A practical first-week checklist after arriving in Türkiye: getting to your city, your dorm, a SIM card, local transport, university and TÖMER registration, and starting your residence permit.
Reviewed · August 17, 2026Arriving in Türkiye is the start of a new stage, and in the first period you may find several things that need arranging in a short span of time: getting to your city, housing, a SIM card, transportation, registering at university and the language center, then starting the residence permit process.
Here we've gathered the most important steps and practical tips a student needs upon arrival, based on the experiences of previous students.
Important note: procedures and arrangements can differ from year to year, from city to city, and depending on the scholarship, housing, and university arrangements. What's covered here is practical, experience-based guidance, not a mandatory or fixed description for every student. Always follow the instructions you receive directly from Türkiye Bursları / YTB and the authorities responsible for you.
The Union team is ready to answer your questions and help at any stage of your studies.
