Exchange Student Handbook

2014-2015
Exchange Student Handbook
EU Programmes Offıce
2014-2015
Message from the
Office
Dear Students,
Welcome to Istanbul and Işık University! We
hope you will have the chance to benefit from
Istanbul as well as our campus towards
stimulating your social and academic interests.
I hope you will find our “Orientation Booklet”
useful during your stay here at Işık. It is
designed to provide you with an overall look at
our campus and the city so that you can get
engaged with the atmosphere when you arrive.
We will have an orientation program that will go
over some of this information in a more detailed
fashion.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have
further questions. We are happy to welcome you
to Işık University!
Berna SEVERGE
EU Programmes Institutional Coordinator
EU PROGRAMMES
OFFICE
Işık University Şile Campus
AMF Building, Floor 2
Room 407
erasmus@isikun.edu.tr
+90 216 5287028
https://www.facebook.com/isikuniEUP
With best wishes,
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Miraç Tekin– Erasmus Student Network
ESN Işık President
ESN IŞIK
Erasmus & Global Interaction Club (ESN Işık
Section) was established by former Erasmus
students and those who are interested in
Erasmus experience. The main aim was to
introduce the beauty of exchange experience
as well as providing assistance to exchange
students. Our club is also an ESN section so we
are trying to make organizations to reach out
to more people from different cultures
besides integrating our members into the
overall activities of ESN abroad and in Turkey.
Since its first foundations, we are trying to
introduce Erasmus program to more people
and help visiting exchange students survive in
Işık University and Istanbul. Mentors program
powered by Erasmus & Global Interaction
Club will help exchange students in every
encounter they have during their stay.
We will always be ready to help you
throughout your stay. Please don’t hesitate to
contact us in case you have any questions.
mirac.tekin@isik.edu.tr
Ph: + 90538 642 93 20
Contacts
ESN- Işık Section
esnisik@esnturkey.org
ESN- Turkey
http://www.esnturkey.org/
Overview of Şile and
Maslak Campus
Şile Campus
Işık University Şile Campus is located near the
Black Sea town of Şile, in the northeast of
Istanbul, approximately 60 km from one of the
centres Kadıköy, situated between a forest
and the sea.
Şile, a small town, with its gorgeous beaches,
pristine forest, cottage textile industry, and
also famous as a summer resort of Istanbul.
Işık University isrelatively removed from the
hectic life-style of Istanbul, yet close enough
to participate in any activity that great,
historical city of twelve million has on offer.
EFL- English Language School
Social Centre (Leisure Centre)
Dining hall, Fast Food Cafeteria, Radio Club as
well as Bookstore, Supermarket, Counselling
Centre, Hairdresser, Health services.
Tennis Court, Soccer Field, Basketball/
Volleyball field
Gym
Youth Camp
For Virtual Tour, visit:
http://www2.isikun.edu.tr/sanal_tur/sile/en.html
Dormitories
Red dorms (A, B, C, D Blocks)
Orange dorms (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H Blocks)
Blue dorms (A, B, C, D, E, F Blocks)
DMF- Classroom Building
LMF- Laboratory Building
DK- Classroom Building
AMF- Academic Building
Rectorate, Faculty Staff, EU Programmes
/International Office, Administrative Offices
and Akbank
Şile Lighthouse
Maslak Campus
Maslak Campus hosts our Faculty of Fine Arts,
Vocational Schools as well as Graduate Institutes.
There are frequent shuttles between Şile and Maslak
campus. The commute lasts about an hour. Maslak is
a very central location of the city so public
transportation from Maslak to other parts of the city
is quite convenient.
Phone Numbers
Telephone codes:
Country Code: +90, Asian Side Code: 216, European Side Code: 212
When you are dialling Asian side from European side, first you have to dial 0 and
then the area code and 7 digit number.
Şile Campus Main Entrance
EU PROGRAMMES OFFICE
How to Reach Şile Campus
Within campus, you only need to dial the last four digits (extensions).
