Book a student accommodation in Istanbul, Turkey on Student.com and enjoy the best of student living in this unique city.

We offer cheap apartments for rent that are modern and fully furnished. If you are in search of shared or private single rooms close to universities, photogenic architecture and quaint cafés, check out our listings.

Feel at home with whichever of our student housing options you choose to live in and enjoy impressive amenities in suburban neighbourhoods located near to parks and shopping malls.

If you have any questions, you can get in touch with us via phone, our website’s live chat or on WhatsApp. Our booking consultants are always happy to help, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Get to know Istanbul

With a population of over 15 million, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, and one of the largest in both Europe and the Middle East.

Istanbul constitutes the economic, cultural, and historical heart of Turkey. A transcontinental city, Istanbul straddles the Bosporus Strait in Northwestern Turkey between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Its commercial and historical centre lies in the European side of the Strait, while a third of its population lives in the Asian side.

This unique position along the historic Silk Road, and the only sea route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as rail networks to Europe and the Middle East, have helped foster a strong economy and eclectic populace.

Considered a global city, Istanbul is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan economies in the world, accounting for more than a quarter of Turkey’s gross domestic product. 

Istanbul is steeped in history

Istanbul’s timeless charm owes much to its rich history. Founded as Byzantium on the Sarayburnu promontory around 660 BC, Istanbul has developed into one of the world’s most significant cities.

The Byzantine Empire, which lasted over 1,000 years, is one of four ancient empires the city has been a part of. It was instrumental in the advancement of Christianity during Roman and Byzantine times prior to the Ottomans conquering the city in 1453, renaming it Istanbul and transforming it into an Islamic stronghold and the seat of the last caliphate. It wasn’t until 1930 that the name Istanbul started to be used in the West.

While the Istanbul of today is littered with modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, its architectural landscape is dominated by remnants of these empires, which have stood the tests of time and still stand tall in the heart of the city.

Prime examples of the city’s architectural wonders are the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. The Hagia Sophia continues to invite awe with its display of dazzling mosaics. Known formerly as the Church of the Holy Wisdom, the Byzantine structure is one of the world’s most fascinating monuments.

Istanbul is a fantastic tourist destination 

With approximately 12 million foreign visitors each year, Istanbul is one of the world’s most-popular tourist destinations. It was named a European Capital of Culture in 2010.

The city’s biggest draw remains its historic centre. Partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s cultural and entertainment hub can be found near the city’s natural harbour, The Golden Horn, a major urban waterway. 

Student life in Istanbul

Istanbul is a great destination not only for studying but also for having fun. There are many universities in Istanbul, so the population is relatively young, which lends to a vibrant student life.

Thanks to its unique location on two different continents, it is a fascinating place where you can experience both European and Asian culture.

A land of extremes, Istanbul is a mesh of village-life and modern living where you can live near one of the tallest buildings in Europe and spot horse-drawn carts in the same neighbourhood. The intersection of new and old makes it a city of intense culture.

With the unique Bosphorus, the friendly charm, the vivacious nightlife, the famous universities, the bustling markets, and the hospitable and helpful locals, Istanbul is bound to offer you an exciting and memorable student experience. 

Nightlife

There are several fun ways to enjoy Istanbul by night, and one of the best is joining a pub crawl.

The city’s popular pub crawl typically kicks off at The Tower Pub, where you can gather with new friends and hop from one bar to another, then end up at a club where you can party into the early hours of the morning.

Along with flowing drinks and cocktails, you can also enjoy competing in fun games and challenges.

Attractions

Many of the city’s most prominent and historical attractions are located within a stone’s throw of each other around the Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Sultanahmet Square, where you can find the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with the Topkapi Palace also close by. Another close-by attraction is the Yerebatan Sarnıcı, an old cistern that can nowadays be visited by tourists. A little further afield, you can visit the beautiful Dolmabahçe Palace.

Head to the recently renovated Atatürk Cultural Centre to get a taste of Turkey’s tradition in the performing arts. The city’s cultural centre offers a colourful programme ranging from theatre performances to concerts and vibrant dance performances. Marvel at the strikingly decorated interiors under the high domed ceiling of the former 15th-century hammam. 

Food

Whether you are a big meat eater, or a vegetarian, you won’t go hungry in Istanbul.

Turkish cuisine is more than just kebab (but the kebabs are great though). Local restaurants serve numerous types of delicious Turkish cuisine such as traditional olive oil dishes called Zeytinyagli, Iskender - a dish of beef with bread and tomatoes and covered in melted butter, Pide - a Turkish-style pizza, and Mercimek corbasi – a delicious lentil soup.

There are also several international restaurants if you want something other than Turkish food for a change.

Transportation

With many taxis, buses, and metro lines, as well as the Marmaray Tunnel, which runs beneath the Bosporus Strait, you can get around easily without a car. Make sure you get a student IETT card and take advantage of significant discounts on transportation.

