Student Housing in Turkey | Types and Features

Studying in Turkey is a goal for many international students, whether from Arab or Western countries. Turkish universities are among the most prestigious in the world, offering students a unique educational experience. This allows students to acquire knowledge, receive high-quality education, and engage in post-university studies in a multicultural and diverse environment, with diverse educational programs offered by the best academic staff.

However, without student housing in Turkey, students cannot have a safe and stable study period. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss everything related to student housing and dormitories in Turkey, so you can familiarize yourself with your educational and housing destination before traveling and moving to Turkey.

Advantages of studying in Turkey:

There are several reasons why Turkey and Istanbul, in particular, are the preferred destinations for many Turkish and foreign students. Therefore, before discussing student housing in Turkey and how to find it, we will highlight the most important advantages of studying in Turkey and how to obtain a study seat at Turkish universities.

1. High-quality higher education opportunities:

Turkey is the second country in the world in terms of students’ access to higher education, with a rate of 94.2%. Therefore, the degree obtained from any university in Turkey is recognized in all European countries. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is implemented in Turkey, and all students receive the diploma supplement. Additionally, Turkey is one of the most successful and famous countries in international and local student exchange programs, including the Erasmus program, as well as local exchange programs within Turkey, such as Mevlana and Farabi.

These programs support the movement of students and faculty members to European and local partner universities, allowing them to spend a full semester or more, facilitating the exchange of experiences and cultures.

2. Diverse universities and programs:

Turkey has 209 universities, including more than 75 private and foundation universities. The number of students reaches 7 million out of a total population of 83 million. Thanks to this large number of students, Turkey is the first country in terms of the number of students in the European Higher Education Area. There are more than 45,000 study programs available. With such program diversity, you will surely find the university and specialization that suits you. Additionally, the universities provide various types of student housing in Turkey, ensuring a peaceful stay, allowing you to focus more on academic achievement.

3. Multicultural life:

Turkey has hosted ancient civilizations on its lands for thousands of years, making its citizens, regardless of their cultures, nationalities, or customs, tolerant and respectful towards one another. Within Turkey, you can find students and residents who speak your language and belong to your culture. You will never feel alienated and will experience a safe and stable study period.

These are just a few of the advantages of studying in Turkey, and the country has much more to offer. When it comes to student housing, Turkish universities provide various options to accommodate students, including dormitories, private student residences, and shared apartments. Each option has its own features and benefits, catering to different preferences and budgets.

4. A First-Class Tourist Destination

Turkey is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich historical heritage. When studying in Turkey, you will find plenty of things to do, explore the cities, and enjoy a distinguished student life. Being a tourist-friendly country, this is reflected in the level of accommodation available to suit visitors from all around the world. Within these accommodations, you will find a variety of student housing options in Turkey, in addition to tourist residences. Many residents offer the opportunity to rent their homes to foreigners, whether they are students or visitors for other purposes such as tourism or work.

5. Multiple Options for Student Housing

There are numerous choices for student housing in Turkey to provide comfortable accommodations for both Turkish and international students. These housing options include government-owned dormitories, university-affiliated dormitories within campus premises, foundation-owned housing, and private residences. We have discussed these types in detail in a previous article.

6. Diverse Student Activities

In Turkey, every city has at least one university, and each university offers various student activities and clubs. Turkey is a student-friendly country, and these clubs encompass a wide range of social, sports, cultural, recreational, and artistic activities. Additionally, numerous events take place throughout the year. All of this provides students with a unique study experience, allowing them to engage in activities alongside their studies and preventing them from feeling alienated or lonely away from their homeland. It helps them succeed and excel in their studies.

7. Hospitable Turkish People

The Turkish people’s hospitality has become legendary worldwide. Therefore, as a student who wishes to study in Turkey, never worry if you ask for help. You will find everyone around you going out of their way to assist you in a friendly manner.

