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University Life Beyond Academics
Being a university student in Türkiye offers more than just attending classes, taking exams, and obtaining visas. Thanks to its cultural and social diversity, Türkiye provides students with a wide array of extracurricular activities. Here are some of the possibilities:
Student Clubs and Activities
Every university in Türkiye has student clubs where students with shared interests organize various events. These can range from an astronomical society that follows solar eclipses to a photography club that explores every street in the city. You could join an archaeological society that tours Türkiye’s numerous archaeological sites, or showcase your hidden talents in a jazz club. You might also enjoy a gastronomic community exploring the diverse flavors of Türkiye. Cinema enthusiasts can join groups that follow both classic and contemporary films from around the world and Türkiye. If you’re a dedicated Harry Potter fan, you might even find a group that plays Quidditch. Simply ask and get involved!
Cinema and Theater
The number of cinemas in Türkiye is steadily increasing. Some are located in city centers, while others are found in shopping malls. These cinemas primarily show popular movies, often released simultaneously in Türkiye and worldwide. Besides mainstream films, smaller venues screen alternative movies, usually in their original language with Turkish subtitles.
Various Turkish cities host major film festivals throughout the year, such as the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, Istanbul Film Festival, Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, Ankara Film Festival, !F Independent Films Festival, Mobile Film Festival, and Malatya International Film Festival. Films at these festivals are typically shown in their original language with Turkish and English subtitles.
Theater in Türkiye is presented through state theaters, municipal theaters, and private theater companies. These performances feature works by both Turkish and international playwrights. Tickets for popular shows are often sold out weeks in advance, so planning ahead is essential. Theatrical performances are typically in Turkish.
For both cinema and theater, students can purchase discounted tickets by presenting their student ID at the box office.
Concerts
If live music is essential to you, Türkiye offers numerous venues where you can enjoy local bands or concerts by popular national artists. From pop and classical Turkish music to Turkish folk music and hip-hop, a variety of musical experiences await you. Joining your university’s music community or befriending a local for recommendations can enhance your musical journey in Türkiye.
Museums and Historical Sites
Türkiye, with its rich history of hosting numerous civilizations and empires, boasts an abundance of museums and historical sites. Besides the ones in your own city, there are several places of significant importance to both Turkish and world civilization that you should definitely visit while in Türkiye.
With a Müzekart, you can visit all these sites at discounted rates!
Sports Events
Türkiye has a deep passion for sports, with football, basketball, and volleyball being the most popular. The national league matches in these sports are highly competitive and entertaining. Tickets are mostly available online. If you’re more than just a spectator and enjoy participating in sports, universities offer sports facilities free or for a small fee. You can join tournaments held at the school or even become part of the school team if you’re ambitious.
