Guide For BİLGİ International Undergraduate Students

Guide For BİLGİ International
Undergraduate Students
2014-2015
1
www.bilgi.edu.tr I +90 444 0 428
2
Index
5
İstanbul Bilgi University
16
What should I do before I arrive in Turkey?
20
What should I do after I arrive in Turkey?
25
Recommended Services
29
General Information about Turkey & Other Issues
33 Attraction in İstanbul
39 Good to know
41 International Student Advising Off ice
42 Emergency Contacts
3
LET
THE LIFE
BEGIN
WITH
BİLGİ
4
İstanbul Bilgi University
Founded in 1996 İstanbul Bilgi University (BİLGİ) has
the motto “Learning not for school but for life”
(Non scholae sed vitae discimus). With almost 1.000
academics, BİLGİ currently has more than 16.000
students and 20.000 alumni. As an English medium
institution, BİLGİ offers more than 150 programs in its
faculties of Architecture, Arts and Sciences,
Communication, Law, Economics and Administrative
Sciences, and Engineering in addition to its vocational
and professional schools, and institutes.
BİLGİ is a city university with 3 campuses located in
central city neighborhoods, offering easy access to the
social and cultural activities in Istanbul. Students are
encouraged to take part in university governance,
participate in student clubs and engage in voluntary
work. Numerous community development programs
and courses bring students and faculty into direct
contact with local communities. Innovative academic
programs and their curricula allow students to take
many elective courses and pursue their intellectual
interests alongside their major fields of study.
5
6
Campuses
BİLGİ has three campuses home to more than 1.000 events each year, in the heart of İstanbul: santralistanbul,
Dolapdere and Kuştepe. BİLGİ campuses are equipped to provide for all the academic and extracurricular needs of
students. Physical facilities comprise conference halls, film production, post–production, ensemble and recording
studios, cinemas, a sports complex, computer laboratories and student cafeterias.
santralistanbul Campus is home to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Communications, Faculty of
Economics and Administrative Sciences, Faculty of Architecture and is also home to the Museum of Contemporary
Arts and the Museum of Energy.
Dolapdere Campus is home to the Faculty of Law, the School of Applied Sciences and the School of Health Sciences.
Kuştepe Campus hosts English Preparatory classes for all academic programs, the School of Advanced Vocational
Studies and the Vocational School of Health Services.
7
8
Courses
A wide range of the courses held at BİLGİ are conducted in the English language (except in the Faculties of Law,
Architecture and Communication).
The following link leads you to the Course Catalogue. Courses indicated as “Recommended for international students”
are either fully or mainly held in the English language. If you do not speak fluent Turkish you will not be able to sign up
for other courses. Students with an excellent command of Turkish may also take courses which are held in the Turkish
language.
http://www.register.bilgi.edu.tr/coursecatalog/yeni/index.asp?mmi=108&lang=en
International students may take courses from any faculty or department as electives, alongside their major field of
study. In some courses you need to receive the consent of the instructor.
Credits
İstanbul Bilgi University uses the ECTS credit system. Courses carry between 2 to 10 ECTS credits.
Grading system
Letter Grade
Numerical Value
Definition
A
4.00
Excellent
A-
3.70
Excellent
B+
3.30
Good
B
3.00
Good
B-
2.70
Good
C+
2.30
Average
C
2.00
Average
C-
1.70
Pass on probation
D+
1.30
Pass on probation
D
1.00
Pass on probation
F
0
Fail
9
10
Courses not included in the calculation of the GPA but included in the calculation of credits completed are
given the letter “P” for pass and “F” for fail.
Other letters used to indicate the student’s course status are:
Letter
Definition
I
Incomplete
NP
Not present at the final examination
R
Repeat course
NC
No credit granted
DP
Dissertation or project course without grade
L
Registration suspended or on leave of absence
NGR
Grade not submitted
T
Transferred course
W
Withdrew from course
The abbreviation “I” is given by the instructor to students who were unable to finish projects, theses, papers
and other similar requirements of the course due to extenuating circumstances. Students who have received
an “I” have a maximum of two weeks after the end of the examination period to complete their work. The
“I” is automatically replaced by an “F” for students who have not completed their work within the specified
period.
Students who do not take the semester final examination of a particular course receive the letter grade NP.
The NP grades of students who do not present valid extenuating circumstances for not attending the final
examination are automatically converted to an “F”.
Students not present at a final examination due to an extenuating circumstance which has been accepted
by the University, have the right to take another examination during the Make-Up Examination period as
specified in the Academic Calendar.
