Esperienza a Smirne, Turchia da Demet

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

Life in İzmir is very easy especially for students and retired people who have limited budget.You don't waste a lot of time in traffic because the city is not very big.There are lot of sports centers throughout the city also cinemas,pubs,cafes especially along Kordon and Karşıyaka Yalı. There are also plenty of shopping malls where you can find anything needed for yourself or your house.

What is the student lifestyle like in Izmir?

With it's soft temperature and coastal towns(like Çeşme,Urla,Foça...)it's enjoyable to live in İzmir.Most of the universities are located in Bornova so the population is quite young.Most of the students speak english so communication won't be a problem.

How much does it cost to live in Izmir?

It's really very cheap living in İzmir.For example you can eat dinner with meat and wine for only 15 euros in a good restaurant.Accommodation is cheap too,you can rent a studio with furniture in good conditions for only 400 euros per month.

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

Private universities have residentials.If you want to rent a house with furniture you can find easily because in recent years many studio type appartments are built especially in Bornova for students.

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

You can eat lunch in chain stores like Arby's,Mc Donald,Burgerking and so.But I would recommend you local restaurants which are more healthy and tasty.I prefer olive oil dishes prepared in local restaurants.Also you can try döner which is a Turkish fast food.For dinner or long suppers you must try fish.

What places would you recommend visiting in Izmir?

İn İzmir you can visit Kemeraltı which is the oldest open bazaar of the world.You can do shopping,find anything you may want to buy .Also delicious foods are prepared in small but very old, local restaurants of Kemeraltı.Another historical place is Kadifekale which is connected to Agora with a tunnel and has a fantastic view over the Aegean Sea.You must go to Kordon and take wine or beer across the sunset over the sea.If you want to make sports (tennis,basketball,etc.)go to Karşıyaka because the municipality built sports complexes for free.

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

You can eat in chain stores if you have limited time and budget.If you have limited budget but enough time eat at local restaurants especially olive oil dishes.If you are planning a long dinner without money restriction go to Kordon to eat fish or meat.Also Alsancak and Karşıyaka Yalı have good reputation in degustative restaurants.

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

If you want to get education in a city which is cheap,small,with beautiful sunset over the sea and degustative go to İzmir.

What advice would you give future students heading to Izmir?

Get ready for simple life but don't forget to visit Çeşme and Alaçatı that have good reputation throughout the world with their coasts.But life in Çeşme and Alaçatı is very expensive ,be careful.