Why Turkey
Istanbul: The City Where History and the Future Meet
Istanbul... Thousands of years of history on the one hand, modern skyscrapers on the other, cafes open until the morning, live concerts and ferries crossing the Bosphorus... is the only city in both Asia and Europe. It is like an “endless festival” in both cultural and social terms.
It has a story stretching from ancient Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire, from modern Turkey to the status of a global metropolis. Museums, palaces, mosques, churches, art galleries... all within a few metro stops away.
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Where to Stay?
There are plenty of accommodation options in Istanbul and there are for every budget. Especially if you are a student:
Dormitories: KYK dormitories are between 500 Dec - 1500 TL per month. Private dormitories are between 3.000 - 10.000 TL.
House rents: There is a gap according to the district.
On the European Side: places such as Fatih, Avcılar, Bakırköy are suitable for students.
On the Anatolian Side: Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Maltepe are both student-friendly and calmer.
The average rent is between 8.000 TL - 20.000 TL by 2025 (unfortunately :(but it is Decoupled when you share with 2-3 people).
Hostel/Airbnb: Ideal for short-term stays. About 300-1000 TL per night.
Transportation: What is Used, What are the Fees?
Istanbul traffic is famous, but the transportation system is strong:
You can use all means of transportation with Istanbulkart:
Metro, metrobus, bus, tram, ferry
2025 student tariff:
First boarding: 15 TL
Monthly subscription: 283 TL (200 boarding)
Favorites:
Besiktas Decked ferry (a classic between Kadıköy and Beşiktaş) with a view of the Bosphorus.
Transportation by Metrobus even at 02.00 at night.
Scooter and bicycle rental (March, Bin, etc.): The average per minute is 1.5-3 TL.
What to Eat?
There's everything you're looking for in Istanbul: cheap flavor bombs, fine dining, too. But student life is dear, let's go to budget-friendly places:
European Side:
Doner + ayran in Sirkeci: 100-150 TL
Kumpir, waffle in Besiktas Bazaar: 80-200 TL
Fish-bread in Eminönü: 100 TL
Anatolian Side:
Breakfast cafes in Kadıköy Moda: between 150-250 TL.Dec.
Artisan restaurants around Söğütlüçeşme: 80-150 TL
Tip: Cafes close to university campuses are usually both discounted and socializing for students. It is the hero of the campus.
Why Should a University Student Choose Istanbul?
There are many academic options: Boğaziçi, ITU, Istanbul University, Marmara, Mimar Sinan, Yıldız Teknik... The most established and prestigious schools of Turkey are here.
Internship and job opportunity: This is the trade, media and technology center of Turkey. It is much easier to fill out a CV while studying at university.
Culture and Art: There is a theater, concert, exhibition, festival every week. Lively city = lively mood.
Socialization: The opportunity to meet young people from different cultures is high. Network, friendship, love, there is whatever you are looking for
Nightlife, beach walking, 24-hour bagel bakery, a city that lives 24/7…
Istanbul is a difficult but fascinating city. It's a little crowded, a little expensive, but there's something about it that will excite you again every morning. And let's face it: this is a bit of a “boss level” for college. But once you get used to it, another city feels small...
IZMIR: THE INTERSECTION POINT OF FREEDOM, CULTURE AND EDUCATION
Izmir is a modern, libertarian and culturally rich city located on the Aegean Sea coast. With its wide coastline, historical buildings, young population and lively social life, it offers an ideal environment for both living and studying.
Accommodation
KYK and private dormitories are spread throughout the city.
Districts such as Buca, Bornova and Karsiyaka are suitable for students.
Monthly rent: between 7.000 - 15.000 TL (as of 2025 Dec.).
Areas with strong public transport connections are recommended for student houses.
Transportation
With the Izmirim Card, all means of transportation work integrated: Metro, bus, ferry, IZBAN.
Student fee:
Single boarding: 6.75 TL
Monthly subscription: around 225 TL.
The fact that it is a bicycle and walking friendly city makes transportation both economical and environmentally friendly.
Eating and Drinking
Special flavors of Izmir such as kumru, boyoz, crispy are student-friendly.
There are many affordable cafes and restaurants around Kordon and Alsancak.
Both cheap and high-quality eating and drinking options are common in the districts close to the campuses (Bornova, Balçova).
Why Should It Be Preferred?
There are strong universities such as Ege University, Dokuz September, Izmir Economics and Yaşar.
It offers internship and career opportunities in the developing technology, health and tourism sectors.
It offers a balanced university life to young people with beach life and cultural activities.
With its free and open-minded structure, it provides an environment where students can express themselves comfortably
BURSA: THE CITY WHERE TRADITIONAL IDENTITY AND MODERN EDUCATION MEET
In addition to its historical texture and industrial strength, Bursa also offers a peaceful and productive living space for university students. It promises a balanced education-life experience with its proximity to Istanbul and natural beauties.
Accommodation
- Görükle district, close to the campus of Uludağ University, is the center of student life.
- In addition to KYK dormitories, there are affordable private dormitories and student houses.
- Average rent: 6.000 - 12.000 TL (according to 2025 data).
Transportation
- Discounted transportation is provided on metro, buses and minibuses with Bursakart.
- Student boarding: 5.50 TL
- It is possible to reach the city center from Görükle by a single vehicle.
- Easy access to Uludağ can be provided by cable car (advantageous in winter months).
Eating and Drinking
- Although Iskender is famous for its kebabs and chestnut candy, Bursa also stands out with its student-friendly artisan restaurants.
- There are many affordable cafes and restaurants in Gorukle.
- Campus canteens also offer economical options.
Why Should It Be Preferred?
Uludağ University attracts attention with its large campus and social opportunities.
Bursa's industrial and production centers provide internship opportunities in engineering and technical fields.
Being close to Istanbul, it offers students flexibility both in terms of transportation and career.
It provides cultural diversity and balance with both traditional and modern structure.
ANTALYA: A MODERN STUDENT CITY BEYOND TOURISM
Antalya attracts attention not only with its tourist attraction, but also with its dynamic young population, universities and international structure. Studying on campuses surrounded by natural beauties adds a different dimension to student life.
Accommodation
- There are many private dormitories and rental apartments around Akdeniz University.
- Student house rents range from 8.000 - 18.000 TL.
- KYK dormitories are located close to the city center and the university.
Transportation
- Bus and tram usage is provided with AntalyaKart.
- Student boarding: 5.90 TL (as of 2025)
- Bicycle and scooter rental systems are quite common in the city center.
- Additional flights are planned for the regions where transportation is busy in summer October.
Food Alternatives
- There are many student-friendly cafes and restaurants in Kaleiçi and Lara regions.
- Light and delicious options of Mediterranean cuisine are offered economically.
- The university area is full of artisan restaurants offering economical menus.
Why Should It Be Preferred?
Institutions such as Akdeniz University and Antalya Bilim University stand out with their educational quality.
Internship opportunities are wide in the fields of tourism, health and international relations.
The sunny weather of the four seasons offers a university experience intertwined with nature.
Being a city preferred by international students increases cultural diversity.
