What accommodation options are available for language school students in Istanbul and Izmir?

Royal Turkish Schools offers four accommodation options: Host Family (from €325/week, breakfast included), Private Studio Flat (from €630/week, fully furnished), Shared Flat with other students (price on request), and Hotel Booking assistance for 3–5 star hotels. All options are within reasonable distance of our school buildings in Beyoğlu (Istanbul) and Alsancak (Izmir).

What is included in the host family accommodation?

Host family accommodation includes a private single room and breakfast (from €325/week) or half board with breakfast and dinner (from €350/week). All host families are personally screened and approved by our team. They are located in safe, accessible neighbourhoods with good transport links to the school. Living with a Turkish family is the most immersive way to practise the language outside the classroom.

Can I book accommodation without booking a course?

Accommodation at Royal Turkish Schools is available exclusively for enrolled students. You must book a course (minimum one week) to be eligible for student accommodation. This ensures the best experience for all students and host families. If you need accommodation only, we recommend checking local rental platforms for Istanbul or Izmir.

Is airport transfer included with accommodation?

Airport transfer is available as an optional add-on for €75 per trip. It is not automatically included with accommodation bookings. We recommend booking the transfer in advance so our team can arrange a driver to meet you on arrival. Transfer is available from Istanbul Atatürk (ISL), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), and Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB) airports.

What is the minimum stay for student accommodation?

The minimum accommodation booking is one week, in line with our minimum course duration. Accommodation is booked on a weekly basis and can be extended at any time during your stay, subject to availability. Most students book accommodation and course together for the same duration.

Is student accommodation available in both Istanbul and Izmir?

Yes. We arrange student accommodation near both our Istanbul campus (Beyoğlu district, close to Taksim Square) and our Izmir campus (Alsancak district, near the waterfront). Host family and studio options are available in both cities. Availability varies by season, so we recommend booking as early as possible.

Student Accommodation in Istanbul & Izmir

Q: How far is the student accommodation from the language school?

Host family placements are typically within 20–40 minutes of the school by public transport. Private studio apartments are generally within a 10–20 minute walk or short metro ride. Istanbul has excellent public transport (metro, tram, ferry) making commuting easy. In Izmir, the school is centrally located in Alsancak and most accommodation is nearby.

Before You Arrive

Visa & Documents

Check visa requirements. Many nationalities can enter Türkiye visa-free or obtain an e-Visa online. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Health Insurance

Secure travel and health insurance before departure to cover medical emergencies and cancellations.

Transfers & Transport

Airport Transfer

Nationwide private transfers & meet-and-greet.

€75

Services coordinated by Royal Turkish Travel

Istanbul Transport

Metro, bus, tram & ferry networks

Izmir Transport

Metro, ESHOT buses & ferries

Accommodation Options

Host Family

Stay with a local family — daily language immersion.

✅ Single Room
✅ Breakfast included

From €325/week

Studio Flat

Furnished private studio for independent living.

✅ Private Bathroom
✅ Wi-Fi included

From €630/week

Shared Flat

Shared apartments with other students.

✅ Independent living
✅ Social environment

On Request

Hotel Booking

We can help book 3-5 star hotels.

✅ Flexible duration
✅ Various locations

On Request

Daily Life in Türkiye

Delicious Food

Turkish cuisine is world-famous. Enjoy affordable and healthy meals, from kebabs to vegetarian mezes.

Social Life

Istanbul and Izmir offer vibrant social scenes, museums, cafes, and historical sites to explore after class.

Rich Culture

Immerse yourself in centuries of history. Visit world-class museums, art galleries, and experience authentic Turkish traditions.

Practical Life Tips

SIM Cards & Connectivity

You can easily buy a tourist SIM card from major providers (Turkcell, Vodafone, Turk Telekom) at the airport or city centers. Passport registration is required.

Transportation Cards

In Istanbul, the 'Istanbulkart' is essential for all public transport. In Izmir, get the 'Izmirim Kart'. You can buy and top them up at metro stations.

Currency & Payments

Credit cards are widely accepted. However, it's good to carry some Turkish Lira (TRY) for taxis, small shops, or bazaars. ATMs are everywhere.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but voluntary. 5-10% in restaurants is standard. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about student accommodation in Istanbul and Izmir

We offer four options: Host Family (from €325/week, breakfast included), Private Studio Flat (from €630/week, fully furnished), Shared Flat with other students (on request), and Hotel Booking assistance for 3–5 star hotels. All options are close to our schools in Beyoğlu (Istanbul) and Alsancak (Izmir).

A private single room and breakfast (from €325/week), or half board with breakfast and dinner (from €350/week). All host families are personally screened by our team and located in safe neighbourhoods with good transport links to the school. Living with a Turkish family is the most immersive way to practise the language outside the classroom.

Host family placements are typically 20–40 minutes from the school by public transport. Studio apartments are generally within a 10–20 minute walk or short metro ride. Istanbul has excellent public transport (metro, tram, ferry). In Izmir, the school is centrally located in Alsancak and most accommodation is nearby.

Airport transfer is available as an optional add-on for €75 per trip — not automatically included. Book in advance so our team can arrange a driver to meet you on arrival. Available from Istanbul Atatürk (ISL), Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), and Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB) airports.

The minimum booking is one week, in line with our minimum course duration. Accommodation is booked weekly and can be extended at any time, subject to availability. Most students book course and accommodation together for the same duration.

Yes. We arrange accommodation near both campuses — Istanbul (Beyoğlu, close to Taksim Square) and Izmir (Alsancak, near the waterfront). Host family and studio options are available in both cities. Availability varies by season, so we recommend booking early.

Accommodation is available exclusively for enrolled students. You must book a course (minimum one week) to be eligible. To book, complete the booking form and select your accommodation preference — our team will confirm availability within 24 hours.

🏠 Want to host a student?

Families in Istanbul — Turkish and native-English speaking — can host our international students, earn a weekly payment, and share their culture.

Become a Host Family →

Arrival & Accommodation Guide