What to Prepare Before Traveling to Türkiye

Experience-based advice on preparing to travel to Türkiye: documents and backup copies, a financial cushion, electronics, dorm-room essentials, clothing for your city's climate, and phone setup.

Reviewed · August 17, 2026

Guide contents

Your usual copy of the Qur'an Your documents: originals and paper copies Keep a digital copy of your documents Prepare a financial cushion Study supplies Electronics and accessories The power strip Room essentials Hygiene and personal care A few provisions Clothing and weather Medication and a simple health kit Get your phone ready before you travel Sleep and comfort

Good preparation before you travel saves you a lot of time and effort after you arrive in Türkiye. Here we've gathered a set of practical tips drawn from the experiences of students who have already traveled and studied in Türkiye.

Important note: what follows is a set of practical tips and experiences, not a list of mandatory requirements. Every student's needs differ depending on their city, housing, personal circumstances, and the airline they fly with. Take from these tips whatever suits you.

Your usual copy of the Qur'an

If you're used to reading from a particular copy of the Qur'an, don't forget to bring it with you.
Students of the Qalun recitation: This point matters especially for Libyan students used to reading the Qalun-an-Nafi' recitation, since the copies available in Türkiye are usually in the Hafs-an-Asim recitation. So it's best to put the Qalun Mushaf you're used to among the essential items you pack before traveling.
A copy of the Qur'an may seem easy to replace, but having the one you're used to with you will be more comfortable for you, especially during your studies and your time living away from home.

Your documents: originals and paper copies

Essential documents: Don't forget to bring all the documents you prepared before traveling: original documents, translated documents, notarized or stamped documents, acceptance letters, scholarship documents, and any other papers related to your studies or procedures in Türkiye.
Paper copies: Prepare several paper copies of your important documents (about 3 copies of each is preferable); you may need to submit copies of your papers to more than one place, such as the university, housing, registration offices, and other authorities related to your procedures as a student. Having the copies ready with you saves you from having to search for a place to print or photocopy every time.
Personal photographs: Also bring a reasonable number of personal photos with you, as some registration procedures and transactions may require them.

Keep a digital copy of your documents

Don't rely only on the papers you carry with you; before traveling, upload clear digital copies of your important documents to a trusted cloud service such as Google Drive, and it's also best to have a copy available on your phone.
Documents worth uploading: Your passport, acceptance letter, scholarship documents, certificates, translations, notarizations, tickets, and any other important document.
Organize the files in a clear folder with understandable names so you can quickly reach any document when you need it.

Prepare a financial cushion

Don't count on your scholarship stipend arriving right after you land in Türkiye; activating the scholarship, the account, and the disbursement process can take some time, and the first stipend may be delayed by around a month depending on the student's situation and the procedures. So make sure you have a reasonable amount with you to cover your basic needs until your finances settle.
You may need to spend on: Food, transportation, a SIM card and internet, housing needs, personal supplies, and any unexpected expense.
The point isn't to carry a huge amount of money, but simply not to travel while relying entirely on the first stipend arriving.

Study supplies

It can be useful to bring some basic study supplies from Libya, especially the simple items you know you use constantly.
Examples: Pens, highlighters, notebooks, the writing tools you're used to, and any simple study supplies you use regularly.
Based on some students' experience, getting some of these items in Libya may be cheaper and easier. But don't overdo the quantity — take only what you know you'll actually use.

Electronics and accessories

Review all the devices and accessories you rely on before you travel.
The most important of these: Your phone, laptop, phone charger, laptop charger, charging cables, headphones, a power bank if you use one, and any electronic accessory you rely on constantly.
It's very useful to have a backup for some small but important items; for example, if you rely on a specific cable to charge your phone, it's good to have a spare one. Sometimes a very small electronic item, if it breaks or gets lost, can cause you more trouble than its size would suggest.

