Student and parents’ foremost concern while selecting a study abroad destination is Safety. It is important to know about the new country, its systems and precautions to take when moving to a different country.

Turkey welcomes foreign students from all countries and has a considerable number of students in big cities such as Bursa, Izmir, Ankara and Istanbul. Students, however, should know the local situation, and take sensible precautions as in any country.

StudyLead Consultants may guide the students in preparation for a study abroad journey, such as an understanding of universities, cities, accommodation and practical considerations prior to their departure to Turkey.

Is Turkey Generally Safe for Students?

Major cities have significant concentrations of students and well-developed transport and accommodation solutions in the university areas and in the central neighbourhoods. In the meantime students should conduct their own research work on their immediate locality and not give their opinion based on the reputation of the whole city.

Choosing Accommodation Carefully

Safety of the students is part of accommodation.

Students should check:

1. The accommodation’s address
2. The distance from the university(km)
3. Access to public transport.Public transportation access.
4. Building conditions
5. Security arrangements
6. Contract terms
7. Any previous feedback given about the property.
8. Emergency contacts

The University’s dormitory could be an alternative for students who want to live in a more organized student atmosphere.

Do not pay for an unknown rental or property.

Common Safety Measures

Students should observe common safety measures in order to live safe.

For example:

1. Ensure documents are kept to themselves.
2. Avoid having too much cash with you.
3. Have emergency telephone numbers on your cell phone.
4. Share with a trusted person what you’re going to sleep with.
5. When using unfamiliar transport services or taxi be careful.
6. Avoid going to remote locations at night.
7. Keep copies of important documents or items.
8. Beware of strangers selling on the web or a landlord.

These are general precautions which most international students follow in almost all countries in the world.

Natural Disasters and Earthquake Awareness

It is important to consider earthquake awareness as an important practical consideration in Turkey, being in a seismically active region.

Emergency procedures are advised to all students to know in University and their accommodation.  Students should also be familiar with safe assembly areas and exit locations in case of emergency.

Students should consider the building’s condition, and follow the directions for safety and appearance while deciding their accomodation.

Safety for Female International Students

For female students, studying alone in Turkey requires some care and caution to ensure personal safety, but it is possible to study alone in Turkey.

Students should seek information about the facilities available within their accommodation to stay in and should make advance arrangements for transport; and should be aware of what is around them.

Life is made easier when the University is nearby or there is good public transport.

It is also recommended that solo traveling females share their travel plans with a trusted individual in new and unfamiliar places.

Language and Communication

Basic Turkish can help students to become independent.

Simple phrases are useful phrases for direction, transport, shopping, emergency and everyday use.

Students are also advised to know how to contact the International Office of their university in case of academic or housing problems or administrative problems.

What Should Students Do in an Emergency?

Before you leave, be sure to find out the following:

1. University emergency services
2. Accommodation management
3. Local emergency services
4. Embassy consultation
5. Trusted family member
6. Health insurance provider