Student review [#11514] for Chemical Engineering
at Middle East Technical University - METU

Located in the heart of Ankara, METU offers a campus experience like no other. From state of the art research labs to top notch sports facilities, METU truly utilizes the mammoth 11000 acre campus it boasts.

As a Chemical Engineering major, I not only had professors from reputable global universities, but also, I got to work under the tutelage of highly professional, leading scientists in the form of undergraduate research projects. Since METU is primarily a Technical University, there is almost always some project going on, for those interested in research. You can also start your own projects, should there be no ongoing ones that are in line with your interests. Additionally, there is a massive research center (METU Technopolis/Teknokent) connected to the main campus where several leading research companies and start-ups have set up shop. Although not easy for foreign students, it definitely is possible to work there as a part time/full time intern.

Brilliant academics and facilities aside, the university has multiple sports complexes, gymnasiums, playing fields and even a stadium where you will always find people relaxing and taking a breather from the hectic academic life. There are multiple cafes spread out across the campus, including a mini shopping mall, so essentially everything you need will be within the campus. Should you, however, want to go off campus, there are plenty of public transport service points within the campus. The walks from the central campus to the gates, although somewhat long, are very scenic and very refreshing courtesy of the artificial forests.

Unlike most universities in Turkey, METU has on campus accommodation too, should one choose to stay there. Although relatively cheap, they are a bit small, and provide very basic necessities. That said, there are 20 dormitories (each with a capacity of roughly 300) with several different room configurations, so you can choose the kind of room you would prefer.

For students interested in extra curricular activities, METU has a plethora of societies, clubs and sports teams which are very welcoming of new participants. However, most of these activities require at least a basic level of the Turkish Language, due to which these clubs and societies vastly lack foreign students. The university has very limited quotas for foreign students, which make them a very tiny proportion of the student body. As a result, the university severely lacks internationality, and although a lot of students can speak English, for one to truly merge into the student body and be accepted, they need to be able to speak the language.

All in all, at METU, you have a world of opportunities, should you be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Be warned though, with an acceptance rate under 10%, METU accepts only the crème de la crème, which makes it a highly competitive environment, ideal, for those who thrive under pressure!