11
Academic Calendar
2014-2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
2014
29 August 30 August 01-05 September 06-07 September 10 September 11 September 11 September 12 September 15 September 15-19 September 18 September Deadline for Internal Transfer Applications
Holiday (Zafer Bayramı)
Admission of OSYS Students
BİLET I (BİLGİ English Test)
Announcement of BİLET I results
Orientation for International Students
BİLET II (oral)
BİLET II (written)
Orientation
Academic Registration for Fall Semester
Announcement of BİLET II results
Fall Semester
22 September 29 September-01 October 29 September-03 October 03 October 06-07 October 29 October 08-16 November 05 December Fall Semester Begins
Add/Drop Period
Admission of Students for Additional Placement
Holiday-half day (Kurban Bayramı)
Holiday (Kurban Bayramı)
Holiday (Cumhuriyet Bayramı)
Midterm Examinations
Withdrawal Deadline
2015
01 January 02 January 03-14 January 21-22 January 24-28 January 29 January 30 January 31 January-01 February 02-06 February 04 February Holiday (New Year)
End of Fall Semester Classes
Final Examinations*
Announcement of Grades (Final Examinations)
Resit Examinations
Orientation for International Students
Announcement of Grades (Resit Examinations)
Make-Up Examinations
Academic Registration for Spring Semester and Orientation
Announcement of Grades (Make-Up Examinations)
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Spring Semester
09 February 16-18 February 21-29 March 17 April 23 April
01 May
15 May 19 May 20-31 May 05 June 07 June 10-14 June 17 June 19-20 June 23 June 25-28 June 29 June Spring Semester Begins
Add/Drop Period
Midterm Examinations
Withdrawal Deadline
Holiday (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı)
Holiday (May Day/Emek ve Dayanışma Günü)
End of Spring Semester Classes
Holiday (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı)
Final Examinations*
Announcement of Grades (Final Examinations)
Foundation Day
Resit Examinations
Announcement of Grades (Resit Examinations)
Make-Up Examinations
Announcement of Grades (Make-Up Examinations)
Graduation Ceremonies
Summer School Begins
*If postponements occur due to any obligations during the Final Exams period, the exams will take place during
the above mentioned period and in addition to previously declared hours.
13
Student Clubs
İstanbul Bilgi University offers its students various opportunities to make use of their leisure time.
Student clubs make a great contribution in creating this awareness. The student clubs that have an important
place in the social life of the university are growing with the students’ ideas and their activities. They are open
to the participation of all students. Students can be members of these clubs and participate in activities
appropriate to their skills or areas of interest and they can establish different clubs.
Utkuer Yaşar, MA
Student Clubs and Activities Professional
Kuştepe Campus, Sports Hall / [email protected] / + 90 212 311 63 65
14
Here are few of the clubs that might interest you:
Philosophical/Cultural Clubs
Anatolian Youth Club
Anti-capitalist Students Club
Cultural and Opinion Community
Rainbow Club
Socialist Thought Club
Academic Clubs
Advertising Club
BİLGİ Psychology Club
Creative Writing Club
Debate Club
Development Club
E3 Architecture Club
ELT Club (English Language Teacher)
Engineering IEEE Club
Entrepreneurs Club
European Union Club
Health Club
Historical Discovery Club
International Young Lawyers Club
Logistics Club
Politics Club
Psychology Club
Social Sciences Club
Sociology Club
Technology Club
Writing Club
Sports Clubs
American Football Club
Archery Club
Bicycle Club
Canoe-Kayak Club
Extreme Club
Motorcycle Club
Mountaineering Club
Sailing Club
Triathlon Club
Underwater Club
Art Clubs
Bi’Music Club
Cinema Club
Culture and Art Club
Dance Club
Photography Club
Theatre Platform
Social Responsibility and Hobby Clubs
AKUT (Search and Rescue Association) Student Club
ERASMUS Club (BİLGİ Volunteer Program)
Fantasy and Science Fiction Club
Young Perspective Club
15
What Should I Do
Before I Arrive In Turkey?
There are four important facts you should consider before leaving your home country:
Student Visa
You must have a STUDENT VISA to be registered as a student in Turkey. In order to apply for a student visa,
you are required to visit the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country with the following
documents:
•
•
•
•
The Letter of Acceptance from the University
A completed visa application form
The Visa fee
Passport sized pictures
(Please check online if there is any more requirements from the responsible consulate
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa)
We advise you to apply at least two months before the semester begins. There is a visa fee that might vary
from one country to another. When you receive your visa, check it and make sure that it is a “student visa”.
Please kindly note that all international students have to obtain their Student Visa before coming to Turkey.
Otherwise you need to go back to your home country to obtain the visa, as a Student Visa is not issued in Turkey.
The visa remains valid as long as a student is enrolled at the University.
16
Accommodation
BİLGİ offers female/male dormitories and a Residence Hall for the students. Further information can be found
at the following link:
http://www.bilgi.edu.tr/en/student-life/general-secretariat-coordination-unit/dormitory-and-residence-halls/
If you decide not to stay at a BİLGİ Dormitory, we advise you to find temporary accommodation in advance,
to book a room in a hotel/hostel so you don’t struggle with finding a place during your first days when you
arrive in İstanbul.
