Experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan by Aidana

What is it like to live in Almaty? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Hey everyone who probably decided to visit Kazakhstan. My name is Aidana and i have a lot of things to be shared about this country. Probably, because this is my homeland:)
the environment by itself might be a little bit unusual for those of you who live in Europe, America or any other continent, region, etc.
I know lots of people who come to Almaty universitites as exchangers but, if to be completely honest, I don't understand why they choose Kazakhstan. My country is not quite "popular", but it definitely has its own unique sole.
Almaty is one of the oldest cities in Kz, but there are no such architectural memorials and buildings you can find. There is the reason for this: this is the home, the region of nomads, travelers, warriors. The city was generally built during Soviet ruling. There are plenty of Soviet type buildings, some of them belong also to more old periods.
I think that Almaty is good for its mix of now and before. There are beautiful nature sights, historical scenes. And there is new Almaty with big malls, sky high buildings, shops and any other stuff necessary for daily life:)))

What is the student lifestyle like in Almaty?

I guess there is a little difference between lives of those of us who study in world level universities such as KIMEP, NU and people who study in state universities. In KIMEP we have a lifestyle or customs close to western type, then it is not quite so in state universities. Thats why, students are also different.
because of Americanization youngsters generaly share the same ideas as to be sporty, well dressed and be more open minded.
students do take part in different parties organised by communities, etc. What i also like about our customs is that kazakhs are generally welcoming nation. We do love to make our quests happy:) we do try to find buddies for exchangers, to help them adapt and so on...
i guess students in Ata are very the same as in any other city.

How much does it cost to live in Almaty?

Almaty is not the most expensive city in Kz, to begin with. If to compare with Europe i guess it is a little bit cheaper in stuff like utilities cost, rent, etc. But it is a little bit more expensive in food( in some particular cases). Of course it happens because Kz imports products from other countries and thats why sellers put higher prices.
the big bonus of prices is utilities cost. Electricity, light, etc is not as expensive as in Europe for example( I've been twice to Spain). I think that student from any other region will not have problems with prices.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Almaty? Is there any advice you can give?

I think it might be hard because people when they see foreigners try to cheat. And even if landlords or agencies put high prices, it can still be acceptavle for incoming students. For that purpose i think students should be ready to communicate with locals or at least to try to bargain.
as for this thing, i think it's natural. People are always ready to cheat( or sometimes).
it should not be hard to find good apartment close to university because rentals is part of a business. We have lots of students that come from other Kz cities, so there is always a choice. If to speak about hostels. This business is developing now too. But i would not say that there is lots of hostels or cheap but comfortable hotels.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is quite specific. Kazakhs due to historical events, environment and climate love meat and food made of flour. I think that for some it is wild to eat horse meat, or for example some got shocked when they hear about animal sacrifices(tradition to sacrifice a lamp). But nonetheless kazakh traditional food is very tasty. But of course you should better discover where it is cooked well because not all of restaurants offer good meals. In Almaty it is not only about kazakh food. We have big influence of Caucasian traditional dishes. And i do really recommend to try this particular cuisine. Of course lots of coffee houses, but not european take away type. Here, people like to stay for a long time in coffee house trying new drinks and desserts. Plus, fast food, italian, chinese, japanese and uygur cuisines. I'm big fan of food, so i do really insist that you should try them because they are special with its "accents".

What places would you recommend visiting in Almaty?

Mmm... Thats a little bit hard question for a person who lives here and who is part of daily routine. But I'll try.
1.visit Medeu this is skating-rink. It's very big and its situated in the upper part of the city just in the middle of mountains.
2. For skiing lovers-Shymbulak and Akbulak complexes where you can spend time with pleasure.
3. Big Almaty Lake - very beautiful sight situated in ecological zone Almarasan. Basically Almarasan by itself is great place to make walking tours and picnics.
4. Visit minor things such as squares and parks.
5. Still it's always better to find local friends in order to see everyting inside out.
6. Ili river sights with Buddha paintings on the walls - not quite far from Almaty. It's wild nature where you can find rocks with Buddha paintings.
7. Charyn canyon ( probably not as big as Grand) but also very picturesque.

Is it good to eat out in Almaty? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Im fan of food so whenever you decide to visit this city you are welcome to contact me if you want. I hope I'll be glad to show the customs, places here. But for the first time:
1.Manga sushi - i think the best place to eat sushi with good atmosphere btw.
2.take a walk along Ablai Khan str. There is lot of coffee houses there.
3.Glen pub - to try good steaks, irish cuisine
4.try cheap canteen cafeterias such as popular among students Kaganat.
5.La tartine is quite good takeaway type dessert house. I like to buy cookies there.
6.a little bit far from city center, close to mountains Tau samal(Dastarkhan) complex. Where you can find different cafes with own cuisines on one area
7. Bisquit - to try pasta.
8. There is Dastarkhan supermarket situated in Gogol st/Ablai khan. There you can buy baursaks(traditional kazakh dish).
this is the only thing that came on my mind. It's not all definitely, but it's hard to memorize everything at one moment.

Is the nightlife good in Almaty? Where is good to go?

Clubs. Lots of them situated in city center and some a little bit more far. Good atmosphere. Maybe it might be hard for those who do not know kazakh or russian at least because not all workers will understand you.

What advice would you give future students headed to Almaty?

Just be open. I think that students in Kz are very hospitable, welcoming, they like to share own traditions and to hear about others' customs.
if you have any, minor or not, questions you are very welcome to write me!
 hope this was helpful
welcome!