Experience in Izmir, Turkey by Ecem

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

Living in Izmir is like being on holiday all the time. Most of the people have to take some days off or have to travel for hours to have a good, relaxing holiday at the beach. But actually the beach is Izmir! The city itself is the holiday. Good food, good drinks, good weather, good party and most importantly, good people :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Izmir?

Izmir is one of the student cities in Turkey. There are four state and five private universities in Izmir. Which means that the city is full of students all around the world and Turkey. When you walk the streets in the center, you see that the whole youth is out, drinking, chatting, walking or partying. The city is not the cheapest place, but for sure convenient for the student wallets :)

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How much does it cost to live in Izmir?

The rents are ranged between 800-1200 turkish liras. In a month, the transportation expenses would be around 70 turkish liras. If you want to eat out, its always more expensive but cooking at home is way cheaper. If you consume alcohol and cigarettes, they are the worst. Because of the taxes they are very expensive in Turkey. You can buy a bottle of beer for 5-6 liras at the market, but at the bar or restaurant, the price will be from 10 to 20 liras. When it comes to cigarettes, a pack of Marlboro is 11 liras. You do the math!

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

Its actually easy. Because of the dense student population, there are many flats for rent. They are especially located in Bornova and Buca because in both places there are big and very old state universities. You can look it up on the internet.

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

Food is just perfect. You can enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine which is healthy and tasty. But the best part of being in Izmir is the enormous breakfast. We have this big breakfast culture, we eat for an hour in the morning :)

If you ask me, my favorite dish is grilled fish accompanied by our traditional drink Rakı, which contains high percentage of alcohol. Another favorite is Mantı, it looks a bit similar to Ravioli but the taste is way different. And of course, any vegetable dish with olive oil.

What places would you recommend visiting in Izmir?

Alsancak, Bostanlı, Konak Clock Tower are the central places. But if you have a chance to rent a car or take the bus I recommend you to visit Urla, Çeşme, Seferihisar, Foça and Şirince/Ephesus.

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

Yeah the food is delicious but we dont have many traditional food spots. The best is homemade :) You can find many kebab and fish restaurants everywhere. Alsancak is the best place to eat out because you can find a wide variety of cuisines. I recommend you to eat at home and go out to get drunk :))

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

Its a student city so they nightlife is student-crazy :) Alsancak is the best place to have parties.

What advice would you give future students heading to Izmir?

If you watch the news, you'll see that Turkey is now struggling with attacks and protests. But Izmir is away from all that and its more like an European city. If you want to make good friends, eat good food and have an unique university experience, I recommend you to visit Izmir. Its the best place you can go in Turkey :)