If you are going to study in Istanbul, you need to discover the best spots for students, such as where to study, where to socialize, how to meet new people, and where to spend your leisure time during the weekends. We have prepared a small list for you to discover more about Istanbul's student life.
Istanbul is the largest city in Türkiye, marked by a rich cultural and historical heritage. This ancient city welcomes many international students throughout the year, including exchange and Erasmus students. If you are new to Istanbul, here are some tips for enjoying your student life at its best.
Student accommodation in Istanbul
Dormitories are the best choice for university students since they are cheaper compared to other types of accommodation. Keep in mind, however, that some state universities' dorms may not be up to your expectations. Many students also choose to rent an apartment altogether. Depending on your university's location, you can opt for dorms, flat renting, or even flat sharing. Most students living in the heart of the city prefer renting small apartments, but you can also find brand-new furnished rooms.
While some of the rooms are big enough for one person, others are larger and can accommodate more than two people. You are more likely to find these around the BeyoÄlu area.
Below are some tips for finding student accommodation in Istanbul:
- Make sure there is a high-speed Internet connection (WIFI);
- Check whether there are central heating and 24/7 hot water;
- Make sure there is a contact person for your complaints;
- Check for student discounts;
- Check whether the area you are planning to live in is well connected to bus or metro stations.
Student discounts in Istanbul
All museums and historical places offer special discounts for students. You can also benefit from discounts for concerts, music festivals, theater festivals, and film festivals.
You can check for discounts on websites like Biletix, Biletinial, and others.
Getting around Istanbul
Most people get around Istanbul by bus, tube and Metrobüs. The city is infamous for its heavy traffic jams. Students, for their part, are eligible for a student pass that allows them to travel at a discounted rate. Thanks to Akbil and Istanbul cards, you can travel at a fixed rate, regardless of your destination in the city. The Akbil and Istanbul cards can be purchased at tube stations and in Karaköy or Kadıköy. These cards can be refilled whenever you wish.
Socializing in Istanbul as an international student
While studying in Istanbul, you will have lots of options to socialize. Istanbul is one of Europe's “youngest” cities, home to nearly 1.3 million young people. This makes it a great place to socialize and network, and, perhaps, build lasting connections for the future.
Istanbul's universities are known for their lively campus cultures. They host a wide range of activities, from student clubs and societies to cultural events and sports tournaments. These offer lots of options for engaging with the local and expat student community and expanding your network.
Cafés and coffee houses in Istanbul are traditional social hubs. They are not just places to grab a coffee but are venues where students get together to chat, work in study groups, and unwind. Some of the most popular districts among students in the city are Kadıköy, Beyoğlu, and Beşiktaş.
Istanbul's nightlife is legendary. Here, you will find traditional taverns (meyhanes) as well as modern nightclubs, street musicians, 24/7 shopping streets like Istiklal, and lots more. Students in Istanbul are generally fond of bars, and you will often see loud and laughing groups of students pour into niche city bars on a Friday night. A lot of bars in Istanbul also offer special discounts to students on particular days and holidays, so it's a good idea to keep an eye out for those.
Istanbul is a city that can take years to explore. So, it will be almost impossible to run out of things to see during the time of your study. Popular historic sites such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar are a great place to start.
Istanbul's universities attract students from around the world, making it easy to connect with different people from all over the world. There are lots of expat groups in the city meant to facilitate socializing and networking. Plus, there are also more subtle ways to expand your network: for instance, by joining a language class or signing up for the gym.
Useful links:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - General information about Turkish visas
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