Erasmus in Ankara

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Ankara

Are you thinking about going on Erasmus to Ankara? You won't regret it! In this article you can find everything you need to know about this charming city. Join us! Or, as they would say in Turkey, bize katıl!

In Ankara, the heart of Turkey, history and modernity create a harmonious mix worthy of admiration. It’s the second most populated city in the country, with more than five million inhabitants. The Turkish capital offers a first class academic environment, and a diverse and welcoming student community. Likewise, its streets are full of tradition, dynamism, exquisite gastronomy and warmth. All of this makes it an ideal destination for young people looking for a unique experience!

Cost of living in Ankara, Turkey

The cost of living in Ankara is lower than in other big cities, especially if you take into account the currency exchange to the Turkish lira. You won’t have to sacrifice quality of life, making it a great option for students. The monthly budget can range between €450 and €700, adding accommodation, food, some entertainment and other expenses.

This city offers a variety of options for accommodation, which will be the main outlay you’ll have. In the case of young people, the most common option chosen is a room in a shared apartment, which usually costs between €200 and €300. Even so, this can vary depending on how far they are from the centre.

The rest of the expenses, food, leisure, transportation and other personal purchases are also relatively cheap.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Ankara, Turkey

The party, leisure and entertainment options in Ankara are varied and for all tastes. It offers bars and nightclubs such as Pixel Ankara and Locus Solus, very popular among young people for their events with live DJs and their ideal atmospheres for dancing. But if it's about dancing, then we must mention Murphy's Dance Bar, known for its dance floors and party atmosphere. On the other hand, if what you prefer is a quieter environment to enjoy with your friends, we recommend James Cook Cafe & Pub and The Soul Pub.

Ankara is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year. Among them is the Ankara International Music Festival (Ankara Uluslararası Müzik Festivali), which attracts artists and audiences from all over the world every year.

Culture and gastronomy in Ankara

Ankara promotes a rich cultural scene in which you can immerse yourself by visiting the most iconic places in the city. For example, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi) houses collections that tell the history of Anatolia and offers a deep insight into the cultural heritage of the region. Another museum that houses a wide collection, in this case Turkish art from the end of the XIX century until now, is the State Museum of Art and Sculpture (Resim-Heykel Müzesi).

On the other hand, the Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mausoleum, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, is another popular visiting site and important symbol in the city. This complex is not only a monument to Atatürk, it also includes a museum dedicated to his life and achievements. Likewise, the Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi) is a fortress with stunning panoramic views of the city, and a great place to appreciate traditional architecture.

Ankara gastronomy mixes traditional, modern, Ottoman and local techniques from the Anatolian region. Its intense flavours are reflected in typical dishes such as “İskender Kebab”, which consists of slices of roast lamb on pieces of pita, with tomato sauce, yoghurt and butter. “Mantı” are a type of Turkish dumplings that are filled with minced meat and served with garlic yoghurt sauce and sumac. “Lahmacun” is known as Turkish pizza, because it’s a thin dough covered with a mixture of minced meat, tomato, onion, and spices. Another traditional dish is “Ezogelin Çorbası”, a soup made with red lentils, bulgur, and a variety of spices.

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Ankara, Turkey

• It’s home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country. Thanks to this, doing your Erasmus here guarantees high quality education.
• As you may know, Ankara is the capital of Turkey. But unlike other capitals, you won’t have to worry about large expenses thanks to its affordable cost of living.
• You can immerse yourself in the intense local gastronomic flavours. A good kebab always hits the spot!
• If you’re one of those who love to take a walk or even study outdoors, you should also know that Ankara has many green areas and parks that will feel like a breath of fresh air.
• By living here, you have the opportunity to learn or improve the language, while you integrate into a community with a diverse environment and make friends from different parts of the world. However, it’s good to know that international students usually use the English language to communicate, which will make everything much easier for you.
• Its location in Turkey offers routes to travel to other parts of the country such as Istanbul, or even to Europe or Asia. You can make many vacation plans with your friends!

Cheap student accommodation in Ankara

Are you in search of accommodation in Ankara but having trouble finding it? We can help you! You can use our Erasmus Play search engine to take a look at the collection of different rooms, flats and student residences, all safe and verified, and thus making your task easier.

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Ankara

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