Levanten Hostel:
Cihangir Mh. Pürtelaş Sk No: 42, Beyoğlu - İstanbul (0212) 243 5100
Route-39 Hostel:
Mebusan Yokusu 39 | Taksim Findikli Beyoglu - İstanbul 34433, Türkiye
Telephone: (0212) 249 1901
Stray Cat Hostel:
Pürtelaş Hasan Efendi Mh, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd No: 35, 34433 Beyoğlu-İstanbul
(0212) 293 9103
There are several links you can check out to find permanent housing. All of them have rooms and flats in
İstanbul and some of them especially cater to international students.
http://istanbul.en.craigslist.com.tr/roo/ (many of the offers are especially directed to Internationals)
http://erasmusu.com/en/erasmus-istanbul (also specific to international students)
http://www.sahibinden.com/en/for-rent/istanbul (has offers for international students but mainly for
Turkish-Speakers)
http://turkey.gabinohome.com/en/rent+flat/istanbul
http://www.clickflatshare.co.uk/istanbul
http://housing.justlanded.com/en/Turkey_Marmara_Istanbul/Flatshare/1
Furthermore there are also plenty of Facebook groups where people offer rooms or search for flat mates:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/415061961879819/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/217080025108706/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/erasmus.ist/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/istabulerasmus2013.2014/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/weloveistanbul/
Please be aware that the charges for single rooms may vary between 600 and 1,500 Turkish Lira depending
on the location of the housing and the size of the room.
17
Neighborhoods that we would recommend you to consider are the following:
Şişli, Mecidiyeköy, Cihangir, Osmanbey, Beşiktaş are all very recommended neighborhoods. There are
connections to BİLGİ and Taksim, which is a big square downtown that you will have no doubt to get to know
right after your arrival.
There are also some nice areas on the Asian side of İstanbul. However you should also consider that it might
take you a longer time to reach campus every morning due to rush hour traffic and several other reasons.
Living on the Asian side would mean that you will either have to cross the Bosporus Bridge (Boğaziçi
Köprüsü) or take a ferry to reach the European side.
Preferable neighborhoods would be: Kadiköy and Üsküdar. The advantage of these neighborhoods is that the
apartments are usually slightly less expensive than the European side.
Other than that you can also contact the BİLGİ Volunteer Program (International Student Club) on
[email protected] whose members are local BİLGİ students and they will assist you to find an accommodation
voluntarily.
18
High School Diploma Equivalency
Diploma equivalency is a mandatory requirement for university registration in Turkey.
Diploma equivalency can be obtained in two ways:
1. You need to apply to the nearest consulate in your country with the required documents for the Diploma
Equivalency. Required documents may vary from country to country. So, it is recommended to contact the
Turkish consulate in your home country.
2. As soon as you arrive in İstanbul, you need to obtain the equivalency of your high school diploma.
Documents to present at the Local Equivalency Office of the İstanbul İl Milli Eğitim Müdürlüğü
(National Education Ministry’s Istanbul Offce):
• Original passport (and the copies of the first page and the visa page)
• Original High-school diploma (and a copy)
• İstanbul Bilgi University Acceptance Letter (and a copy)
Processing time is 1-3 days. (This may take longer during the months of July-Aug-Sep.)
Address: Alemdar Mah. Ankara Cad. No: 2, Cağaloğlu, Fatih - İstanbul
Phone: 90 212 455 04 00
Monetary Issues
The exchange rate between Turkish Lira to US Dollar/Euro may fluctuate. Please check the exchange rate
online before you arrive at Turkey. You may very well visit the Turkish Central Bank web page for the most
updated exchange rates. http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/yeni/eng/
How to get to the city center (Taksim Square)
From Atatürk Airport (IST) the easiest way to get to Taksim is to take the Havataş Airport Shuttle. It costs
around 13 Turkish Liras and brings you right to Taksim Square. The Airport Shuttle is a big white travel-bus
which has a blue print on the sides saying HAVATAŞ in capital letters. There should be a person in uniform
next to the bus that you can ask if the bus is going to Taksim and there is also a sign in the front shield stating Taksim.
19
What Should I Do After I Arrive
in Turkey?
Airports
İstanbul has two different airports. One of them is located on the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) and the other one
is located on the European side, Atatürk Airport (IST). Most students choose to go to Atatürk Airport which is situated
on the European side and from which it is a lot easier to reach to the University.
TAKSİM
In this picture you can see the locations of both airports.
20
School Registration
Once you have all the necessary documents ready and have arrived in İstanbul, you will need to proceed with the
actual registration to our university at the Student Affairs Office, with the following documents:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Original High School Diploma (in English or Turkish)
Equivalency document for your high school diploma
Original High School Transcript (in English or Turkish)
Original Passport
Tuition fee bank receipt
3 Passport Size Photos
Certif ied copy of an English proficiency test if available (IELTS, TOEFL, BIET)
Tax Number
You can get your temporary tax number from the Beyoğlu Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office)
All you need is your passport and a photocopy of the passport page with your photograph on it.
