Preparing to study in a new country can be overwhelming. Here are practical tips from students who have already made the journey to Türkiye.
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Before You Arrive
- →Apply for your student visa at least 2–3 months before departure
- →Arrange accommodation before arrival — do not rely on finding it on arrival
- →Get your academic documents translated and notarized in advance
- →Open a bank account in Türkiye within the first weeks (required for residence permit)
- →Learn basic Turkish phrases — locals greatly appreciate the effort
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Administrative Steps on Arrival
- →Register at your university within the deadline (usually first 2 weeks)
- →Apply for your Residence Permit within 30 days of visa expiry
- →Apply for a Turkish phone SIM card (passport required)
- →Obtain your Turkish tax number (Vergi Numarası) — needed for many services
- →Get your student ID card from your university
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Academic Life
- →Attend orientation programs organized by your university
- →Join student clubs and organizations to meet people
- →Find a study group — Turkish students are generally very helpful
- →Make use of university libraries, which are open late during exam periods
- →Some professors may give oral exams — attendance is often mandatory
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Everyday Life
- →Get a transportation card (İstanbulkart in İstanbul, etc.) for discounted travel
- →Download apps like Yemeksepeti (food delivery) and BiTaksi (taxi)
- →Keep emergency numbers saved: ambulance 112, police 155
- →Turkish pharmacies (eczane) are widely available and pharmacists are very helpful
- →Currency is Turkish Lira (TRY) — ATMs are widely available everywhere