Anadolu University is one of the largest universities in the world, and is classified as a Mega University.
The university was founded in 1982 through the union of four institutions: the Academy of Economics and Commercial Sciences of Eskişehir, the State Academy of Architecture and Engineering, the Institute of Education and a medical school.
The university prides itself on being modern, dynamic and democratic. Students are encouraged to exercise their right to free speech and to take part in artistic endeavours in Turkey and internationally.
Since its founding, Anadolu University has been designated as a centre for distance learning. Through creating a distance learning centre, the Turkish government aimed to spread higher education to rural communities without the resources to attend university in person. Anadolu University has successfully reached millions of rural students through mediums including video, radio and internet.
As well as its distance learning, Anadolu has three campuses for residential students. They feature a 24-hour library, swimming pools and gyms. All are located in and around the city of Eskişehir in the north west of Turkey.
Eskişehir is sometimes known as the student city thanks to the enormous population of Anadolu University. As a student hub there are plenty of places to hang out on a budget. A cup of Turkish coffee, slice of honey-soaked baklava or delicious mezze can all be obtained for just a few lira. It’s also possible to travel into the hills around the city, where natural hot springs can be found.
