Written by: The Apostrophe Academy academic team
Reviewed by: The Apostrophe Academy academic team
- Published:
- Last checked at the official source:
Key takeaways
- Arrange the first weeks' accommodation before you travel, even temporarily, then choose long-term housing after seeing the campus.
- Learn some everyday Turkish even if your programme is in English; life outside the classroom runs in Turkish.
- Keep digital and paper copies of every application and residence document; you will need them more than you expect.
Housing: three options, one budget
A student usually chooses between university dormitories, private student residences and a shared flat. Dormitories are cheaper and closer but limited and requested early; private residences are quicker to secure and cost more; a shared flat is the most economical long term but needs a contract and local knowledge. We do not quote figures here because rents move quickly — ask your university's international student office for current prices.
- Ask the international student office directly: is accommodation guaranteed for first-year international students?
- Never transfer money for accommodation you have not verified through the university or a trusted visit.
Everyday language and study
Many students arrive on an English-taught programme and assume language is a closed subject. In reality the doctor, the bank, the grocer, the bus driver and the neighbours all speak Turkish. Students who reach a basic conversational level in the first months settle far faster — and that shows up in their studies before their social life.
If your programme is in Turkish, the preparatory year is not an obstacle but part of the plan: budget for it in time and money from the start.
Transport and life on campus
Large Turkish cities run on extensive public transport networks, most with a discounted student card issued after enrolment. Choosing housing on a direct line to campus saves you hours every week — a practical consideration too big to leave to chance.
Student activity at Turkish universities is lively: clubs, sport, international student societies. Joining one club in your first month is the fastest route to a circle of friends and a reliable information source inside the university.