Living in Ankara: A Guide for International Students

Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, is a student-friendly city that offers a great living experience for international students. In this blog post, we’ll provide essential information about life in Ankara, opportunities the city offers, and important tips for international students.

1. General Information About Ankara

Ankara is a modern and well-organized city that serves as Türkiye’s political and administrative center. With many universities in the city, thousands of international students come to Ankara every year.

• Population: Approximately 5.5 million

• Climate: Continental climate, with cold and snowy winters, and hot and dry summers

• Language: The official language is Turkish, but English is widely used in universities 

2. Education and University Life in Ankara

Ankara is home to some of Türkiye’s most prestigious and well-established universities. Institutions such as TED University, Lokman Hekim University, METU (Middle East Technical University), Hacettepe University, and Bilkent University are popular choices for international students.

• High-Quality Education: Universities in Ankara provide both theoretical and practical education at international standards.

• English Programs: Many universities offer programs in English.

• International Offices: Universities have dedicated offices to help international students adapt to their new environment. 

3. Cost of Living in Ankara

Ankara offers a high-quality education and affordable living for international students. To provide a better understanding of monthly expenses, we calculated the cost of living in USD. Based on the current exchange rate, 1 USD equals approximately 34TL.
 

Detailed Breakdown of Expenses

1. Accommodation:

• On-campus dormitory: 56-420 USD

• Shared apartment (3 people): 247-370 USD

2. Meals:

• University cafeteria: 1.11 USD

• Restaurant: 9-11 USD

3. Transportation:

• Monthly student transportation card: 11.11 USD

4. Other Expenses:

• Electricity, water, gas, and internet: 205-215 USD 

The cost of living in Ankara may vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. However, overall, Ankara is more affordable compared to cities like Istanbul and is known for being a student-friendly city.

4. Transportation in Ankara

Ankara has a well-developed and easy-to-use public transportation system.

• Public Transportation: Metro, buses, and minibuses are commonly used.

• EGO Card: Students can get a discounted EGO card for public transportation.

• Cycling and Walking: The city center has bike paths and pedestrian-friendly areas.

5. Social and Cultural Life in Ankara

Ankara offers a rich social and cultural life for students.

• Museums: Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s Mausoleum), Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ethnography Museum

• Parks: Gençlik Park, Seğmenler Park, Eymir Lake

• Cultural Events: Theaters, concerts, and exhibitions are held throughout the year.

6. Health Services and Safety

Ankara has a well-developed healthcare system.

• University Hospitals: Students can access affordable healthcare services at university hospitals.

• Safety: Ankara is known as a safe and student-friendly city. University areas are generally secure.

7. Tips for International Students

1. Learn the Language: Learning Turkish will make your daily life easier.

2. Get an EGO Card: Benefit from student discounts on public transportation.

3. Join Social Activities: Participate in university clubs and social events to make new friends.

4. Official Documents: Make sure to complete your residence permit and student registration on time.

8. Food Culture in Ankara

You can find a variety of cuisines in Ankara.

• Traditional Turkish Dishes: Döner, mantı (Turkish ravioli), kebab

• Cafes and Restaurants: Tunalı Hilmi Street, Kızılay Square, and Bahçelievler are social hubs of the city.

• International Cuisines: You can also find Chinese, Italian, and Indian restaurants.

Conclusion 

Ankara offers a safe, modern, and affordable environment for international students to receive a high-quality education. With rich social and cultural opportunities, the city supports both academic and personal development.

At El Rahma Group, we are happy to assist international students with their applications to universities in Türkiye. For more information and support regarding student life in Ankara, feel free to contact us!