📌 Let’s Get to Know Tarsus
Tarsus is a small but warm city near the Mediterranean, with a history dating back thousands of years. It offers advantages in terms of both nature and history, as well as affordable living for students. Its proximity to major cities like Adana and Mersin makes intercity travel easy. 🏫 Campus Life
• Tarsus University’s campus is very close to the city center. It is 25 km from Mersin city center and 40 km from Adana city center.
• Orientation days and welcome events are organized for international students. Participants can find the dates on our university’s Erasmus webpage.
• There is a gym, library, cafeteria, and study areas.
• Student clubs (dance, theatre, hiking, Erasmus club, etc.) are active and open to all.
• You can enjoy time with friends at the gazebos on our lakeside campus.
• The cats and dogs wandering around the campus create a warm and natural atmosphere for students. 🏠 Accommodation
Options:
• Accommodation is available at both private and government (KYK) dormitories for male and female students. You can find more information at:
https://iso.tarsus.edu.tr/en/page/yurt-imkanlari/4764
• Student apartments / shared flats for rent
Information:
• Monthly KYK dormitory fees are very affordable.
• Apartment rental prices are more economical than in Mersin or Adana.
• Students who prefer to rent a flat usually share it with 2–3 roommates. 🍽️ Food & Drinks
• There is a student cafeteria on campus.
• Be sure to try local flavors like tantuni, hummus, and cezerye in Tarsus. Popular student spots include Göksel Tantuni, Görallar Ziya Efendi, and Kervan Humus.
• Cafes and restaurants are budget-friendly for students.
• Vegan/vegetarian options are also available.
• The current cafeteria meal fee is 30 TL (2025).
• The university canteen offers a variety of packaged foods, hot and cold drinks, and has a spacious and comfortable seating area. 🚍 Transportation
To the University:
• You can find city center–university bus lines via this link:
Moovit Tarsus Üniversitesi
To the City:
• Çukurova International Airport is 30 minutes from Tarsus. It is 15 km from Tarsus city center, 35 km from Adana city center, and 45 km from Mersin city center. Bus lines 141, 223, and 232 pass near the Tarsus Kleopatra (Havamaş) stop.
• You can also reach Tarsus easily from Mersin or Adana by train or minibus.
Local Transportation:
• Municipal buses, minibuses, and trains are actively used.
• Students can get a discounted travel card (Tarsus Card) via: https://ulasim.mersin.bel.tr/yeni_basvuru.php
Top-ups can be done through the MERSİN33 KART app.
• The city center is compact, so walking is also common. 🧭 Must-See Places
• Tarsus Waterfall
• St. Paul’s Well
• Cleopatra’s Gate
• Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
• Cave of Seven Sleepers (Ashab-ı Kehf)
• Nusret Mine Ship Museum 🛍️ Shopping & Daily Needs
• There are many branches of major supermarket chains (Migros, A101, Şok, BİM).
• You can also find stationery and home goods at local boutique stores.
• Tarsus City Mall includes a cinema, shops, and cafes. 🎉 Social Life & Activities
• Cultural activities by the university and municipality (movie nights, concerts, exhibitions)
• International days, traditional festivals, dance and night events
• Projects in collaboration with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
• You can reach Mersin and Adana in just 30–40 minutes — a great chance to enjoy weekends to the fullest! 🎉 What to Do in Mersin?
• 🏖️ Beach Fun: Take a walk, rent a bike, or chill at cafes along Mersin Marina or Adnan Menderes Boulevard. For swimming, Kızkalesi and Susanoğlu are student favorites!
• 🕌 Historical Sites: Visit Soli Pompeiopolis, Kızkalesi, and the Cennet-Cehennem sinkholes for a cultural escape!
• 🛍️ Shopping & Leisure: Forum Mersin and the Marina are perfect for shopping and socializing. 🌆 What to Do in Adana?
• 🌉 River & Bridge Tour: Walk, bike, or even take a gondola along the Seyhan River near the historic Taş Bridge.
• 🍢 Kebab Tour: Affordable grill restaurants and breakfast liver joints await you!
• 🕌 City Landmarks: The Great Clock Tower and Sabancı Central Mosque are iconic spots to soak up the city’s spirit.
• 🎉 Orange Blossom Carnival: Held in April (usually 4–13), this city-wide event features colorful costumes, street music, dancing, and concerts. The whole city comes alive! 🍊🎶 👩‍⚕️ Health & Safety
• Tarsus State Hospital and private hospitals are also available at the city center.