaiki Taftotita) gives you student prices on buses, the metro and trains. Apply online, then collect it from the pick-up point you choose.
Open a bank account and get a Greek SIMMost banks need your AFM and proof of address. A Greek SIM makes life easier for two-factor codes.
Health coverBring your European Health Insurance Card (EU students) or check what your insurance covers in Greece.
Join IMSOG and the DiscordSign up as a member and request a Discord invite. Freshers' Week is the best time to meet everyone.

Rules change.This list was last checked in September 2026. The International Studies Office has the final word on anything official.

Settling in

Guides from students who've done it

Finding a flat, good places to study, and how the programme works. Written by IMSOG members.

Greek survival glossary

Words you'll see on signs, forms and timetables in your first weeks.

Greek	Say it	What it means
Γραμματεία	Grammateia	The secretariat: registration, certificates, paperwork
Αμφιθέατρο (Αμφ. Β΄)	Amfitheatro	Lecture hall. "Amph. B'" is Amphitheatre B
Εργαστήριο	Ergastirio	Lab session
Εξεταστική	Exetastiki	The exam period
Προβιβάσιμος	Provivasimos	Passing grade: 5 out of 10 or higher
Ακαδημαϊκή Ταυτότητα	Akadimaiki Taftotita	Academic ID / student card
ΑΦΜ	AFM	Tax number
ΑΜΚΑ	AMKA	Social security number
ΚΕΠ	KEP	Citizen Service Centre for public paperwork
ΔΟΥ	DOY	Local tax office
Φοιτητική Λέσχη	Foititiki Leschi	Student restaurant
Φοιτητική Εστία	Foititiki Estia	Student residence

Questions first years ask

Do I need to speak Greek?

Not for your medical courses, which are in English. You take Greek language classes in your first year, and everyday Greek helps a lot with admin, shops and later with patients. The Greekaholics club can help.

When do I get my @auth.gr email?

After you enrol with the International Studies Office. It can take a few weeks. You don't need it to become a member or join the Discord: any email works, and for the Discord a photo of your acceptance letter or student ID is enough.

How are exams graded?

Out of 10. You pass with 5 or more. If you fail or miss an exam, there are resit periods later in the year.

What is Freshers' Week?

Our welcome week for first years, with social events, campus tours and a chance to meet older students. Watch the Discord and Instagram for dates.

Something else? Ask us or ask on the Discord.