Erasmus Student Network Nişantaşı
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Buddy System
When you arrive in Istanbul, everything can feel confusing at first. To make this easier, we have the Buddy System.
Each international student can sign up for a Buddy – a local student from Nişantaşı University.
Your Buddy will help you with:
- Getting a residence permit (ikamet)
- Understanding transport and Istanbulkart
- Showing you how to order food or shop online
- Introducing you to student life and the best places in the city
Most importantly, your Buddy is also a friend who will support you and make sure you feel at home.
Residence Permit (İkamet)
- All students must apply for a residence permit.
- Apply online via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
Transportation
Apps for public transport:
- Otobüsüm Nerede → track buses in real time
- Moovit / Google Maps → routes & navigation
- Istanbulkart app → for managing your Istanbulkart
For taxis:
- BiTaksi and Uber are the safest and easiest options
Istanbulkart
Istanbulkart is the card for all public transport in Istanbul (metro, buses, ferries, metrobus, trams).
You can get a regular İstanbulkart (red one) from kiosks or machines at the airport or metro stations.
For Student Istanbulkart (blue one) you need:
- Passport / Residence Permit card
- 1 biometric photograph
- University student card (or student certificate)
- Payment (cash or card) at the Application Centre
There is also an İstanbulkart app where you can top-up and check your balance.
With your Student Istanbulkart, you can buy a Monthly Subscription (Abonman) through the İstanbulkart app.
Price: 494₺ (2025)
It gives you 200 passes per month – using them all is almost impossible, so it feels like unlimited travel. It is much cheaper if you use public transport daily for school or trips.
How to get to Nişantaşı University (Maslak Campus)
You can either take the metro (M2 line) or a bus to ITU Ayazaga station.
Exit from the "Plazalar" exit and walk towards Sun Plaza.
From there you have three options:
- School shuttle → pay with your student card after arrival.
- Minibüs → pay cash to the driver.
- Taxi → short ride, you only pay the starting price. (175₺)
The journey from the station to campus takes about 5–10 minutes if there is no traffic.
Mobile & Internet
You will need a Turkish SIM card for residence permit, Istanbulkart app, banking.
Main operators: Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom.
Prepaid student/tourist packages are available at the airport or shops.
Online Shopping in Turkey
- Trendyol - Fashion and general shopping
- Yemeksepeti / Getir → food delivery
- Hepsiburada - General online marketplace
- Amazon - International and local products
Basic Turkish
Cultural Note: People in Turkey often say "Kolay gelsin" to workers, shopkeepers, taxi drivers or anyone busy with something. It is a polite way to show respect.
Contacts
Emergency Information
Pharmacies (eczane) are open until 19:00. On Sundays/late night, there are "duty pharmacies" (nöbetçi eczane) listed online.
Emergency Services
Please note that the emergency services number in Turkey is 112.
It covers medical, fire, and police assistance.
Email Contact
Email: esnnisantasi@esnturkey.org
Regardless of the circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us via email.
Follow us