For Families
What Kind of Environment Will They Spend Their University Years In?
University years mark the most defining stage of the transition into young adulthood. We answer the questions families choosing ÖzU have about academic quality, campus safety, housing, and adapting to the city — with concrete facts, not marketing language.
Location & Campus
Where and What Is ÖzU Like?
Özyeğin University is set on a 220,000 m² campus in Istanbul's Çekmeköy district — away from the noise of the city center, yet reachable by metro.
The campus was designed by a leading global architecture firm that has also designed buildings for Cambridge and Princeton.
It is Turkey's first university campus to receive LEED Gold certification — green, calm, and designed at a human scale.
Area
220,000 m²
District
Çekmeköy / Istanbul (Asian Side)
Certificate
LEED Gold (first in Turkey)
Transport
Üsküdar-Çekmeköy Metro + university shuttles
Architecture
The firm that designed Cambridge and Princeton
Away from the chaos of the metropolis, yet not isolated — reachable from every corner of the city in 30-45 minutes.
Critical Topic
Earthquake Safety
Facing Istanbul's reality — the structural preparedness of our campus.
Structural Condition
Campus buildings were constructed after 2008, designed in compliance with Turkey's current earthquake codes (TBDY-2018 and the preceding 2007 regulation). LEED Gold certification also requires additional oversight of structural safety and material quality.
Training and Drills
Regular earthquake drills are held throughout the academic term. All students, faculty, and administrative staff take part. Evacuation routes are visually marked and visible even at night.
Emergency Response
A 24/7 on-campus health center, ambulance, and fire systems. Emergency protocol coordinated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's AKOM. Fire sensors and automatic suppression systems in all dormitory buildings.
No building is ever fully "earthquake-proof" — but the right construction, maintenance, and preparation minimize the risk.
Dormitory Life
The First Address for Independent Living: On-Campus Dorms
6 dormitory buildings, 13 different room types, capacity for 2,729 people — one of Turkey's largest on-campus housing systems.
2,729
Total Capacity
6
Dormitory Buildings
13
Room Types
24/7
Security & Health
Standard Rooms (Dorm 1-2-3)
Studio, 3- and 4-person standard, 4-person bunk, and 3-person partitioned room options. Every room has a private bathroom, fridge, TV, desk, and wardrobe; central heating and 24-hour hot water are standard.
Suite Concept (Dorm 4-5-6)
Individual sleeping quarters plus an in-room kitchenette, microwave, fridge, and shared lounge area. Dorm 5 offers studio and 2-person; Dorm 6 offers studio, 2- and 3-person (double sink) suite options.
Shared Living Spaces
Every floor has a kitchen (stove, hood, microwave), study and drafting rooms, and TV corners. Dorm 2 has a forum area and billiards; Dorms 4-5 have a cinema room, fitness area, billiards/foosball/table tennis; Dorm 6 has a martial arts event hall and a prayer room.
Free Laundry (24/7)
8 different laundry rooms across campus, open 24/7 — free of charge. Dorm 2 also has Gür-Pak Dry Cleaning service.
Security and Service
Electronic card access, camera system, 24-hour security staff, and fire detection systems in all buildings. The Accommodation Services Directorate's main office is located in Dorm 3.
Late-Night Markets & Cafés
Dorm 2: Cafe 7/24, Her Zamanki Yer. Dorm 4: Sleepless Market, Kumpir House, Dane Yayık, Pizza Hot Slice. Dorm 6: Sleepless Market, Unique Coffee, 7 Hill Fries.
Important Note
Choosing a Roommate
For two students enrolling in the same term to share a room, both parties must select each other's student number and the same room type during the SIS dormitory application. The request is evaluated subject to availability.
Contact
Dormitory applications open with the university's registration week. For details: yurt@ozyegin.edu.tr · Browse all dorms →
Nutrition
Healthy, Varied, and Accessible Food
Options for every taste in the daily menu.
Main Cafeteria
Located in the Student Center building. Daily 3 main dish options, soup, side dishes, olive-oil dishes, salad bar, pasta, and pide stations.
Vegan & Gluten-Free
Since 2022, vegan and gluten-free menu options are offered every day, for students with dietary preferences or medical diets.
In-Dorm Cafés
Dorm 2: Cafe 7/24 and Her Zamanki Yer. Dorm 4: Kumpir House, Dane Yayık, Pizza Hot Slice. Dorm 6: 7 Hill Fries and Unique Coffee.
30+ On-Campus Outlets
From breakfast spots to dessert shops, fast food to healthy snacks — 30 different businesses serve students on campus.
Late-Night Markets
Sleepless Market in Dorms 4 and 6 stays open late into the night. On-campus vending machines are accessible 24 hours.
Balanced nutrition during young adulthood is an invisible supporter of academic performance. The variety on campus makes it easy for students to make healthy choices throughout the day.
Sports & Healthy Living
A Professional-Standard Sports Center on Campus
The physical counterpart of academic success — dozens of disciplines under one roof at the heart of campus.
Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Hall
1,500-spectator capacity · Volleyball, basketball, tennis, badminton, handball.
