Discovering Campus Life at Middle East Technical University

Middle East Technical University (METU), one of Turkey's premier educational institutions, offers a vibrant and comprehensive campus life. From its rich history and academic excellence to its extensive facilities and diverse student organizations, METU provides a unique environment for personal and intellectual growth. This article explores various facets of METU's campus life, offering insights into its history, rankings, academic environment, student life, and advice for prospective applicants.

A Historical Overview

Middle East Technical University started its educational journey on November 15, 1956, initially known as the Middle East High Technology Institute. The institution was founded to contribute to the development of Turkey, as well as the surrounding regions, including the Middle East, Balkans, and Caucasus, by cultivating skilled professionals in urban planning, engineering, and social sciences. The official adoption of the name "Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi" (ODTÜ) came with the enactment of "Arrangements and Procedures as for the Foundation of METU, Law No 6213" on January 22, 1957.

METU began with programs in Architecture and City Planning during the 1956-1957 academic year. It expanded to include Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and programs under the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, such as Business Administration, Public Administration, and Industrial Management, in subsequent years.

In its early days, METU faced criticisms due to its modest facilities. Despite these challenges, the university quickly embarked on establishing its own campus. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Yalıncak Village on October 2, 1957, marking the beginning of this ambitious project.

The 1960 Turkish coup d'état brought significant changes to METU. Despite fears of closure, educational activities continued. After a period of transition, Kemal Kurdaş became rector on November 22, 1961, prioritizing campus construction. On December 3, 1961, the first tree-planting activities took place, symbolizing the university's growth and commitment to its environment.

The construction blueprint for the campus was finalized in January 1962, with the Architecture Faculty building's cornerstone laid on May 11, 1962. The preparatory class began its activities at the new location in October 1962, marking the first academic unit to move to the campus. The new campus was officially inaugurated on October 1, 1963.

International Recognition and Accreditation

Over time, METU has consistently ranked among the top 500 universities worldwide and is highly regarded in various international rating lists. Its commitment to international standards is evident through the presence of foreign professors, with more than 5% of the faculty members at each faculty being international. A requirement for becoming a professor at METU is studying abroad. All engineering faculties have been evaluated and accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a US-based accreditation body, ensuring the quality and relevance of its engineering programs.

The university has a campus in Northern Cyprus, offering 15 undergraduate and 5 graduate programs. There are over 1,700 international students from 93 countries studying at METU.

Campus Environment and Facilities

METU boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in Ankara and Turkey, enhanced by its artificial forest and Lake Eymir. Spanning 4500 hectares, the campus includes 3043 hectares of forested area. The campus provides a comfortable living environment for students, with 19 dormitories, a shopping center, a large supermarket, 9 banks, 3 sports complexes, 2 football fields, 10 indoor football fields, 6 tennis courts, and an Olympic swimming pool. The university also offers opportunities for alpine sports and skiing at Elmadağ and Uludağ during the winter season.

Academic Opportunities

Currently, METU offers 43 undergraduate programs across five faculties and 107 master's and 69 doctoral programs through five graduate schools. These programs cover a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

METU is also known for its commitment to research and development. The university's Technopark section provides special opportunities for students involved in research. In 1967, METU conducted 219 scientific projects and received the highest number of awards from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK).

Student Life and Activities

Student life at METU is rich and diverse, with numerous opportunities for social, cultural, and recreational activities. The Cultural Congress Center hosts various theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. The International Spring Festival is an annual highlight, offering students unforgettable experiences.

METU is renowned for its student organizations, where students from different faculties come together to organize events based on their hobbies and interests. These clubs foster a sense of community and provide platforms for students to explore their passions.

The METU Library

The METU Library, established in 1956, has grown into a significant resource for students and researchers. Starting with a donation of 50 books from the United Nations, the library has expanded its collections and services over the years. The American Library of Congress Classification System was adopted in March 1958 to organize the library.

