Experience in Kocaeli, Turkey by Chedly

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

Kocaeli is so peaceful, I loved how people are living here without feeling stress. You can find all kinds of things you're looking for here and you can see many different cultures related to the ottoman empire, Roman Empire and even some other European countries. If you love history, museums and quiet places then you should visit this city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kocaeli?

The student's lifestyle is so smooth here in Kocaeli. They have many advantages and discounts for transport, sports activities and cultures activities. Students can have a healthy lifestyle here without stress. There is a traffic jam in the afternoon that can make public transport slow but it's normal and exists everywhere.

How much does it cost to live in Kocaeli?

I believe that you need between 1000TL-1500TL as a student to live here because transport is cheap, accommodation's prices depend on what you're looking for. If you want to stay in a dorm in a solo room or have your own house so it will costs you around 1000TL but if you're okay with other choices so you can find a place to stay with 600TL. For transportation, you should create a student card ( go to an office and show him a prove that's your a student) and the transportation will be between 50TL-70TL at maximum.

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

If you want to stay in a dorm in a solo room or have your own house so it will costs you around 1000TL but if you're okay with other choices so you can find a place to stay with 600TL.

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

The food is so good, it's not so much expensive and tasty at the same time. My favorite dish is Kepap with potatoes. If you're staying in a dorm then the breakfast is covered and you can find many student's restaurants that's cheaper than other normal restaurants.

What places would you recommend visiting in Kocaeli?

-Seka park
-museums in İzmit
-Kertepe's mountains
-Speaking cafe: it's a coffee shop where Turkish people meet foreigners to practice English.

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

As I mentioned before, food in Kocaeli is so good so you can your prepare your food at home but eating outside isn't a bad choice. The food is tasty and not expensive but you should learn a few Turkish words because many times people will not understand any other languages so you have to try explaining to them even with body language.

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

The nightlife is good, the city is safe and there are many places to party. You can also walk in corniche or practice sport. Most of the stores close at midnight so if you wanna something you should do it earlier.

What advice would you give future students heading to Kocaeli?

-Learn basic Turkish phrases before coming here.
-Don't change your money in banks because the process is so complicated and they take so many fees, change your money in the jewelry stores.
-If you wanna drink a cheap coffee or tea, McDonald's is the best place.
-You can rent bikes and use it to discover the city but you need an ID number, don't go alone to the office responsible for the ID applications! take a Turkish speaker with you.