Experience in Ankara, Turkey by Meriç

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

Ankara is the capital city which is established after 1930s. It has no particular exotic arcitechture or landscape whatsoever. This city is pretty much boring where most of the state officers live. I don’t recommend to foreigners to study in here, istanbul is way better option if you consider to come Turkey. Transportation is kind of problematic, but you can find some decent turkish cuisine restaurants

What is the student lifestyle like in Ankara?

It is go back and forth between home and school pretty much. If you study in universities such as METU or hacettepe you may attend to some social activities in the campus. But outside of the campus is dull and unexciting.

How much does it cost to live in Ankara?

If you rent a flat or a private dorm room, you may cover all the expenses with around 2k turkish liras per month which roughly translates into 300-400 euros. If you rent a state dorm room it would cost slightly less than that.

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

You wont find single rooms in houses since turkish culture dictates our people to be reluctant to have company in their homes for long periods of time. Your best choice would be dorm rooms.

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

If you ever tried turkish food, you can enjoy the meal here because you can find every dish of turkish cuisine. I recommend giving a try to iskender doner.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ankara?

There is Anıtkabir the mausoleum of “Ataturk”. A historical place where you can learn about our leader and republic’s background. Also there are other historical places such as Ankara castle and anatolian civilizations museum

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

You can find various types of turkish dishes. And other cuisines aswell (pizza, chinese food) etc. but i dont recommend to eat other cuisines in every restaurant.

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

Nightlife is limited, there are some bars and clubs in some vicinities yet transportation is very sparse after 12 pm. So you can pretty much say this city is not suitable for nightlife.

What advice would you give future students heading to Ankara?

Best of luck :) If you seek out entertainment rather than education, you should search about the city more elaborately before you decide to come.