Types of University Housing in Turkey and its Advantages

Students may find choosing university housing in Turkey confusing due to the variety of options and the different services each type offers.

Students may be puzzled when choosing university housing in Turkey due to the variety of housing types available and the differing services each one offers. Therefore, Skyline Education will explain the types of university housing available in Turkey, along with the most important tips that must be taken into consideration when choosing university housing.

We wish you all enjoyment and benefit.

What are the Types of University Housing in Turkey?

Turkey offers its students several accommodation options whether they are Turkish citizens or international students. These options suit all segments of society, and each type of university housing in Turkey provides its residents with a range of services that vary from one type to another. These types are as follows:

On-Campus Accommodation

Most universities in Turkey offer on-campus accommodation, which serves as government student housing. The building designated for student housing is located within the university premises, and housing is often separated by gender. In addition, on-campus housing includes a variety of options to suit different student budgets, such as shared rooms and private rooms, each with its own cost and distinct features.

On-campus housing is considered one of the best options for international students, as it places them close to their lecture halls, sparing them the hassle of using public transportation—especially during the initial period of their stay in Turkey when they may not have sufficient information about the available means to reach their universities.

Advantages of On-Campus Accommodation

There are several advantages provided by government on-campus housing; let’s explore them:

This housing provides students with service facilities that help meet all their daily needs, so that they do not have to leave the premises to purchase essential supplies.
Most Turkish universities offer their students a variety of on-campus accommodation options, allowing a student to share a room with up to three peers, or, if preferred, live independently in a single room without a roommate.
Water and electricity bills are included in the housing fee.
On-campus accommodation is bustling with social life that helps students form long-lasting friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Private Student Housing

If the university does not offer on-campus accommodation, or if a student prefers to live off-campus, they can opt for private student housing. These accommodations usually separate residents by gender, often provide meals, enforce a curfew, and are managed by private companies in Turkey that strive to provide comfort and tranquility for students during their stay.

In addition, private housing is distinguished by the range of services it provides to its residents, which include:

Providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a nominal fee.
Offering open internet access.
Laundry and cleaning services.
Designating quiet areas for studying as well as separate living spaces.
Ensuring privacy.

Private student housing is distinguished by its proximity to both public and private universities. If a student wishes to join such housing, all they need to do is provide official documentation proving their acceptance into one of the Turkish universities.

Youth Housing (Rental Apartments)

Living in rental apartments is one type of university housing in Turkey, and it is the most common among international students who wish to live off-campus. Therefore, they must exercise responsibility and gain experience, ensuring that the apartments are located near the university and provide all the necessary facilities a student might need.

A student can live independently or share an apartment with peers, with the number of roommates depending on the apartment’s size and layout. Water and electricity bills are paid on a monthly basis.

It should be noted that this type of housing is very popular among Arab youth, especially in cities like Istanbul, as it provides greater freedom without having to adhere to the rules imposed by private university housing.

Government Student Housing (KYK):

This is considered one of the most important types of university housing in Turkey and is provided by the Turkish government. It is managed by the KYK institution, which is affiliated with the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports. The cost of government student housing is moderate and reasonably priced to suit all students, ranging between 200 to 350 Turkish Lira per month.

Furthermore, government student housing is distinguished by the following amenities provided to its residents:

Nominal meals for students, including breakfast and lunch.
Free internet access available in all government student residences.
Free cleaning and laundry services provided by dedicated laundries.
Provision of psychological and social support services by professionals.
The benefit of a 10-day hosting service in any other government student housing.

Turkish Vakif Student Housing (Vakif)

This student housing is supervised by the Turkish religious foundation (vakif), a well-known religious and charitable organization in Turkey that provides support to both international and Turkish students. It offers safe and modern accommodation in exchange for a nominal fee, and students also receive significant discounts that may even lead to full exemption.

As for the advantages of Vakif student housing in Turkey, they are as follows:

This housing is distinguished from other types of university housing in Turkey by its strict adherence to regulations, as students are interviewed before being accepted.
Accommodation in this housing is available to all students regardless of their political affiliations.
The housing is available in three Turkish provinces: Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.
It provides meals and heating.

The Most Important Tips for Choosing University Housing in Turkey

Choosing university housing in Turkey is one of the most important aspects a student must focus on, given the long duration of university studies. Selecting the appropriate and comfortable housing that suits the student’s circumstances will create a conducive academic environment and help achieve greater academic success. Here are the most important tips to consider when choosing the most suitable university housing:

Choosing housing that is close to the university will save the student a lot of time, effort, and energy, especially if they reside in bustling cities such as Istanbul or Ankara.
If opting for private apartment housing, ensure it is located in a modern residential complex that offers 24-hour security.
The university housing should be near public transportation, particularly metro and metrobus stations.
Avoid dealing with brokers when searching for university housing; rely on trusted sources that can assist you in finding the most suitable accommodation.