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Registration and Official Matters
EU Programs Office
Registrar’s (Students’ Affairs) Office
Housing Office
Manager
Dormitory Staff (Working Hours)
Dormitory Staff (Working Hours)
Dormitory Staff (Non-working Hours)
Emergency
Main Line
Doctor
Nurse
Psychological Counsellor
Main Entrance
Other Offices
Computer Services
Library- Information Desk
Copy Centre


Take the Havatas Bus to Kadıkoy
http://havatas.com/en/coach.aspx?i=1
From Kadıkoy you can take Isik University Sile Campus Shuttle
http://www.isikun.edu.tr/en/kampus-hayati/kampusolanaklari/ulasim/gunluk-servisler (please check the schedule frequently
since it may be updated)
Ataturk Airport (IST)

Take the Havatas Bus to Taksim http://havatas.com/en/coach.aspx?i=1

From Taksim, take the M2 metro line to Isik Maslak Campus (name of the
stop is “ITU Ayazaga” or “Oto Sanayi”)

From Maslak Campus, you can take Isik University Sile Campus Shuttle
http://www.isikun.edu.tr/en/kampus-hayati/kampusolanaklari/ulasim/gunluk-servisler (please check the schedule frequently
since it may be updated)
Student Centre:
Supermarket
Radio Club
AKBANK
Bookstore/ Homer
Hairdresser
Çınar Tour (shuttle company)
216 528 70 28
216 528 70 32
216 712 14 60 – 5017
216 712 14 60 – 5400
216 712 14 60 – 5440
216 712 14 60 – 5025
216 712 14 60
216 712 14 60 – 5555
216 712 14 60 – 8888
216 712 14 60 – 5014 / 5404
216 712 14 60 – 5075
216 528 70 72
216 528 70 61
216 712 14 60 – 5020 / 5002
216 712 14 60 – 5425
216 712 14 60 – 5071
216 712 14 60 – 5411
216 712 14 60 – 5811
216 712 14 60 – 5005
216 712 14 60 – 5076
Campus Facilities
Food Services
Accommodation
Upon request, all incoming students will be
provided with accommodation at campus
residence halls.
Room Type
Semester
Fee
Red Dorms (Double - En suite)
3.250 TL
Red Dorms (Double – shared
bathroom)
3.125 TL
Red Dorms (Triple – En suite)
2.900 TL
Red Dorms (Triple – shared
bathroom)
2.050 TL
Red Dorms (Quadruple– shared
bathroom)
1.925 TL
Blue Dorms (Triple– En suite)
2.000 TL
Blue Dorms (Double – En suite)
3.250 TL
Orange Dorms (Double – En
suite)
4.000 TL
Orange Dorms (Double – En
suite – ground floor)
3.450 TL
There are two main cafeterias at the Social
Centre and two classroom cafeterias in
classroom buildings- DMF and DK- for students,
which offer lunch and snacks at modest prices.
One of the main ones is the dining hall in the
Social Centre, offering full course lunch, whereas
one cafeteria is offering snacks/fast-food at the
entrance of it.
A third restaurant at the Gençlik Kampı (Youth
Camp) overlooks the Black Sea and offers lunch
and dinner. There are vending machines in the
dorms and faculty buildings for snacks and
drinks.
There is also a cafe situated on campus: LMF
Building (“Segafreddo”).
The main dining hall serves breakfast between
08:00- 09:30, lunch between 11:45-14:00 and dinner
between 18:00-19:45, whereas the fast food cafeteria
is open between 08:30-23:00 and the classroom
cafeteria between 08:00-17:00. Balkabaa which is
another restaurant just outside of the AMF building
is open from noon till 2:00 AM from Sunday to
Friday.
The supermarket, located at the Social Centre, is
open between 09:30-18:30.
Furthermore, you can order food (generally pizza,
wrapped meat, döner) from the restaurants outside
of the campus till late night.