Address of Beyoğlu Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office): Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 125, Şişhane / İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 244 16 35
Health Insurance (Allianz)
First of all, you will need a tax number to be able to complete your health insurance application.
You can get your tax number from the Tax offices. All you need is your passport and a photocopy of the passport
page with your photograph on it.
Address of Mecidiyeköy Vergi Dairesi Müdürlüğü (Tax Office): Mevlüt Pehlivan Caddesi, Şenol Sokak, No: 5,
Gayrettepe, Mecidiyeköy
Phone: +90 212 212 4541 or +90 212 212 45 52
Address of Beyoğlu Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office): Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 125, Şişhane/ Beyoğlu
Phone: +90 212 244 1635
Required documents to apply for Private Health Insurance (Allianz):
• Application form*
• Tax Number
• Photocopy of passport
• Student Certificate (Turkish Version)
• Payment receipt of the insurace policy**
* Take your application form from International Student Advising Office at santralistanbul Campus,
ÇSM building Z-110.
** While you make your policy payment, you need to provide your tax number to the bank officer.
21
Below you can f ind the price table for each gender:
Female
Male
Age
Total Cost per Year
Age
Total Cost per Year
18
557,80 TL
18
598,57 TL
19
567,28 TL
19
610,39 TL
20
575,43 TL
20
611,63 TL
21
584,15 TL
21
611,63 TL
22
593,57 TL
22
610,39 TL
23
593,57 TL
23
609,14 TL
24
611,09 TL
24
606,66 TL
25
620,50 TL
25
604,79 TL
26
629,28 TL
26
602,92 TL
27
640,75 TL
27
602,30 TL
28
651,39 TL
28
601,06 TL
29
663,22 TL
29
602,30 TL
30
674,44 TL
30
604,79 TL
Benefit Table
Benefit Name
IN PATIENT TREATMENT
CHEMOTHERAPY/
RADIOTHERAPY/
DIALYSIS SURVEY
CHEMOTHERAPY/
RADIOTHERAPY/DIALYSIS
MINOR SURGERY
OUT PATIENT TREATMENT
ARTIFICIAL ORGAN
Domestic Contracted
Health Providers
Domestic Non-Contracted
Health Providers
Abroad
20.000,00 - TRY 80%
INVALID
COVERED (I) 60%
INVALID
100%
COVERED (II) 80%
INVALID
UNLIMITED 100%
COVERED (II) 80%
INVALID
2.000,00 - TRY
COVERED (I) 60%
INVALID
COVERED (I) 100%
INVALID
UNLIMITED
100%
1.500,00 - TRY
UNLIMITED
60%
60%
22.000,00 - TRY 100%
22
Payment
You can only do your payment through Garanti Bank at Kuştepe Campus.
Account Name
Bank Name
Branch Name
IBAN
: Allianz
: Garanti Bankası
: Kozyatağı Kurumsal Şube (383)
: TR09 0006 2000 3830 0006 2002 42
Very important
• While you are paying the policy price, please write
your name and surname in the blank for explanation.
• When the procedure is completed, your document is going to be sent in 1 week to İstanbul Bilgi University.
You can take it from the International Student Advising Office.
• After a specif ic weight and height rate the insurance company will ask for additional costs.
• American Hospital is out of coverage.
For all of your questions, please do not hesitate to contact
the agency staff.
Contact Person:
Mr. Okan Sarı
Allianz Health Insurance
[email protected]
Tel: 0216 456 81 11
GSM: 0539 657 00 59
23
English Proficiency Test
If you do not have a required score from one of the English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, BİLET;
you are required to take the BİLGİ English Proficiency test. According to your test result, you will either be
placed into the Language Program or begin your study at your faculty.
Residence Permit
All foreign students are required to apply for a residence permit in Turkey within 30 days of their arrival.
You MUST apply for an appointment at the Federal Police Office on VATAN STREET (main office for the first
appointment!).
Upon arrival, the appointment has to be made online at this link;
https://e-randevu.iem.gov.tr/yabancilar/dil_sec.aspx
You will have to apply for an appointment for a student residence permit and it will cost you around
50 Turkish Liras (around 25 US Dollars).
Documents to be printed and collected until the Appointment day:
1. Passport
2. Four Passport size photos
3. Three Photocopies from passport (the page including your photo, the page where validity and expiry dates are written, and the page of the last entry)
4.50 Turkish Lira
5. Student Certificate (in Turkish)
6. Printout of your online application form (must be colored print)
7. Health Insurance
The address of the Police Quarter (VATAN):
Vatan Caddesi, Adnan Menderes Bulvarı,
Hırka-i Şerif Mahallesi, No: 58, Fatih, İstanbul
The address of Eminönü Mal Müdürlüğü
(Local Tax Office):
Hocapaşa Vergi Dairesi, 3. Kat,
Sirkeci-Eminönü; Behind İstanbul Ticaret Odası
Attention: Please do not make your online
residence permit application before being
physically here in İstanbul! According to the
laws, you can only make this application after
you enter the Turkish border.