The power strip

One of the most practical things to have in your dorm room is a power strip — an electrical cord with a multi-socket unit at the end that lets you plug in several devices or chargers at the same time.
Some dorm rooms may not have enough electrical outlets, or the outlets may be in inconvenient spots, so having a safe, practical power strip can be very useful.

Room essentials

An over-the-door clothes hanger: A simple, practical item, especially when room space is limited — it can be used to hang clothes, coats, towels, and other everyday items.
A clothes iron: If you use an iron regularly, it's worth considering bringing one with you.
An electric water kettle: It can be useful if you regularly drink tea, coffee, or other hot drinks.
A toaster: For those who rely on one to prepare simple meals.
A hair dryer: If you constantly need a hair dryer, don't forget it among your personal items.

Caution: before packing a lot of electrical appliances, try to find out the rules of the housing you'll be staying in — some residences place restrictions on certain heating or electrical appliances inside rooms. If you're not sure you need a particular device, you can wait until you see the housing and know your real needs.

Hygiene and personal care

Bring the personal items you know you use constantly.
The most important of these: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, and any personal-care products you rely on. There's no need to carry large quantities — the goal is to have what you need without unnecessary excess.
Wet or scented cleaning wipes: Having wet or scented wipes to clean surfaces is very useful — you may need them when you move into your housing to wipe down the desk, wardrobe, table, door handles, and other surfaces in the room. It's a small item that doesn't take up much space but is very practical.

A few provisions

Every student knows what they're used to eating and drinking, and you can bring a small quantity of some things you use regularly.
Examples: Tea, coffee, tuna, certain travel-friendly cheeses, and some simple foods you're used to.
Having some familiar items with you can be comforting until you get to know the shops and products available in your city, but don't overdo the quantity. Keep what you carry within reasonable personal use, not large amounts that could cause you trouble with luggage weight or customs.

Make sure the products you're carrying are suitable for travel and permitted for entry, especially foods that need refrigeration or may be subject to customs restrictions that vary by destination and time period.

Clothing and weather

Don't forget to prepare suitable winter clothing. At the same time, remember that Türkiye's climate varies greatly from one city to another — a student studying in Erzurum, for example, will face very different weather from one studying in Antalya.
Before travel: Look up your city's climate, check the expected temperatures for the period you'll arrive in, prepare suitable clothing, and make sure you have good winter clothing if you'll be living in a cold city.
There's no need to bring every piece of clothing you own — you can buy whatever you're missing after you arrive.

Medication and a simple health kit

It's good to have a few basic, everyday health items with you.
Examples: A usual painkiller such as paracetamol/Panadol if you use one, adhesive bandages, some basic first-aid supplies, vitamin C or another supplement if you already take it, and any other simple health items you know you need.
Don't fill your bag with medications you don't need.
If you take a medication regularly: Make sure to bring a suitable supply of it, keep the prescription or medical report if it's important, and pay attention to how the medication should be stored while traveling. The medications you take regularly matter more than buying a large collection of just-in-case medicine.

Get your phone ready before you travel

Don't wait until you arrive in Türkiye to set up the apps you might need.
Google Maps: Download an offline map of the city you'll be living in; you may need it to find your way to your housing, get to the university, get from the airport, or reach a specific location.
Google Translate: Also download the Turkish language for offline use inside Google Translate; having Turkish translation available without an internet connection can be very useful if you need to communicate and don't have internet.
Save on your phone: Your university's name, your university's address, your housing's name, your housing's address if known, and any other addresses or information you expect you'll need.

Sleep and comfort

If you're sensitive to light or noise, there are a few small items that can be very useful for you in your housing.
An eye mask: If you can't sleep with the light on, a light-blocking eye mask can be useful; this matters especially in shared housing, where your sleep schedule may differ from your roommates'.
Earplugs: If you're sensitive to noise while sleeping or studying, earplugs can be very useful; shared housing naturally tends to have more movement and noise than you're used to at home.
These items aren't necessary for everyone, but they're worth considering if you know light or noise affects you.