Counselling
Transportation
There are shuttles available to-from the city
centres, both on the Asian and European side.
For daily commuting, student and personnel
shuttle services are available to and from
Kadıköy (Asian side) and Maslak (European
side) several times every day.
The tickets cost 9 TL (about 3 EUR) each way.
Please click here for the shuttle schedule.
http://www.isikun.edu.tr/en/kampushayati/kampus-olanaklari/ulasim/gunlukservisler
Health Services
The Health Centre, located at the Social
Centre, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
with a doctor and healthcare personnel in
attendance. The university has a contract with
health clinics and the state hospital in Şile to
provide emergency services to the university
students and staff. Exchange students are
required to have a health insurance policy
that covers their expenses during their study
at Işık University.
Psychological Counselling Centre is comprised
of two part-time psychologists who work on an
appointment basis from 08:30 until 17:00
throughout the week. The Counselling Centre
aims to support the multifaceted needs of our
students such as adapting to university and
campus life and assisting them in their
individual and professional enrichment. It also
carries out studies related to various aspects of
campus life such as dormitories towards
improvement of services in line with the
students’ needs. Students get the chance to
attend private sessions as well as team work
and training sessions all of which help them to
handle stress, learn to improve their skills and
solve individual problems.
The Psychological Counselling Centre is located
in the Student Centre on the 2nd Floor.
Other Services
 Photocopying and related facilities are available
in the EFL (08:30-16:00), AMF (08:30-17:00) and
DMF (08:30-20:00) buildings.
 There is a bookshop at the Social Centre from
which you can have access to textbooks and
stationary.
 The supermarket, located at the Social Centre, is
open between 09:00-18:00.
 There is a hairdresser at the Social Centre on
weekdays between 08:30-17:00.
 ATMs are available in front of the Academic
Building as well as inside the Social Centre.
 In order to send your mail, you should contact
the Office of University Support Services- “Destek
Hizmetleri” in the Academic Building, and they
will assist you with the necessary arrangements.
 Akbank, the official bank for the campus, has an
office in the AMF Building.
Monthly Living Expenses
On-Campus accommodation: 550 TL/ month
Food expenses at the campus dining hall: (3 meals a
day) 600 TL/ month
Personal expenses - entertainment: 300 TL/ month
LIVING IN ISTANBUL
City Transportation
Airports
Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) is the centre of
all international/national arrivals and
departures on the European side, and is
located about 30 minutes away from the city
centre. The domestic and international
terminals at the airport offer vast amount of
services to passengers. Most of the major
international airlines have services and there
are facilities such as banking, change offices,
ATMs, rent-a-car, pharmacy, shopping, dutyfree, restaurants, cafés, bars and an
information desk. A convenient public
transportation system, Havataş, offers shuttle
service from/to various points in the city
centre.
For
details
please
visit:
http://havatas.com/en/
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is located on the
Asian side of Istanbul, about 45 minutes away
from the city centre on the Asian side. It
serves limited number of international flights,
domestic flights, and has recently started
flights with some moderately priced
alternative companies like Easy Jet, Pegasus,
Atlas Jet, etc. A convenient public
transportation system, Havataş, offers shuttle
service from/to various points in the city
centre.
For
details
please
visit:
http://havatas.com/en/
Ground Transportation
Buses: Buses belong to either the municipality
or to private companies. Buses accept
IstanbulCard (an electronic pass). They tend
to get very crowded especially during rush
hours due to heavy traffic. However, they give
an opportunity to go around the whole city at
very reasonable prices. Route names and
numbers are on the front of each vehicle and
there are also route itineraries at each bus stop.
You can get detailed information from:
http://www.iett.gov.tr/en/index.php
Dolmuş (mini-buses): They run on flexible
schedules and along different routes throughout the
city, but they may be waved down on the street as
well. The fare is fixed depending on the route, and it
is also shown on the placard in front of the vehicle,
and you pay as you get on. It is suggested to have
small change when taking the dolmuş.