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24
Recommended Services
How to get to BİLGİ Campus (Shuttles services)
BİLGİ has free shuttle buses between each campus, dormitory and central districts of the city. You can find
the shuttle schedule at the following link.
link: http://www.bilgi.edu.tr/en/university/transportation/shuttle/?transportation-menub
santralistanbul Campus:
Eski Silahtarağa Elektrik Santrali, Kazım Karabekir Cad. No: 2/13, Eyüp/İstanbul
Kuştepe Campus:
İnönü Cad. No: 6, Kuştepe, Şişli/İstanbul
Dolapdere Campus:
Hacıahmet Mahallesi, Pir Hüsamettin Sokak No: 20, 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Buses
For buses to all campuses please check the website of http://www.iett.gov.tr/en
There are many buses leaving from all parts of İstanbul. Therefore we cannot give any more detailed
information on the bus-connections, you have to check for the way that would fit your needs best. It is also
always good to check with your buddy* or other Turkish students you get to know because they might know
ways how to get to the campus more easily.
*Buddy is a local BİLGİ student who intends to help international students as a volunteer.
25
Registering your phone and SIM card
The regulations require that all mobile phones used in Turkey must be registered. Not just the SIM card, but
the handset itself. Unregistered phones carry the risk of being blocked and unable to receive or make calls
after 30 days of entry.
There are four steps to register your mobile and obtain a new Turkish SIM card;
• Buy a SIM card from the nearest GSM shop. (Vodafone, Avea or Turkcell) It costs around 40-60 TL.
• Register your mobile phone at the tax office. The address is below. You have to pay around 150TL.
• Finally, submit all of the documents that you received from the previous steps to the GSM shop.
Address of Beyoğlu Vergi Dairesi (Tax Office):
Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 125, Şişhane/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 244 1635
Campus Card
Upon the school registration, you are going to have a Campus Card. İstanbul Bilgi University Campus card is
both a student ID card and a credit card*.
You will be able to use BİLGİ Campus Card as your student ID card throughout your education life and you will
also benefit from it as a credit card for shopping both on and off campus.
*The credit card feature needs to be activated after the academic year starts.
İstanbul Transportation Card
The İstanbul Card is very useful in the beginning of your stay in case you reach İstanbul before the semester
starts. You can purchase this card at the IETT Off ices at every central Metro Stop. The card itself costs 10 TL
and you can recharge it through the Akbil Machines. You just need to put your card on the scanner on the left
and a narrator will ask you to put your money into the slot.
One fare with this card is 2 TL. If you need to transfer during your journey you will need to pay once more but
the price will be reduced.
For more information about public transportation please see the links given below:
www.iett.gov.tr–inner-city bus transportation
www.ido.com.tr–sea transportation
www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/index.htm-railroad transportation
http://www.İstanbul-ulasim.com.tr/default.asp–for tram
26
Student Transportation Card
This is the card that will be the one you can apply for with a student certificate from the university. You need
to apply for the paper from the Student Affairs Office online and they will provide you with the certificate
within two days. With this document and your Passport as well as a Passport sized photo you then have to go
to the IETT Office again and they will prepare a student card for you.
This card is the cheapest way you can travel around İstanbul.
To be able to apply for the Student Certificate you need to be subscribed in the BİLGİ system. This means
that you CANNOT get the Student İstanbul Kart before school registration.
Necessary documents that you need to submit to the IETT Transport Office;
• Passport
• Student Certificate (make a request for the Turkish version from your Student Page on SIS.
You can pick it up from the Student Affairs Office two days after you have applied.)
• 10 TL
Application Address:
İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanlığı, İETT İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü
Şahkulu Mah. Erkan-ı Harp Sok. No: 2, Tünel, 34420 Beyoğlu/İSTANBUL
Note: Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your Buddy to accompany you to go to the
Transport Card Office. If you do not a have buddy yet, send an e-mail to bvp@BİLGİ.edu.tr to request one.
27
Museum Card
İstanbul has lots of museums that are worth
seeing. The entrance fees of the various
museums range between 1 and 20 TL, per
person. You may get discounted entrance
with your official student ID. If you provide a
‘Müzekart’ for yourself, you pay an annual fee
of 20 TL and obtain unlimited free access to
over 300 museums nationwide. Some private
museums are not included in the Müze Card
system. With Museum Pass İstanbul, you pay
72 TL and have access for 72 hours to the
museums of İstanbul.
For detailed information please visit:
http://www.muze.gov.tr/museum_pass
http://www.muze.gov.tr/museum_pass
Turkish Bank Account
We strongly advise you to have a bank account in Turkey. To open a bank account, you’ll need the following
documents;
• Residence permit booklet
• Passport
• Turkish Tax number
• Turkish ID number for foreigners
Do not forget that you need to be over 18 years old to open a bank account in Turkey. Vakıfbank has a branch
at the santralİstanbul campus and also Garanti Bank has a branch at Kuştepe campus. You can open an
account there after you provide the required documents.