Student Housing in Turkey

Student housing in Turkey, especially in Istanbul, is an integral part of student life and an utmost necessity. Istanbul is home to many universities, and despite not being the capital, it is the most famous and attractive city for students in Turkey. Istanbul represents a blend of culture and history, which is reflected in student housing characterized by contemporary designs and modern facilities.

Student housing in Turkey, in general, and in Istanbul, in particular, offers several options, including luxurious apartments, public and private university dormitories, foundation-owned housing, and more. Below, we will discuss the available types of student housing in Turkey, as it goes beyond just being a place of residence for students; it provides a comfortable and safe environment for their stay.

Private Student Housing:

One of the most prominent types of student housing in Turkey is private student housing. These residences are established and managed by private companies. While not all of these residences are located outside of universities, some are located within private universities. They are divided into male and female dormitories, providing the best conditions for comfortable and peaceful living with excellent services. These residences are considered superior to government-owned and foundation-owned housing in terms of the quality of service provided. Students enjoy greater independence and privacy, and the number of residents in the same room is typically lower compared to other types of housing. Additionally, there is a better atmosphere in terms of comfort and tranquility.

Public Student Housing:

This type of student housing in Turkey is part of the KYK organization, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This housing is characterized by its low fees, but it is primarily intended for Turkish students or those who have received a Turkish scholarship. Therefore, foreign students may find it challenging to obtain this type of housing. Typically, the number of students in one room ranges from 4 to 8.

Studio Apartments:

Studio apartments offer independence and privacy, making them a preferred choice for some students, especially graduate students. One of the main advantages of studio apartments is that students can focus on their studies as much as possible and manage their time according to their needs, including meals, sleep, and studying, without distractions from other roommates. However, this independence and privacy come at a cost. Studio apartment rentals start at $350 USD, making them one of the more expensive housing options. While the rent for a studio apartment is comparable to that of a private apartment, it is suitable for students studying at private universities who can afford such costs.

Residential Apartments:

Residential apartments are among the most popular student housing options in Turkey, favored by many students. However, this type of housing differs from other types of student housing. Accessing these apartments is not as easy compared to public and private student housing. Therefore, searching for these apartments requires thorough research to find safe apartments close to university campuses and within a limited budget that students can afford.

Tips for Renting Residential Apartments in Turkey:

• Choose a location that is easily accessible, especially via public transportation.
• Avoid basement apartments due to higher humidity levels.
• Seek assistance from reliable real estate websites or agencies in Turkey to find the best types of student housing that cater to international students.
• Verify the ownership of the apartment you intend to rent.

How to Obtain University Acceptance in Turkey:

Before searching for student housing in Turkey, it is important to understand the procedures for obtaining university acceptance. There are certain documents required for enrollment in Turkish universities, and once you secure your university seat, it is advisable to start searching for housing before traveling to Turkey. Successful registration and obtaining university acceptance require submitting certain official documents before sending the application to the university. Here are the essential documents required for different university stages, including undergraduate and graduate programs:

For Undergraduate and Diploma Students:

• Valid passport.
• Recent passport-sized photo (with a white background).
• Copy of the high school diploma.
• Student email address.

For Graduate Students:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate.
• Translated copy of the transcript in English or Turkish.
• Receipt of application fee payment.
• Recommendation letters (for master’s and doctoral programs).

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Conditions for Enrollment in Turkish Universities

• Payment of the annual university fees.
• Proficiency certificate in the language of instruction.
• For English-medium programs, passing the TOEFL exam with a score determined by the university or passing the university’s English language test.
• For Turkish-medium programs, passing the TÖMER Turkish language test.
• If the student does not have any language proficiency certificate (English or Turkish), they may be required to attend a preparatory year before starting their chosen major.

In conclusion, we have provided information in this article to assist you as an international student who wishes to continue their higher education in Turkey in obtaining exceptional student housing. Safa Study in Turkey company can also assist you in securing a university seat at prestigious universities and provide recommendations for the best types of student housing in Turkey, ensuring a safe and stable living and studying environment.