Need more help?

The Union team is ready to answer your questions and help at any stage of your studies.

What to Prepare Before Traveling to Türkiye

Experience-based advice on preparing to travel to Türkiye: documents and backup copies, a financial cushion, electronics, dorm-room essentials, clothing for your city's climate, and phone setup.

Reviewed · August 17, 2026

Guide contents

Your usual copy of the Qur'an

If you're used to reading from a particular copy of the Qur'an, don't forget to bring it with you.
Students of the Qalun recitation: This point matters especially for Libyan students used to reading the Qalun-an-Nafi' recitation, since the copies available in Türkiye are usually in the Hafs-an-Asim recitation. So it's best to put the Qalun Mushaf you're used to among the essential items you pack before traveling.
A copy of the Qur'an may seem easy to replace, but having the one you're used to with you will be more comfortable for you, especially during your studies and your time living away from home.

Your documents: originals and paper copies

Essential documents: Don't forget to bring all the documents you prepared before traveling: original documents, translated documents, notarized or stamped documents, acceptance letters, scholarship documents, and any other papers related to your studies or procedures in Türkiye.
Paper copies: Prepare several paper copies of your important documents (about 3 copies of each is preferable); you may need to submit copies of your papers to more than one place, such as the university, housing, registration offices, and other authorities related to your procedures as a student. Having the copies ready with you saves you from having to search for a place to print or photocopy every time.
Personal photographs: Also bring a reasonable number of personal photos with you, as some registration procedures and transactions may require them.

Keep a digital copy of your documents

Don't rely only on the papers you carry with you; before traveling, upload clear digital copies of your important documents to a trusted cloud service such as Google Drive, and it's also best to have a copy available on your phone.
Documents worth uploading: Your passport, acceptance letter, scholarship documents, certificates, translations, notarizations, tickets, and any other important document.
Organize the files in a clear folder with understandable names so you can quickly reach any document when you need it.

Prepare a financial cushion

Don't count on your scholarship stipend arriving right after you land in Türkiye; activating the scholarship, the account, and the disbursement process can take some time, and the first stipend may be delayed by around a month depending on the student's situation and the procedures. So make sure you have a reasonable amount with you to cover your basic needs until your finances settle.
You may need to spend on: Food, transportation, a SIM card and internet, housing needs, personal supplies, and any unexpected expense.
The point isn't to carry a huge amount of money, but simply not to travel while relying entirely on the first stipend arriving.

Study supplies

It can be useful to bring some basic study supplies from Libya, especially the simple items you know you use constantly.
Examples: Pens, highlighters, notebooks, the writing tools you're used to, and any simple study supplies you use regularly.
Based on some students' experience, getting some of these items in Libya may be cheaper and easier. But don't overdo the quantity — take only what you know you'll actually use.

Electronics and accessories

Review all the devices and accessories you rely on before you travel.
The most important of these: Your phone, laptop, phone charger, laptop charger, charging cables, headphones, a power bank if you use one, and any electronic accessory you rely on constantly.
It's very useful to have a backup for some small but important items; for example, if you rely on a specific cable to charge your phone, it's good to have a spare one. Sometimes a very small electronic item, if it breaks or gets lost, can cause you more trouble than its size would suggest.

The power strip

One of the most practical things to have in your dorm room is a power strip — an electrical cord with a multi-socket unit at the end that lets you plug in several devices or chargers at the same time.
Some dorm rooms may not have enough electrical outlets, or the outlets may be in inconvenient spots, so having a safe, practical power strip can be very useful.

Room essentials

An over-the-door clothes hanger: A simple, practical item, especially when room space is limited — it can be used to hang clothes, coats, towels, and other everyday items.
A clothes iron: If you use an iron regularly, it's worth considering bringing one with you.
An electric water kettle: It can be useful if you regularly drink tea, coffee, or other hot drinks.
A toaster: For those who rely on one to prepare simple meals.
A hair dryer: If you constantly need a hair dryer, don't forget it among your personal items.

