1. State and Private Dormitories
Kredi ve Yurtlar Kurumu (KYK) dormitories
Private student dormitories
They offer safe and student-friendly social areas.
2. University Dormitories
Many foundation and state universities have their own dormitories.
Their proximity to the university campus is their biggest advantage.
3. Rental Apartments / Shared Houses
An economical model preferred especially by students.
Most preferred areas:
European Side: Beşiktaş, Şişli, Kağıthane, Fatih, Avcılar
Asian Side: Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir, Maltepe
Most Commonly Used Transportation Options for Students
Metro & Metrobus
Tram
Marmaray
Bus & Minibus
Ferry and Sea Buses (for transportation to the islands and the opposite shore)
Payment is made with Istanbulkart.
Approximate Fares (Student Istanbulkart)
Single Trip: 8–9 TL
Metro / Tram / Bus: 8–9 TL
Ferry: 8–15 TL
Metrobüs Inner-City Transfer: 12–20 TL
Istanbul cuisine offers a rich variety of options that combine both Turkish and international cuisines.
Popular Dining Areas for Students
Kadıköy: Affordable cafes and restaurants
Beşiktaş Çarşı: Fast food, döner, toast, breakfast
Fatih / Vezneciler: Student restaurants, soup bars
Taksim: International cuisine and quick snacks
Üsküdar Sahil: Affordable traditional dishes
Must-Try Delicacies
Döner, köfte, lahmacun
Balık ekmek (fish sandwich)
Kumpir (famous in Ortaköy)
Desserts: Baklava, künefe, lokma
For international cuisine, try the Moda and Karaköy areas
1. Turkey's Widest Range of University Options
Over 60 universities, hundreds of different departments, and high academic quality.
2. An International City
A cosmopolitan environment that welcomes students from all over the world.
3. Career and Internship Opportunities
Istanbul is Turkey's capital of business, technology, media, finance, and culture.
4. Rich Culture and Social Life
Museums, festivals, concerts, social activities, sports, and art venues.
5. Strong Transportation Network
Easy access to every part of the city via metro, ferry, and metrobus.
6. A Blend of History and Modern Life
History intertwined with modern life, including sites like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, the Bosphorus, and Galata.
The most popular areas among students:
European Side: Avcılar, Beylikdüzü, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Kağıthane
Asian Side: Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir, Maltepe
Both student dormitories and affordable rental apartments are available in these areas. Access to the university is quite easy due to the wide range of transportation options.
Average monthly costs for a student:
Dormitory: 6,000 – 15,000 TL
Renting a house (shared): 7,000 – 15,000 TL per person
Transportation: 300 – 600 TL
Food: 3,000 – 7,000 TL
Total: Between 10,000 – 25,000 TL, depending on lifestyle.
The most advantageous card for students: Istanbulkart Student Subscription
Unlimited monthly public transportation: 220 TL
With this card, all transportation vehicles such as the metro, metrobus, bus, and ferry can be used economically.
Kadıköy: Moda beach, Tantuni, Çiya Sofrası, Falafel Zone
Beşiktaş: Market area, toast shops, kumpir shops
Taksim: Affordable döner, fast food, world cuisines
Avcılar: Student-friendly cafes, affordable local restaurants
Student menus are particularly common and economical in many places.
The most popular areas among students:
Bornova (around Ege University – a true student neighborhood)
Buca (Dokuz Eylül University area)
Karşıyaka – Çarşı (social life center)
Konak – Alsancak (cafes, transportation, and sea)
Bayraklı (new city center, easy transportation)
These areas are the first choice for students due to their affordable cost of living and proximity to universities.
Dormitory: 5,000 – 12,000 TL
Shared apartment rental: 6,000 – 12,000 TL per person
Transportation: 200 – 350 TL (with student card)
Food: 2,500 – 5,500 TL
Total: Between 9,000 – 20,000 TL (varies depending on lifestyle).
Izmir offers a significantly more affordable cost of living for students compared to Istanbul.
Izmirim Card Student Subscription:
Unlimited monthly public transportation: 200 TL
Valid on the metro, tram, bus, and ferry. Very advantageous for students.
Bornova Küçükpark: The student hub — affordable food, cafes
Alsancak Kordon: The most popular place to sit by the sea
Karşıyaka Çarşı: Street food and cafes
Buca Şirinyer: Affordable local restaurants
Göztepe – Güzelyalı: Modern cafe culture
Izmir is one of Turkey's richest cities in terms of student-friendly menus.
Yes. Compared to larger cities, Izmir has a calmer, more orderly, and reliable structure. Areas with a high concentration of students are bustling at all hours of the day and have a high level of security.
Kordon Promenade – seaside, lawn seating culture
Bornova Küçükpark – cafes, bars
Alsancak Sevgi Yolu – art, books, cafes
Karşıyaka Sahil – sports & socializing
Bostanlı Sunset Terrace – a favorite among young people
Izmir is also a city rich in festivals and concerts.
