Experience in Kocaeli, Turkey by Umut

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

I lived here for 13 years and I would not recommend it. Since there is so much factory nearbly and one of the biggest one called " TUPRAS( which was exploded in 1999) releases too much toxic to the weather and it always feels like humid and dirty everywhere..

City is well located. What I mean is Istanbul is 1 hour from Kocaeli ( If the traffic is okey otherwise it would take more than 4 hours which I experienced). It is well organized and quite cheap.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kocaeli?

There are a few places for students to hang out but other than that it really sucks.

How much does it cost to live in Kocaeli?

Quite cheap. Housing is really cheap, food is really cheap, everything is cheap.. Kocaeli University Campus is too far from the city center which I find disturbing by the way.

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

No on the contrary is quite easy to find. There are lots of student houses, dorms and many places.

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

Typical Turkish cuisine can be found everywhere in the city. Food is really good and affordable in many places. I don't think anyone would ever get a problem because of the food.

What places would you recommend visiting in Kocaeli?

If it is summer, you can try the coastal villages called Kerpe or Kefken. Really nice seashore and only 1.5 hours away. However in winter, god help you..

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

Yes it is. You can always find a good place depending on what you like. If you like grillroom there are many places or doner, kebab ( they are both different things please first learn that).

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

Now that you mentioned I just realized that there is no nightlife in Kocaeli! Siriosuly there is nothing out there for you about nightlife..

What advice would you give future students headed to Kocaeli?

I just hope they are ready for a quite working environment because these are the things they should consider ;

bad weather(siriously I think it shorents ones life time everyday) , no nightlife(NONE really..) , weird looks from lots of the folk( quite religious city) , cheap food(cheap but delicious and really good) and living environment(cheap housing etc).