After months of planning, it feels surreal to be here in Istanbul. I’m finally here. My first week has been incredible, it has been a whirlwind of new faces, incredible sights, and many “How did I end up here?” moments. And this is how it all started

Orientation Day at the University

Exactly one week after arrival the orientation day was planned. It only took a few hours, and it was a very useful information session. Not only the information was useful, but this was also the perfect opportunity to meet people. I prepared everything well, I went to the campus beforehand to find out how I can get there the most easy, and I had all my required papers with me. I was ready.

Very easy I got through the gates (most significant public places have security), and it took only a few minutes to get in contact with the first other student. I took a picture of the amazing view, while he came up to me. A few minutes later, somebody else came to us, and quickly we formed a group of students like this. It was really that easy.

We exchanged some phone numbers, and shortly after the information session started. This information session contained so much information, I will work this out in many posts that can be read in the Istanbul Guide page. After the session there was a big crowd of students that were just connecting and talking to each other. If you are scared of being alone there, don’t be! This is one of the easiest places in the world to get in contact easily and comfortable.

The university itself is amazing. I have never seen a campus that is so beautiful, and is so amazingly located. I’m talking about the South Campus of Bogazici University. For this campus there is also a very useful app to get around, and everywhere there are signs that help you navigate. So this was also not a problem at all.

Trips and Discoveries

I also already had quite some trips. First of all, I went a few days to my amazing girlfriend. She lives in another city, not very far from Istanbul. But taking the public transport to get there was quite challenging. At least, that is what I thought beforehand. Eventhough Istanbul is an enormous city with millions of people, the public transport is very well organized and very efficient. As a solo student in a big city like this, I could easily find my way around here. Tip: Google Maps is quite accurate in my experience.

In the days after the orientation day, I also started the procedures for my residence permit. This required me to go to some places that I would probably never have gone to otherwise. But this makes it so special, when you come here you are not just a tourist. You are one of the residents for multiple months. You will see places that tourists not see, and even more exciting, you will experience the Turkish culture more than any tourist.

One of the things that surprised me was how little English people here speak. I knew that most Turkish people don’t speak much English, but I did not expect it would be this little. It is definitely important to learn at least some Turkish for your time here, it makes it more easy to navigate around here, to buy groceries, or to order your food. But the Turkish are very helpful, and even without any Turkish vocabulary, you will succeed in doing these things.

Next Up: The Start of Classes

It was a hectic, but amazing week. The most nervous moments are over, I know my way better around here, I know some other students, and everything is getting more easy.

Next week the classes on the university will start, without doubt I will meet many new students, have many new experiences, and have so much to tell you. Next week I will tell you all about it!

I’m also very interested in your stories or questions. Let me know in the comments!

For now, thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time! Don’t forget to follow me on my socials down below for more updates.