Yes. Part-time jobs for students are particularly common in the Bornova, Konak, Alsancak, and Karşıyaka areas:
Cafe & restaurant
Store sales consultant
Event & organization staff
Private tutoring
Social media management
These jobs are suitable for students because they offer high flexibility.
Walking along the promenade, seaside
Watching the sunset (Bostanlı, Güzelyalı, Karşıyaka)
University events, social clubs
Free concerts and festivals organized by municipalities
Cycling along the beach
Libraries (Ahmet Piriştina, DEU, and EU libraries)
The most popular areas among university students in Bursa:
Görükle – The heart of Uludağ University, a true student town
Nilüfer – Modern, safe, comfortable living spaces
Osmangazi – Çarşamba and Muradiye areas – central location, easy access
Beşevler & Üçevler – areas with a strong social life
These areas offer the most balanced options for students in terms of price, transportation, and social opportunities.
Dormitory: 4,500 – 10,000 TL
Shared apartment: 5,000 – 10,000 TL per person
Transportation: 250 – 350 TL with student card
Food: 2,500 – 5,000 TL
Total: 8,000 – 18,000 TL
Compared to Istanbul and Ankara, Bursa stands out as a much more economical university city.
Students' preferred modes of transportation in Bursa:
Bursaray (metro) – fastest transportation
Bus – extensive route network
Dolmuş & minibus – especially around Görükle – Nilüfer – University
Tram – an alternative option in the city center
Fares are quite low with the Student BUKART:
Single metro/bus ride for students: 9 TL
Average monthly transportation cost: 250 – 350 TL
Görükle Atatürk Avenue – student menus
Nilüfer FSM Boulevard – cafe & restaurant options
Osmangazi – Çarşamba & Altıparmak – local restaurants
Heykel & Setbaşı – affordable döner, toast, mantı, pide
Uludağ University campus cafeteria – the most economical option
Bursa's famous delicacies:
İskender
Kemalpaşa dessert
Cantık
Tahini pide
Yes. Bursa is generally a safe, orderly city suitable for student life. University areas are particularly lively, even in the evening hours.
Görükle cafes district
Nilüfer FSM Boulevard – the liveliest social area
Mudanya Coast – sunset & coffee
Tirilye – weekend excursion route
Botanical Park & Hüdavendigar City Park – walking, sports
Culture Park – festivals & concerts
Bursa is also quite rich in terms of cultural, theater, cinema, and concert events.
Yes, it's quite easy. Especially:
Görükle
FSM Boulevard
Shopping mall areas (Kent Meydanı, Korupark, Sur Yapı)
Event & organization companies
There is an extensive network of work opportunities for students.
Mudanya coastal walk
Tirilye – Gölyazı tours
Outdoor activities in the city center
University club activities
Spending time at Kültürpark
Exploring the historic bazaar and caravanserai district
Antalya is one of Turkey's most livable cities, with 300 days of sunshine a year, a safe lifestyle, modern universities, and social opportunities.
It offers students a strong city profile in both economic and social terms.
Konyaaltı (near Akdeniz University) – the area where most students live
Kepez – Varsak – affordable dorm and apartment options
Muratpaşa – Güzeloba & Fener – central, social, and easy to get around
Lara – Çağlayan – quiet and comfortable living area
Konyaaltı, in particular, is the first choice for students due to its proximity to the university and social life.
Dormitory: 5,000 – 12,000 TL
Shared apartment: 6,000 – 12,000 TL per person
Transportation: 300 – 400 TL
Food: 3,000 – 5,000 TL
Total: 10,000 – 20,000 TL
Despite being a large city, Antalya is a very affordable student city in terms of living costs.
Transportation in Antalya is modern, regular, and affordable for students:
Tram (Antray) – Direct access to the university, city center, and bus station
Bus – Extensive route network
Dolmuş (shared minibus) – Especially popular on secondary routes
Sea bus – alternative transportation during the summer season
Public transportation is quite affordable with a student card:
Single ride: 8–9 TL
Average monthly transportation: 300–400 TL
Akdeniz University campus cafeteria – the most affordable option
Konyaaltı Student Street – affordable menus
Muratpaşa – Işıklar and Kaleiçi – local restaurants
Kepez – affordable fast food and daily meal restaurants
Antalya's famous delicacies:
Piyaz
Hülüklü soup
Serpme börek
Tahini pumpkin dessert
Yes, Antalya is one of Turkey's safest major cities. As a tourist city, it is lively, bustling, and well-controlled 24 hours a day. University areas are particularly safe and orderly.
Antalya is one of Turkey's richest cities in terms of social life:
Konyaaltı Beach – active at all hours of the day
Kaleiçi – historic streets, cafes, art centers
Lara & Terracity area – modern living spaces
Walking and cycling paths – along the coast
Concerts, festivals, and events – dozens of options throughout the year
Nature, sea, history, and social activities all come together here.
There are plenty of job opportunities for students in Antalya:
Cafes and restaurants
Hotels (especially seasonal and part-time)
Event & organization companies
Shopping malls (MarkAntalya, Terracity, Mall of Antalya)
Tourism sector
Both seasonal and permanent job opportunities are available.