In 1961, the idea of establishing a central library on campus was proposed and accepted. The library's design, still in use today, was developed by architect Behruz Çinici. The library received support from UNESCO, CENTO, OECD, and USAID. By the 1963-64 academic years, the total area of completed buildings on campus had exceeded 67,000 square meters, including the new library.

Read also: Affording Chaminade Middle School

The library also houses collections named in honor of significant figures, including the John F. Kennedy Collection.

The METU Computer Center

In 1964, the METU Computer Center was established to support administrative data processes. The center's role was later expanded to provide academic support, leading to the installation of an IBM 1620 computer system in 1965.

In 1993, Turkey's first internet connection was established through a 64 kbit/s leased line between Ankara and Washington, facilitated by the routers in the METU Computer Center. This achievement led to the creation of Turkey's first internet pages with a .tr domain.

Advice for Prospective Applicants

METU is a highly competitive university, attracting top students from around the world. Admission is not based solely on exam results. For Azerbaijani citizens, at least the first part of the State Examination results must be submitted. The department responsible for admissions at METU is the International Students Office (ISO). It is a knowledgeable and friendly team.

Applicants should be prepared for a challenging academic environment. Grading at METU follows the CURVE method, meaning it is based on the average of all students' scores. Subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry carry more weight, particularly for those entering engineering faculties.

Applicants must know that studying at METU is challenging, the workload is heavy, and professors do not accept excuses. However, students who approach METU responsibly will leave with unforgettable memories, lasting friendships, and a broad worldview, becoming well-rounded students.

Documents should be in Turkish or English. A foreign passport or national ID card. Provide your language proficiency test score/certificate. It does not necessarily need to be in English. Reference/Recommendation letters, especially from your teachers. Statement of Purpose: Explain why you are choosing METU and what you plan to do in the future with your degree. Activities in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), especially those benefiting society.

Tuition and Scholarships

METU may offer discounts of 25%, 50%, and 75% on tuition fees during the admission process. These discounts apply only to the first year of study. If you fall below a certain GPA, the scholarship will be revoked, and you will be required to pay the regular tuition fees.

English Proficiency

The medium of instruction at METU is English. If your English level is not sufficient, METU offers a one-year English Preparatory Program. To view the official list of accepted exams, please click here to access METU’s official announcement.

List of departments and tuition fees

Here is the list of departments with their quotas and annual tuition fees (in US dollars):

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering: 10, $3000
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering: 5, $3000
Mechanical Engineering: 11, $3000
Mining Engineering: 9, $3000
Chemical Engineering: 10, $3000
Geological Engineering: 6, $3000
Civil Engineering: 15, $3000
Aerospace Engineering: 10, $3000
Food Engineering: 6, $3000
Industrial Engineering: 8, $3000
Electrical and Electronics Engineering: 15, $3000
Environmental Engineering: 9, $3000
Computer Engineering: 14, $3000
English Language Teaching (ODTÜ-SUNY New Paltz): 3, $2000
Mathematics Education: 2, $2000
Chemistry Education: 2, $2000
English Language Teaching: 12, $2000
Physics Education: 2, $2000
Computer Educ. and Inst. Tech.: 8, $2000
Business Administration (METU-SUNY Joint Program)
Global and International Affairs (METU-SUNY Joint Program)
International Relations: 12, $2000
Political Science and Public Administration: 12, $2000
Business Administration: 10, $2000
Economics: 15, $2000
History: 2, $2000
Sociology: 4, $2000
Psychology: 15, $2000
Molecular Biology and Genetics: 14, $3000
Mathematics: 13, $3000
Chemistry: 8, $3000
Statistics: 18, $3000
Physics: 25, $3000
Fəlsəfə: 3, $2000
Biology: 12, $3000
City and Regional Planning: 10, $3000
Architecture: 15, $3000
Industrial Design: 10, $3000
Physics Education: 8

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