5-Lane Indoor Swimming Pool
Short-course standard, usable year-round.
2 Fitness Areas
Personalized training programs following body composition analysis.
4 Studios
Dance, spinning, and pilates classes.
1 Squash Court
Available by reservation.
Retractable Tennis Court
1 indoor/outdoor tennis court · online reservation.
Outdoor Fields
Artificial turf football field plus an outdoor basketball/volleyball court.
Billiards, Chess, Table Tennis
Shared social sports spaces across the dorms and sports center.
Our students can compete in university teams across 20+ sports, ranging from water sports to martial arts, and from indoor sports to outdoor activities. Browse all facilities and teams →
Security & Health
A Controlled and Transparent Campus
A holistic system where physical security, health services, and emergency response procedures work together.
24/7 Security Staff
All campus entrances and dormitory buildings are under 24-hour security control.
Electronic Card Access
Only card-authorized students can enter dormitory buildings. Guests are admitted with student approval.
Camera System
24-hour camera recording at strategic points across campus.
24/7 Health Center
A fully-equipped health center operating 24/7 in the Sports Center building. Emergency: 0216 564 91 12.
Ambulance Service
A fully-equipped ambulance is available on campus, used for referrals to full-service hospitals.
Fire Sensors
Automatic fire detection and suppression systems in all dormitory buildings.
Family Visits
How Do Family Visits Work?
Families are greeted at the security checkpoint upon arrival; ID is recorded and entry is granted with the student's approval. For visits during class hours, the student is notified by email. Visits after 11:00 PM require advance notice.
Healthcare Partnership
24/7 Acıbadem Healthcare on Campus
Özyeğin University maintains a lasting partnership with Acıbadem Healthcare Group, one of Turkey's leading healthcare providers. The on-campus health center, staffed and run according to Acıbadem standards and protocols, serves our students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Acıbadem
Healthcare Group · Partner
24/7 On-Campus Physician Service
A general practitioner and health staff are on campus around the clock throughout the academic term and summer.
Fully-Equipped Ambulance
An ambulance with advanced life-support equipment provides direct transfer to the nearest Acıbadem hospital in serious cases.
Priority Access to Hospital Network
Priority admission and consultation for our students across the entire hospital network, especially Acıbadem Atakent, Altunizade, and Maslak.
Emergency Response Protocol
In the event of an on-campus emergency, first response, hospital coordination, and family notification are managed under a single protocol.
24/7 on-campus health hotline: 0216 564 91 12 · Acıbadem Call Center: 444 55 44
There's Your Story at ÖzU
Students From Outside Istanbul
A University Life Away From Home
If your child is settling in Istanbul for the first time, here are the structural supports we offer for academic adjustment, housing, and adapting to city life.
- STEP 01
Orientation
Orientation programs covering academic, administrative, and social topics are held during registration week. A separate adjustment program runs for students coming from outside Istanbul, and every student is assigned a peer mentor.
- STEP 02
Settling into the Dorm
Families may be present on campus on move-in day. The dormitory team gives a tour of the rooms, explains the contract and community living rules; a basic-needs package can be requested for the first night.
- STEP 03
Getting to Know the City
In the first week, student clubs organize tours introducing the campus surroundings, public transport, healthcare facilities, and everyday life spots. Metro, Marmaray, and airport connections are shown in person.
- STEP 04
Ongoing Support
The Office of Intercultural Awareness and Support is active year-round, offering individual counseling on city adjustment, academic load, and feelings of homesickness.
Istanbul is a big city; getting used to a new one takes time. Through academic advising, mentoring, and a psychological support line, we build a structure so students don't go through this transition alone.
Family Communication
Family Communication Policy
Under Turkish higher education regulations, academic data belongs directly to the student. With the student's written consent, families may receive regular updates on academic status, health, and financial matters; in emergencies, the registered family contact is called directly. Contact: aile@ozyegin.edu.tr
Social Environment
A Strong Social Network Alongside Academic Life
Student Clubs
60+ active student clubs covering sports, arts, academic, and social responsibility areas. 'Open Door' days at the start of each term make it easy for every student to join a community that matches their interests.
Peer Mentoring
Every first-year student is assigned a peer mentor from an upper class, offering structured guidance on course selection, academic processes, and campus life.
Psychological Counseling
The Psychological Counseling and Development Center provides free, confidential individual sessions and group workshops. Academic anxiety, homesickness, and transition-period challenges are priority focus areas.
Transportation
A Campus That's Accessible for Families
The campus is reachable from every corner of Istanbul, offering convenient logistics for family visits.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport
25 min
Istanbul Airport
60-75 min
Üsküdar-Çekmeköy Metro
30 min
Marmaray connection
45 min
University shuttles
Taşdelen, Çekmeköy
For families coming from other cities, the most convenient connection is Sabiha Gökçen Airport, about a 25-minute drive from campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions From Families
ÖzÜ'nde Gelecek Var
Get to know Özyeğin up close.
Fill out the short form — the Admissions Office will get back to you within two business days; we'll plan a date, department and answer all your questions together.