Hygiene and personal care

Bring the personal items you know you use constantly.
The most important of these: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, and any personal-care products you rely on. There's no need to carry large quantities — the goal is to have what you need without unnecessary excess.
Wet or scented cleaning wipes: Having wet or scented wipes to clean surfaces is very useful — you may need them when you move into your housing to wipe down the desk, wardrobe, table, door handles, and other surfaces in the room. It's a small item that doesn't take up much space but is very practical.

A few provisions

Every student knows what they're used to eating and drinking, and you can bring a small quantity of some things you use regularly.
Examples: Tea, coffee, tuna, certain travel-friendly cheeses, and some simple foods you're used to.
Having some familiar items with you can be comforting until you get to know the shops and products available in your city, but don't overdo the quantity. Keep what you carry within reasonable personal use, not large amounts that could cause you trouble with luggage weight or customs.

Clothing and weather

Don't forget to prepare suitable winter clothing. At the same time, remember that Türkiye's climate varies greatly from one city to another — a student studying in Erzurum, for example, will face very different weather from one studying in Antalya.
Before travel: Look up your city's climate, check the expected temperatures for the period you'll arrive in, prepare suitable clothing, and make sure you have good winter clothing if you'll be living in a cold city.
There's no need to bring every piece of clothing you own — you can buy whatever you're missing after you arrive.

Medication and a simple health kit

It's good to have a few basic, everyday health items with you.
Examples: A usual painkiller such as paracetamol/Panadol if you use one, adhesive bandages, some basic first-aid supplies, vitamin C or another supplement if you already take it, and any other simple health items you know you need.
Don't fill your bag with medications you don't need.
If you take a medication regularly: Make sure to bring a suitable supply of it, keep the prescription or medical report if it's important, and pay attention to how the medication should be stored while traveling. The medications you take regularly matter more than buying a large collection of just-in-case medicine.

Get your phone ready before you travel

Don't wait until you arrive in Türkiye to set up the apps you might need.
Google Maps: Download an offline map of the city you'll be living in; you may need it to find your way to your housing, get to the university, get from the airport, or reach a specific location.
Google Translate: Also download the Turkish language for offline use inside Google Translate; having Turkish translation available without an internet connection can be very useful if you need to communicate and don't have internet.
Save on your phone: Your university's name, your university's address, your housing's name, your housing's address if known, and any other addresses or information you expect you'll need.

Sleep and comfort

If you're sensitive to light or noise, there are a few small items that can be very useful for you in your housing.
An eye mask: If you can't sleep with the light on, a light-blocking eye mask can be useful; this matters especially in shared housing, where your sleep schedule may differ from your roommates'.
Earplugs: If you're sensitive to noise while sleeping or studying, earplugs can be very useful; shared housing naturally tends to have more movement and noise than you're used to at home.
These items aren't necessary for everyone, but they're worth considering if you know light or noise affects you.

Need more help?

The Union team is ready to answer your questions and help at any stage of your studies.

What to Prepare Before Traveling to Türkiye

Your usual copy of the Qur'an

Your documents: originals and paper copies

Keep a digital copy of your documents

Prepare a financial cushion

Study supplies

Electronics and accessories

The power strip

Room essentials

Hygiene and personal care

A few provisions

Clothing and weather

Medication and a simple health kit

Get your phone ready before you travel

Sleep and comfort

Related guides

Need more help?

What to Prepare Before Traveling to Türkiye

Your usual copy of the Qur'an

Your documents: originals and paper copies

Keep a digital copy of your documents

Prepare a financial cushion

Study supplies

Electronics and accessories

The power strip

Room essentials

Hygiene and personal care

A few provisions

Clothing and weather

Medication and a simple health kit

Get your phone ready before you travel

Sleep and comfort

Related guides

Need more help?