An associate at the bank will supply you with all the necessary forms to open a Turkish bank account.
Fill out the proper authorization forms. The bank will send your ATM card to your address.
Vakıfbank - Santral Branch phone:
+90 212 311 65 50
How to get a Turkish ID? :
At the following link, all you need to do is fill in your “residence permit number” and “date of birth”.
https://tckimlik.nvi.gov.tr/YabanciKimlikNo/DogumYiliveIkametTezkereNoSorguModul.aspx
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General Information About
Turkey & Other Issues
General Information about Turkey
Official name : The Republic of Turkey (TC-Türkiye Cumhuriyeti)
Founder: Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK
Area
: 814,578 square kilometers (314,500 square miles)
Population: ~71.5 million
Currency: Turkish Lira/Türk Lira’s (TL)
National Anthem: “İstiklal Marşı” (Independence March)
Flag
: Red background with a white crescent and star in the middle.
Turkey is a transcontinental country, located on both Europe and Asia. While the European part of Turkey is
called Thrace, the Asian part of it is called Anatolia (or Asia Minor). It is surrounded by sea on three sides: the
Black Sea in the North, the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean Sea in the West. In the Northwest, the
Sea of Marmara sits between the Dardanelles and Bosporus straits.
Its neighboring countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Iraq, Iran and Syria. The capital
of the country is Ankara and the official national language is Turkish.
Turkey is a democratic, secular and social state governed by the code of law and separated into Legislative,
Judicial and Executive branches.
Turkey has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has an increasing strategic significance in a
global economy. Because of its geographical location, Turkey is a melting pot of cultures and a unique mixture
of eastern and western traditions.
Although 99% of the population is Muslim, Turkey is a secular republic, making it the only country among
Islamic countries that includes secularism in its constitution and guarantees complete freedom of worship to
other believers.
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National and Religious Holidays
There are two types of public holidays in Turkey: the religious holidays which change according to the lunar
calendar and fall on different dates each year; and those which are decided by the government and fall on the
same day each year;
Please remember that, on public holidays, banks and government off ices are closed. The life in touristy
seaside resorts is not affected as these are the times when Turkish people also go on holiday. Shops and
businesses away from tourist areas may close so you should bear this in mind when traveling inland or to city
areas.
National Holidays:
1 January-New Year’s Day
23 April-National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
19 May-Youth and Sports Day
30 August-Victory Day
29 October-Republic Day
Religious holidays:
Eid al-Fitr (Bayram of Sweets): A three-day holiday when sweets are eaten to celebrate the end of the fast of
Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice): A four day holiday when sacrificial sheep and cows are slaughtered and
their meat is distributed to families in need.
Climate
As a result of its size, topography and maritime influences, İstanbul shows a multitude of distinct
microclimates. Summers are generally hot and partially dry, with the temperature averaging 23.4 °C (74.1 °F).
Winters are cold, wet and often snowy, averaging 5.4 °C (42 °F). Spring and autumn are usually mild, and the
weather can range from chilly to warm. Snowfall is common between the months of December and March,
sometimes with a week or two of snow cover; but average winter snowfall often varies considerably, and
snow cover usually remains only for a few days after each snowfall.
Therefore, you can enjoy all four seasons in İstanbul. People living in İstanbul should have a wardrobe with
various clothes for indoor and outdoor use. You can get clothing items very easily in İstanbul at a reasonable
price and quality.
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Turkish Culture
Here is what some former international students at BİLGİ think:
Francesca, Italy
Even though I can say that Italians and Turks
have some common aspects, I was really
surprised about Turkey; a meeting point of
different cultures that are now trying to be one,
full of contradictions and really fascinating.
There are so many ‘secrets’ hidden and so many
different points of view about several topics
that are possible to discover by just taking time
and talking to local people.
Elya, Azerbaijan
The country has so many different sides to it.
It is developed but you can find so many
cities that have different traditions. I loved
how colorful it was. İstanbul is one place
where you can find a bit of everything in
different aspects. It is culturally vibrant/lively.
Astrid, Sweden
One thing that I found very hard to get used
to was the way I didn´t take out my own
rubbish, because that was someone else’s
job. I think it is quite a Swedish thing being
uncomfortable letting someone else serve
you with these daily life things.
Vanessa Müller, Germany
Turkish people are the most guest friendly
people I’ve met so far, they help you in any case
and often they bring you till the front door of
the address you searched.
BJØRN, Denmark
I found it very interesting how the Turkish
students’ lives still revolve so much around
their families. They are especially very close
to their mothers which is not usually the case
in Denmark.
Lucy, England
In Turkey, they always drink tea (‘çay’) in
glasses, never mugs! So much prettier...
but harder to hold!
Fornalè Claudia, Italy
It is very easy to adapt to living in İstanbul,
It’s a safe city and well hospitable.