Where to study in Istanbul?

Istanbul University 

Founded in 1453, Istanbul University is one of the best universities in Turkey.

A prominent public research university, Istanbul University offers 675 diploma programmes, 20 associate degrees, 124 bachelor’s degrees, 329 master’s degrees, and 202 PhD degrees across 22 faculties, three departments, eight schools, 16 institutes, and 61 application and research centres.

The university is spread across 12 campuses and has a great library collection consisting of approximately 1.5 million books.

Its alumni have been awarded two Nobel Prizes: Aziz Sancar in Chemistry (2015), and Orhan Pamuk in Literature (2006). Other notable alumni include the 11th Turkish president Abdullah Gül, and the first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion.

Istanbul Technical University

Founded in 1773, Istanbul Technical University (İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi, İTÜ) is a research-intensive university.

The institution was ranked as the 404th best university in the world by QS in their respective 2024 World University Rankings, making it the second-best university in Turkey.

İTÜ offers 99 undergraduate and 192 graduate programmes in 13 faculties and 6 institutes spread across 5 campuses. Over the years, İTÜ’s functions have widened from the training of military staff to architects in the 19th century and civil engineers in the 20th century. Although it is also known for social sciences and history, İTÜ thrives to be the leading university in engineering and architecture, and has a very strong influence locally and regionally in the field.

The university offers nearly 40 postgraduate and doctoral programmes in metallurgical engineering alone as well as programmes in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and aeronautics and astronautics. More than 20 of İTÜ’s engineering programmes are certified by ABET Accreditation.

İTÜ has a strong focus on research and development. It has a number of research institutes, such as the Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Genetics Research Center, the Center for Satellite Communications and Remote Sensing, and more than 350 laboratories.

The university has facilitated several firsts in Turkey, including the country’s first communication satellite, its first television broadcast, its first driverless car, and first hydrogen-powered boat.

Also, through extensive collaboration within politics, the Istanbul Technical University has constantly led the way in reform movements and has assumed pivotal roles in the reconstruction, modernisation, and administration of Turkey since its inception.

Koç University

Founded in 1993, Koç University is a private, non-profit research-intensive institution. Since its establishment, Koç University has become one of the leading universities in Turkey.

A top 500 university in the world according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, Koç is distinguished by notable contributions to education, as well as its knowledge and services both locally and internationally. It has over 250 international top-ranked partners globally for student exchange and research collaborations.

Nationally and internationally recognised for its accreditations and memberships, the university prides itself on the principle of creative teaching and participatory learning. More than 15 of the 90 members of the Turkish Academy of Sciences are Koç University staff or alumni.

Koç is also recognised globally for facilitating cutting-edge research. The university possesses 194 research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and resources as well as 21 Research Centers, and 5 Research and Education Forums.

Marmara University

Marmara University can trace its origins back to 1883 and the founding of an institution called Hamidiye Ticaret Mekteb-i Âlisi. It gained full university status and has been called Marmara University since 1982. Located in the Kadıköy district in the Asian side of Istanbul, the university has about 50,000 students and offers courses in Turkish, English, French, German and Arabic, making it the only multilingual university in Turkey.

If you’ll be studying at Marmara University, make sure to check out Harmoni Kadıköy İstanbul, which offers shared and private rooms within walking distance of the university.

Frequently asked questions about student housing in Istanbul 

How do I apply for private student apartments in Istanbul on Student.com?

Applying for private student apartments in Istanbul on Student.com is easy and convenient. Find the house you are looking for by using our website’s filters to search by things such as price, type of property, or location.

When you choose the property you want to rent, click ‘View rooms’ to go to the property page. On the property page you need to choose the exact room you want and then click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now.’

You’ll be asked to leave your contact details and one of our booking consultants will be in touch with you to answer any questions you may still have and help you complete the booking process once you’re ready to book. 

What are the different types of student apartments for rent that you offer?

We offer three different types of rooms on Student.com:

Shared Room: In this room type you’ll share a bedroom with a roommate. All other facilities are also shared with others.

Private Room: If you go for a private room, you’ll get a bedroom just for yourself. Depending on the property and the exact room you choose, your bathroom may be either private or shared. Other facilities, such as the kitchen, are shared. 

Entire Place: This is a fully self-contained apartment. You’ll have your own bedroom, bathroom and a kitchenette for cooking your meals.

Do you offer accommodation for international and exchange students as well?

Yes, absolutely! All full-time students can book any student housing listed on our website, whether you are an international student or local. 

Do you list furnished apartments?

Yes, some of the apartments we list in Istanbul are rented fully furnished. You can find these by selecting the filter ‘Furnished Available’. 

Are bills included in the rent?

Typically bills are included in your rent, but this depends on the property. You can use the filters to find apartments where the bills are included. You can also see what bills, if any, are included in a particular property when you click ‘View rooms’ and go to the property page.