Erasmus Experience in Kocaeli, Turkey by bahsende

Why did you choose to go to Kocaeli, Turkey?

Because i used to live here already

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I have scholarship for 4 years. I receive 330 TL monthly. But i'm living with my family. My friends are living at dormitory and home. They need more money than 330 TL.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kocaeli?

Kocaeli has a lot of excellent cafes in city centre, it provides spend enjoyable time. Kocaeli has night clubs, pubs but here isn't enough for some people. Students find a lot of thing for have a good time.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Kocaeli to other students?

You should communicate with your teachers at the University of Kocaeli. Kocaeli isn't as expensive as İstanbul but not very cheap, especially about food.

What is the food like?

You can find all Turkish foods in Kocaeli and you can find Korean and Sushi restaurant, a lot of seafood restaurants and of course kebab :)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Kocaeli?

I think for Erasmus students, there is public dormitory. But i do not know how much money these dormitories.

How much does it cost to live in Kocaeli?

It change to your accommodation place. If you stay home, you need more money than stay a dormitory.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I guess, University has language courses. If you have a lot of Turkish friends, you can learn Turkish and our teachers can help you, don't worry :)

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Kocaeli from your city?

Kocaeli has a lot of public transportations facilities. For example, if you want from Kocaeli to İstanbul you can go there by the public bus and it is cheap :) Also, Kocaeli has fast train to a lot of cities but it is little more expensive.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Kocaeli?

For girls, it is little dangereous sometimes because especially in winter and fall at nights Kocaeli city centre is not crowded. But in spring and summer at nights more crowded and alive than winter.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Kocaeli?

I can offer Kebapçı Ali for kebap, meatballs and grilled foods :) Also, Joven Evo has very nice Turkish foods.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is public theatre centre called Süleyman Demirel Kültür Merkezi and it is cheap. There is museums, historical clock tower etc.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Kocaeli in the future?

You can have enjoyable time in this small and nice city :)