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Where to get groceries
Big supermarket chains where you can get groceries from are for example: Bim Market, Şok Market, Carrefour
and Migros. These markets’ advantage is that they have a really big range of products that you will not very
likely find at a street market.
Street Markets are cheaper and sell lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can ask your buddy and other
Turkish people about the closest market to your home.
Average cost of other useful items
The average cost of living in İstanbul varies from one student to another. When travelling to İstanbul you
should think about the following expenses you will be incurring in a month.
Groceries, which are a lot cheaper at weekly markets (bazaar), these markets usually take place once a week
at specific locations.
Student Transport card (one fare is 1 Lira with a student transport card, as mentioned above)
Going out (the BİLGİ Student Club organizes many events for you that are a lot cheaper for international
students)
Housing (depending on your choice)
Books and course literature (mainly at the beginning of the semester but not very expensive)
Can of coke
: 2 Liras (on the street)
Bottle of water
: 0.75 lira (75 kurus)
Simit: 1 Lira (TL)
Student menu at BİLGİ : 8 TL
Bread: 1 TL
Döner
: 5-10 TL
Chicken&Meat&Fish
: Varies from 7 TL to 20 TL
Tea&Coffee
: 1.50 TL-5 TL
Concert Ticket
: Starting from 25 TL
Cinema ticket
: 15 TL
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Attractions in İstanbul
Some special places around İstanbul that you shouldn’t miss out on are:
Sultanahmet-Old City:
Constantinople of the Roman, Byzantine and much of the Ottoman period. This is where most of the famous
historical sights of İstanbul are located.
Galata:
The location of many nightlife venues of İstanbul. This district includes Beyoğlu, Istiklal Street, and Taksim
Square.
New City:
Main business district of the city. It contains many modern shopping malls and districts such as Nişantaşı,
Bebek, Etiler.
Bosporus:
The European bank of the Bosporus Straight offers beautiful views and contains numerous palaces, parks and
bohemian neighborhoods.
Golden Horn:
Especially recommendable would be the district called Eyüp. It has an Ottoman atmosphere and offers a lot of
nature. BİLGİ University’s Santral Campus is also located in this neighborhood.
Prince Islands:
These Islands, located on the opening of the Bosporus Straight towards the Marmara Sea are a great opportunity to
escape from the city. The Prince Islands are an archipelago of nine islands which are all car-free. You can go
on a carriage-tour on these islands.
The Asian Side:
The eastern side of İstanbul lies on the Asian continent. When crossing the Bosporus and reaching the eastern
side, you will immediately feel a difference in the atmosphere. There are many teahouses and small
street-bazaars in the neighborhoods close to the waterfront. Recommendable neighborhoods would be
Bağdat Caddesi, Kalamış, Moda, Kadiköy and Üsküdar
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HIGHLIGHTS
Taksim
The biggest meeting place in İstanbul. You can find anything you could possibly need on İstiklal Street.
Closed off from most traffic you can find many restaurants, stores, bars, specialty shops and a lot more.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
The Blue Mosque is one of the main tourist attractions in İstanbul. It was built
in the early 17th century, and is known for its stunning blue tiles covering the
entire interior of the main building. The very spacious prayer room will surely
impress you.
Opening Hours : Daily from 09.00 till dusk
Closed
: 30 min before until 30 min after prayer time,
2 hours during Friday noon prayer.
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The Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is situated just across the street from the Blue Mosque. It is a former orthodox patriarchal
basilica, later turned into a mosque and was transformed into a museum by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1943.
Nowadays it is strictly prohibited to use this building for any kind of religious worshiping (Christian or Muslim).
Opening Hours : Daily from 09.00–17.00
Closed
: Monday, and until 13.00 on the first day of religious holidays.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in İstanbul is one of the largest
and oldest covered markets in the world. It contains
61 covered streets and over 3000 shops.
You can find many traditional artworks as well as
cloths and accessories and many other items here.
Unfortunately some things are very expensive but
it is still worth going and appreciating the great
atmosphere in this location.
Opening Hours : Daily from 08.30 – 19.00
Closed
: Sunday, October 29th and the full
duration of religious holidays.
Tip
: Try not to get lost ;) it is really huge.
Watch your belongings because sometimes there are
pickpockets in the crowded hallways.
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Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in the Ottoman Empire or in any case if you
want to see how the Sultans in the Ottoman Empire used to live.
This palace was the primary residence for Ottoman sultans for over 400 years and contains important Muslim
relics including the Sword and the Coat of Mohammed.
Opening Hours : Daily from 09.00–17.00
Closed
: Tuesday, and until 12.00 on the first day of religious holidays.
Bosphorus Tour
Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise (Kısa Boğaz Turu)
The İstanbul experience is not complete without a boat
cruise on the Bosphorus. The cruise takes you from
Eminönü to İstinye (well past the second bridge that is),
and back. The ferry leaves Eminönü-docks at 14.30,
arrives at Ortaköy around 14.50 to pick up more people,
and then continues its two hour non-stop tour.
