6 critical steps after enrolling at Kent University

You have enrolled at Kent University — congratulations! But before classes begin, there are several critical tasks to complete. Here are the 6 steps every new student should follow.

1) Residence permit application

After entering Turkey, you must apply for a residence permit as soon as possible. Delays result in fines.

Kent University's International Office helps prepare your file. You need to bring:

• Turkish-language student certificate
• Passport + visa/e-visa copy
• 4 biometric photos
• Address proof (notarized lease or dormitory registration)
• Health insurance payment

2) OIS login and course registration

Register for courses through OIS (Student Automation System) at ois.kent.edu.tr. Log in with your kent.edu.tr email. Contact your academic advisor on OIS to approve your courses.

3) Email activation

Every student receives a kent.edu.tr email. If yours is not active yet, visit the IT Office at Taksim Campus D block. This email gives you access to all digital platforms.

4) Student İstanbulkart

After enrollment + residence permit, you can get a discounted student transport card. Apply at bireysel.istanbulkart.istanbul. It provides significant savings on public transport.

5) Accommodation

Check which campus your classes are at (Taksim or Kağıthane). The university has partner dormitories. Private rentals are also available. When choosing a neighborhood, check the metro map — Istanbul traffic is heavy.

6) Join the WhatsApp group

Contact the International Office to join the International Students WhatsApp group. Also follow on Instagram: @istanbulkentedu and @istanbulkent_int.

7) First Week Essentials

The first week of university is the busiest period for international students. Here's a day-by-day breakdown to help you stay on track:

Tip: Take photocopies of all your documents on day one. You'll need them for the bank, residence permit, and accommodation.

8) Opening a Bank Account

A Turkish bank account is essential for tuition payments, receiving money from home, and daily expenses. International students can open an account at most banks. Here's a comparison:

Required documents: Passport, student certificate from university, Turkish tax number (vergi numarası — obtained from the nearest tax office for free), Turkish phone number. Some banks may also ask for a residence permit, but Ziraat and Halkbank typically don't require one for account opening.

Tip: Apply for your tax number at the Vergi Dairesi first — it takes only 15 minutes and is free.

9) Phone, SIM Card & IMEI Registration

If you bring a phone from abroad, you must register its IMEI within 120 days of entering Turkey. After 120 days, unregistered phones are blocked from Turkish networks.

SIM Card Options

Turkey has three main mobile operators: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. All offer prepaid (faturasız) plans for foreigners. Prices for student-friendly plans start from around 150-200 TL/month with 10-20 GB data.

IMEI Registration Steps

1. Buy a Turkish SIM card from an authorized dealer (bring your passport).
2. Insert the SIM and note down the IMEI (dial *#06#).
3. Go to e-Devlet (turkiye.gov.tr) → "IMEI Kayıt" or visit a tax office.
4. Pay the registration fee (approximately 31,692 TL as of 2025, but check the current amount as it changes annually).
5. Registration is activated within 1-2 business days.

Alternative: Many students buy a phone in Turkey to avoid the IMEI fee. Affordable smartphones are available at Teknosa, MediaMarkt, and Trendyol.

10) Health Insurance: SGK vs Private

Health insurance is mandatory for the residence permit application. You have two options:

Option A: SGK (Social Security Institution)

• Cost: Approximately 12,000-15,000 TL/year (2025 rates)
• Coverage: All public hospitals, emergency care, prescription medicines
• How to apply: Visit the SGK office with your student certificate, passport, residence permit (or application receipt), and tax number
• Pros: Comprehensive coverage, accepted everywhere for residence permit
• Cons: Wait times at public hospitals can be long

Option B: Private Insurance

• Cost: 5,000-10,000 TL/year depending on coverage
• Coverage: Varies by plan; some cover only emergencies
• Pros: Cheaper, faster to obtain, access to private clinics
• Cons: İl Göç İdaresi may not accept all private insurance for residence permit renewal

Our recommendation: Start with private insurance for your initial residence permit (faster and cheaper), then switch to SGK once your residence permit is approved. Many students use this strategy to save time.

11) IstanbulKart: Detailed Guide

The student İstanbulkart gives you heavily discounted rates on all public transport in Istanbul — metro, bus, tram, ferry, and metrobus.

Student Card Prices (2025)

How to Get a Student İstanbulkart

1. Complete your university enrollment (get student certificate).
2. Obtain your residence permit (or at least the application receipt).
3. Go to bireysel.istanbulkart.istanbul and fill in the application.
4. Upload a passport photo and student certificate.
5. Pick up your card from a BELBİM center or have it mailed to your address.

Important: The student card is linked to your name and cannot be shared. Keep your receipt — replacements take 1-2 weeks.

Useful apps for students in Istanbul

Download these apps before or immediately after arriving — they will make your daily life much easier:

• İstanbul Şehir Hatları: Ferry schedules and ticket purchase for Bosphorus crossings.
• Moovit / Google Maps: Real-time public transport navigation. Essential for finding metro, bus, and tram routes.
• Yemeksepeti / Getir: Food delivery apps — order meals, groceries, and essentials to your door.
• Papara: Digital wallet for daily payments. Works like a debit card without a full bank account.
• e-Devlet (turkiye.gov.tr): Government portal for IMEI registration, tax number, and official document requests.
• HES / Hayat Eve Sığar: Health and safety app occasionally needed for hospital appointments.
• Trendyol: Turkey's largest online shopping platform — electronics, clothing, textbooks, and household items at competitive prices.
• BiTaksi / Uber: Taxi apps for when you need a ride. BiTaksi works with all yellow taxis in Istanbul.

Pro tip: Set up Papara first — you can use it immediately for payments while your bank account is still being processed. Most students find it indispensable during the first month.

Important warnings and tips

• Late residence permit penalty: If you apply after the designated period, you will face a daily fine. Start your online appointment within 30 days of entering Turkey.
• Address change notification: If you move, you must notify the provincial migration office within 20 business days, or your residence permit may be cancelled.
• Course add/drop period: You can change your course selection on OIS typically during the first 2 weeks of the semester. Do not miss this window.
• Dormitory registration: Partner dormitories fill up quickly. Reserve your spot as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
• Passport validity: Your passport must remain valid through the end of your residence permit period. If it is expiring soon, renew it before applying.
• Document copies: Always carry photocopies of your passport, student certificate, and residence permit receipt. You will need them frequently during your first month.

Checklist

• Residence permit application submitted.
• OIS login and course registration done.
• kent.edu.tr email active.
• Student ID card obtained.
• Turkish bank account opened.
• Tax number (vergi numarası) obtained.
• SIM card purchased and IMEI registered.
• Health insurance arranged (SGK or private).
• İstanbulkart application submitted.
• Accommodation arranged.
• Joined WhatsApp group.

Related articles:

• Application guide (7 steps) →
• Campus guide →
• Dormitory guide →
• Student accommodation in Istanbul →
• Student visa and residence permit →
• Study costs in Turkey 2026 →