Ankara city
Ankara is not only the administrative heart and political capital of Turkey, but also a city with deep historical roots, where ancient citadels harmoniously coexist with modern business districts.
For students, this is a city of high academic standards, home to the country's leading universities. An atmosphere of seriousness, order, and intellectual inquiry prevails here.
Thanks to its affordable cost of living, safety, and strong educational foundation, Ankara annually attracts thousands of students striving for quality education in the center of the Anatolian region.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the key aspects of student life in Ankara—from the economy and housing to transport and climate.
💰Economy & Cost of Living
Ankara offers a calmer and more economically balanced pace of life compared to tourist-heavy Istanbul. A student budget here allows for comfortable living while enjoying all the advantages of the capital's infrastructure.
Average student expenses in Ankara:
Housing Rental: Rental costs vary. A room or a small apartment in student neighborhoods will cost 200–400 USD per month. Living in dormitories (KYK or private) is significantly more economical.
Food: Food expenses amount to about 150–250 USD per month. A large number of markets, affordable supermarkets, and university canteens allow for high-quality, inexpensive meals.
Transport: The transport system in Ankara is one of the best in the country. A monthly student travel pass costs about 10–15 USD.
Additional Expenses: Entertainment, museum visits, cultural events, and personal purchases cost approximately 80–130 USD per month.
💡 Tip: Obtain the "Ankarakart" student card—it provides significant discounts on metro and bus fares.
🏠Student Accommodation
Several accommodation options are available for students in Ankara:
Student Dormitories: The most common option. The cost ranges from 50 to 150 USD per month. This allows you to stay among like-minded peers and have quick access to campus.
Apartment or Room Rental: Many students rent housing together with friends, which helps split the costs of utilities and rent.
Private Student Residences: An option with a higher level of comfort, security, and additional amenities (gym, internet, laundry).
As a company, Student’s Life, we help students find safe and comfortable housing that meets their needs. The cost of accommodation can also be included in our educational packages in Turkey.
🚇Transport & Infrastructure
Ankara possesses an efficient and reliable transport network.
Ankara Metro: Includes several lines that connect key districts of the city and university campuses.
Buses: A wide network of surface transport that operates precisely and is integrated with the metro.
Dolmuş (Minibuses): A traditional and very popular type of transport in Ankara, allowing you to quickly get to any point in the city.
🌦️Climate
Ankara is located on the Anatolian Plateau, so it is characterized by a sharply continental climate.SeasonTemperatureFeatures❄️ Winter (Dec–Mar)–5°C to +5°CCold, snowy, and rather dry winter.☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)+22°C…+32°CHot, sunny summer with cool evenings.💡 Tip: Due to its location on a highland, Ankara experiences sharp temperature fluctuations between day and night. Always keep a light jacket or sweater with you, and in winter, be sure to have a warm coat and footwear.