The price per person is 10 TL.
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Egyptian Bazaar (or Spice Bazaar)
The Spice Bazaar is one of the biggest covered markets in
İstanbul. It is the second largest Bazaar after the Grand Bazaar.
Most stores around here sell oriental spices and herbs as well
as different sorts of tea and delicacies from Arab countries.
The prices are rather high but the bazaar is worth visiting and
maybe you can find something you would never find in any
western or central European country.
Some cloths and Pashminas can be bought here but it is not
the primary place we would advise you to look for items like that.
Opening Hours : Daily from 08.00–9.00
Closed
: Sundays, October 29th and the full duration of religious holidays.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is a medieval stone-tower in the Karaköy
district. It is one of the city’s most striking landmarks and from
the top of this tower you have a great view of almost the entire
old city of İstanbul and the Bosporus. The highest point of this
tower is 35 meters above sea level and the upper level contains
a café as well as a restaurant. There is also a night club located
on the upper floor that hosts a Turkish show worth attending.
Opening Hours : Daily from 09.00–20.00
Closed
: No closing days.
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Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower, located on a tiny island near Üsküdar on
the Asian side of İstanbul has a history spanning over 2,500
years. Also known as Leander’s Tower Kiz Kulesi in Turkish,
this beautiful landmark is well worth a visit. Although this little
island was occupied by a fortress in Byzantine times, the tower
dates from the last century. In Turkish it’s known as Kız Kulesi,
or Maiden’s Tower – supposedly after a princess who was
confined here after a prophet predicted she would die from
snakebite. To get here, walk along the promenade to Salacak
(about 15-minutes from central Üsküdar), where boats leave
every 15 minutes from Salacak-Maiden’s Tower: Continuous
transfers between 9am - 6.45 pm daily.
Shopping Malls
Metrocity
: 4. Levent-www.metrocity.com.tr
İstinyepark
: İstinye-www.istinyepark.com
Cevahir
: Şişli-www.istanbulcevahir.com
Akmerkez
: Nispetiye Caddesi, Etiler-www.akmerkez.com.tr
Kanyon
: Büyükdere Cad. No. 195, Levent-www.kanyon.com.tr
Profilo
: Mecidiyeköy-www.pam.com.tr
Sapphire: 4. Levent-www.istanbulsapphire.com
İstiklal Caddesi: Taksim
For more information please check out these websites. All of them contain city guides on İstanbul and its
sightseeing opportunities.
www.istanbul.com
www.istanbulcityguide.com
www.istanbultravelguide.net
www.ibb.gov.tr
For a Turkey-Guide you can check these two websites:
www.mfa.gov.tr
www.kultur.gov.tr
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Good To Know!
Here are some tips for your life in İstanbul.
• Try to avoid traveling around İstanbul during rush-hours, the streets are always congested. Taking the
metro is always possible. The bridges between the European and Asian side are always packed.
• The ferries between Asia and Europe operate as a proper means of transportation. Just like a bus.
• Although English is widely spoken in the metropolitan cities, you should try to learn basic Turkish.
• Just as in any large cities, one should be aware of the surroundings and the people who they deal with and
be cautious of the activities.
• On street markets, the prices are generally not fixed. You should try to bargain because the sheer fact that
you are a foreigner can increase the price.
• The electricity is 220 Volts. Check the voltage in your home country and in case it is different you should
buy a converter so that your electrical devices do not get harmed.
• Football (soccer) is extremely popular in Turkey. We recommend you to be careful when the fans are out
• Avoid eating in public during Ramadan. You can always go to a restaurant or cook at home.
• Water: Although tap water is chlorinated and therefore safe to drink, it is recommended that you consume
bottled water which costs very little and available nearly everywhere.
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International Student
Advising Office
The Advising Office is responsible for the assisting of international degree students.
Address:
santralistanbul Campus, ÇSM, Z-110
Contact Person:
Berat Saygıner - Team Manager
santralistanbul Campus, ÇSM, Z-110/[email protected]/+90 212 311 52 18
For general information please do not hesitate to write an e-mail to:
[email protected]
Opening Hours:
You can visit us with questions and concerns, please do so!
Mondays-Fridays 09.00 to 17.00
Please note that during lunch time staff members might not be in the office.
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Emergency Contacts
Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey)
Police
: 155 (all over Turkey)
Tourism Police : (0212) 5274503 (İstanbul only)
Gendarmerie: 156 (all over Turkey for rural areas)
Coast Guard
: 158 (all over Turkey)
Fire
: 110 (all over Turkey)
Forest Fire
: 177 (all over Turkey)
Yellow Pages : 11818 or 11811 or 11880 (all over Turkey) the cost of directory could be expensive
Tourism Info
: 170 (all over Turkey)
42
444 0 428
www. bilgi.edu.tr
[email protected]
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