Before you prepare your papers and prepare to travel to Turkey to start your new university life, there are several things you need to know in advance.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know before traveling to study in Turkey.
Get to know the Turkish culture
Understanding the culture of Turkey before traveling is of utmost importance for easier integration with Turkish society and avoiding awkward situations.
Turkish culture is a blend of Ottoman Islamic culture, European culture, with a distinctive Turkish influence. As Turkish culture is slightly different from Arab cultures, we advise international students to do the following:
Familiarize yourself with famous Turkish foods and how to eat them, such as kebabs, kumpir, mantı, and börek.
Learn about famous national drinks, such as Turkish coffee. Roasted and finely ground Turkish coffee is one of the most famous beverages in Turkey.
Understand popular Turkish customs, like wedding ceremonies characterized by traditions like breaking the candy and traditional dances. There are also ceremonies for births where the Quran is read.
Familiarize yourself with social customs and traditions, such as how to greet people and interact with the opposite gender and elders.
Learn about national holidays and celebrations, understand the adopted calendar, and the days and weeks system in Turkey.
Having prior knowledge of Turkish culture will facilitate your adaptation and acceptance of any differences you may encounter among local residents in Turkey.
Get to know the best Turkish universities
One of the most important things you need to know before traveling to study in Turkey is to research the best Turkish universities and the available programs they offer. Making the right choice of university ensures you have an excellent educational experience.
For example, private universities such as Topkapi University, Bahcesehir University, Gedik University, Istanbul Gelişim University, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul Bilgi University, Ozyegin University, Altinbas University, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul Medipol University, and many more are well-known for the quality of education they offer across various fields, including medical, engineering, humanities, social sciences, health sciences, arts, design, management, and economics.
To learn about the costs and admission requirements for studying at any Turkish university, contact us and we will provide you with all the details
Learn about the average cost of living in Türkiye
Knowing the cost of living in Turkey is of paramount importance before preparing to study there and even before booking your trip. Understanding these costs will help you determine if the available funds will cover all your expenses as an international student or if you need more financial resources.
Before traveling, it’s crucial to plan your expenses carefully. However, you don’t need to worry too much about the cost of living in Turkey because the country offers various affordable living options, making it an excellent choice for international students.
The expected monthly living costs during your stay include:
Rent: It varies depending on the location and condition of the accommodation, ranging from $300 to $900 per month for individual housing.
Monthly expenses for food, transportation, communication: These costs are estimated at around $200 to $400, depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.
You should also consider other expenses such as books, clothing, and entertainment.
With these factors in mind, the average total monthly cost of living in Turkey is approximately $700 to $1500. Planning accordingly will help you budget for your stay.
You can read more about the detailed study costs in Turkey in this article.
Learn basic Turkish phrases that every student traveling to Turkey should know
In Turkey, there is significant cultural diversity and a strong presence of students from various nationalities. You can be assured that you will find people who speak your language, and many individuals in Turkey are fluent in English.
However, it’s beneficial to learn some basic Turkish phrases to facilitate communication and understanding with Turkish locals. This will help you seek assistance, inquire about directions, services, and transportation more easily. Here are some essential Turkish phrases that international students traveling to Turkey should know:
Hello: “Merhaba”
Thank you: “Teşekkür ederim”
Goodbye: “Hoşça kalın”
Please: “Lütfen”
Station: “İstasyon”
Hotel: “Otel”
Food: “Yemek”
Restaurant: “Restoran”
Bathroom: “Banyo”
Road: “Yol”
Doctor: “Doktor”
Problem: “Sorun”
Yes: “Evet”
No: “Hayır”
Currency: “Para”
Airport: “Havalimanı”
Thank you: “Teşekkürler”
These basic phrases can go a long way in your daily interactions, especially when shopping, requesting directions, seeing a doctor, or negotiating prices.
(You can enter each word into a pronunciation guide to learn the correct way to pronounce them.)
You can also use translation apps like Google Translate or learn the basics of the Turkish language through apps like Duolingo.
Learn about the types of housing in Türkiye
Instead of arriving in Turkey and finding yourself lost among housing brokers known for providing inaccurate information about housing types and a lack of transparency in presenting the residential area and its services, it is better to familiarize yourself in advance with the types of housing. This is one of the most important things you need to know before traveling to study in Turkey.
Here are some of the most common housing options in Turkey:
University student housing
Some universities offer both on-campus and off-campus housing options that include rooms, kitchens, and private or shared bathrooms. These accommodations often provide dedicated study spaces and can be wonderful places for students to connect and build a sense of community. Living on or near campus can also make it more convenient to access university facilities and resources, attend classes, and engage in campus life. It’s advisable to check with your specific university for details about available housing options and the application process.
Private apartments for students
They are apartments owned by private companies or individuals, located outside the university campus and equipped with high-speed Internet and various services. These student apartments are characterized by the fact that their cost includes all facilities.
Apartments ready for rent
Residence in rented apartments in Turkey can be divided into two types: private apartments and shared apartments. Opting for a private apartment provides you with the highest degree of freedom, independence, and privacy that you may not get in any other option. However, you should keep in mind that you are responsible for managing all your affairs in this accommodation, including choosing the most suitable location for your lifestyle, paying various bills, and arranging utilities and internet access.
On the other hand, living in shared apartments allows you to live with compatible roommates, and you may become close friends. Therefore, make sure you have an idea of the kind of person you would like to live with, whether they are sociable or non-smokers, for example. It’s important to communicate with potential roommates and establish house rules and expectations to ensure a harmonious living environment.
In both cases, it’s crucial to research and visit the accommodation options beforehand, ask questions, and consider factors like location, cost, and amenities before making a decision.
Prepare the required documents and papers before traveling
Indeed, preparing certain documents before traveling to Turkey is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. The most important of these documents include:
- Recent passport-sized photos with a white background.
- Passport: Ensure that it is valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date into Turkey.
- University acceptance letter (which you will receive after enrolling in the university).
- Proof of health insurance that covers your stay in Turkey.
- Student visa: This official document, usually stamped and affixed inside your passport, grants you permission to enter Turkey for long-term study purposes.
- Make sure that all documents are translated into either Turkish or English.
Register with us and get your university acceptance for free in Turkey’s top private universities.
Book travel tickets early, some time before travel
Traveling to Turkey has become relatively easy today, but many students may not realize the importance of booking their flights well in advance of their trip.
Here’s why booking flights in advance is essential:
Getting the Best Prices: Flight prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to book your tickets 1-4 months before your intended travel dates to secure the lowest fares.
Ensuring Preferred Seating: Booking early allows you to select the best seats according to your preferences.
Avoiding Losses in Case of Cancellations: Many airlines offer flexibility in changing or canceling flight dates without incurring significant costs if done well in advance of the departure date.
By booking your flights in advance, you can avoid unwanted surprises, get the best prices, and ensure a more organized and enjoyable trip to Turkey.
This covers what you need to know before traveling to study in Turkey, from understanding the cultural aspects and overcoming language barriers to knowing the necessary travel documents. We hope your educational journey to Turkey is enjoyable and fruitful. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions related to studying in Turkey.
