Top Tips for International Students Adapting to Life in Turkey in 2025

Embracing the Cultural Transition

Moving to a new country like Turkey can be both exciting and challenging, especially for international students who are adjusting to a new culture, language, and environment. Turkey, with its rich blend of Eastern and Western cultures, offers a vibrant lifestyle that can enhance your study-abroad experience. To make the most of your time in Turkey, it’s essential to adapt smoothly to the local culture, customs, and lifestyle.

Learn Basic Turkish

Although many Turks speak English, especially in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, learning basic Turkish will make your daily life much easier. Knowing a few key phrases will help you communicate better with locals, navigate the city, and immerse yourself in Turkish culture.

Essential Phrases: Learn basic words like “Merhaba” (Hello), “Nasılsınız?” (How are you?), and “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you). Enroll in Turkish language classes offered by your university or through local language schools.
Practice Daily: Whether ordering food or asking for directions, practicing Turkish daily will improve your skills and help you gain confidence.

Navigating the Public Transportation System

Turkey’s major cities have well-developed public transportation systems that make it easy for students to get around. Whether you’re taking the metro, bus, or ferry, understanding how public transport works will make your life in Turkey smoother.

Understanding Public Transport Options

Istanbul’s Metro and Ferry: Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network, including metros, trams, buses, and ferries that cross the Bosphorus. You’ll need an IstanbulKart—a prepaid transportation card that works on all systems.
Ankara’s Metro: The capital city’s metro system is efficient and connects key locations, making it easy to commute between the university and student-friendly neighborhoods.
Student Discounts: International students in Turkey can take advantage of discounted rates on public transport by applying for a student transportation card.

Building a Social Network

Making new friends and establishing a social circle are crucial for adapting to life in Turkey. Universities offer many opportunities for international students to meet locals and other students, making it easier to integrate into Turkish society.

Join Student Organizations

Most Turkish universities have student clubs and societies for different interests, from academic fields to cultural and recreational activities.

Cultural Societies: Join cultural societies or language exchange groups to meet local Turkish students and learn more about the country’s customs and traditions.
Sports Clubs: If you enjoy sports, many universities have sports teams or clubs you can join, which are great ways to meet like-minded individuals and stay active.
International Student Networks: Look for international student networks or events that help connect international students with each other. These events often include welcome parties, cultural trips, and networking activities.

Exploring Turkish Cuisine

Food is an integral part of Turkish culture, and trying the local cuisine is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the country’s rich traditions. Turkish food is diverse, and each region offers unique dishes that reflect the local culture.

Must-Try Turkish Dishes

Kebabs and Pide: Turkish cuisine is famous for its kebabs, including doner kebabs and shish kebabs, which you can find in most cities. Pide, often called Turkish pizza, is a popular dish topped with cheese, meats, or vegetables.
Meze and Desserts: Try Turkish meze (appetizers) such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolma (stuffed grape leaves). Don’t forget to taste baklava and Turkish delight for dessert.
Turkish Tea and Coffee: No meal is complete without Turkish tea (çay) or Turkish coffee (kahve), both central to Turkish hospitality and culture.

Managing Your Finances

Living in Turkey can be quite affordable, but managing your finances effectively is essential for ensuring that you stay within your budget while studying.

Budgeting Tips for Students

Create a Monthly Budget: Track your monthly expenses, including rent, groceries, and transportation. This will help you ensure that you don’t overspend.
Use Student Discounts: Turkey offers student discounts for public transport, museums, and even some restaurants. Always carry your student ID to take advantage of these deals.
Affordable Groceries: Visit local markets for fresh and affordable groceries. Bazaar shopping is common in Turkey, and you can often find fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices at lower prices than supermarkets.

Understanding Local Customs

Understanding and respecting local customs will help you integrate more smoothly into Turkish society. Turks are known for their hospitality, and you’ll often find yourself invited into homes or offered tea.

Key Turkish Customs

Hospitality: It’s common for Turkish people to invite guests into their homes. When visiting someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift, such as desserts or flowers.
Greetings: In Turkey, greetings are often accompanied by a kiss on both cheeks or a handshake. When greeting elders, it’s respectful to stand when they enter the room.
Dress Modestly: Although Turkey is a modern country, it’s still respectful to dress modestly in certain places, especially in mosques or more conservative areas.

Conclusion

Adapting to life in Turkey as an international student in 2025 can be an exciting and enriching experience if you approach it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the local culture. From learning the language and exploring Turkish cuisine to building a strong social network and understanding the public transport system, taking these steps will help you make the most of your time in Turkey. By understanding local customs, managing your finances, and immersing yourself in the Turkish way of life, you’ll create a rewarding and memorable study-abroad experience.