Taxis: Taxis are metered and have relatively
reasonable prices compared to taxis in many other
European cities.
*Writing down the name/address of the destination
is recommended since most drivers do not speak
English.
Metro: There is also a tram system operating
from Kabataş, passing through the historical
Sultanahmet area heading towards the city
walls. Additionally, the historical Tünel, one of
the shortest railways in the world, operating
between Karaköy-Beyoğlu and the funicular
between Kabataş-Taksim are two other
important rail systems.
Sea Transportation
Large ferries, smaller ferryboats, and sea buses
have become important parts of the daily
commute since they save passengers from
traffic jams. The important boat docks on the
European Side are Karaköy, Eminönü,
Kabataş, İstinye and Beşiktaş by the
Bosphorus, whereas important docks on the
Asian side are Üsküdar and Kadıköy.
İstanbul Sea Buses (İDO) operates both
intercity
(Bostancı,
Prince’s
Islands,
Bosphorus, Kabataş, Kadıköy, Karaköy,
Eminönü, Bakırköy) and other domestic
(Yalova, Bandırma, Çınarcık, Armutlu,
Mudanya, Marmara Islands) lines. On the
other hand, traditional ferries carry
passengers along the Bosporus and the
Golden Horn as well as to the Princes' Islands.
Ferry Lines Timetable:
http://sehirhatlari.com.tr/en
Sea Buses:
http://www.ido.com.tr/en
Tickets: The electronic travel pass system,
IstanbulKart, is used on buses, the metro,
subways, the Tünel, ferries and sea buses. They
can be purchased at various Istanbul Card sales
points at the main ferry ports and bus stops
such as in Kadıköy, Karaköy, Taksim, etc.
Tokens can also be obtained at the ports as well.
We will apply for students travel
(IstanbulKart – Student) on behalf of you.
card
To view in full size:
http://www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/media/8540/erisim_2200px_1546px-01.jpg
Cost of Living
Communication
Food
Transportation
Daily menu in the
business district 21TL
1 litre of gas
4.97TL
Monthly ticket public transport
77TL
Combo meal in fast food restaurant
(Big Mac Meal or similar) 13TL
Taxi trip, basic tariff, 8 Km.
18TL
1/2 Kg of boneless chicken breast 6TL
Personal Care
1 litre of whole fat milk
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml)
12 eggs, large
2.55TL
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml) 9TL
5.33TL
1 kg of tomatoes 3.31TL
500 gr of local cheese
1 kg of apples
10TL
3.36TL
4 rolls of toilet paper
3.80TL
Tube of toothpaste
8TL
Standard men's haircut
25TL
2 kg of potatoes 3.25TL
Laundry detergent (3 lt ) 16TL
0.5 l domestic beer in
the supermarket 4.70TL
Entertainment
1 bottle of red table wine,
medium quality 20TL
2 litres of Coca-Cola
8TL
2.86TL
Bread for 2 people for 1 day
1.46TL
15TL
2 tickets to the theatre
129TL
The recent changes in the Turkish Telecommunications regulation requires all
mobile phones brought from abroad to be registered with the Turkish
Information Technologies and Communications Authority’s database with their
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers in order to use them
with a Turkish sim card. Mobile phones (IMEI numbers) not registered are
blocked for connection through a Turkish sim card within 60 days.
1 cocktail drink in downtown club 23TL
Cappuccino in expat area of the city
Post offices have yellow “PTT” signs in front of the buildings. Few of the
central ones may be open Monday through Sunday, 08:30 - 19:00; whereas
smaller offices are open Monday through Friday, 08:30 - 17:00. One efficient
way of sending posts domestically may be using private cargo companies such
as Aras Kargo, Yurtiçi Kargo, MNG Kargo all of which under normal conditions
transfer documents in one day from one domestic destination to another. In
addition, well-known international courier companies such as TNT, UPS, DHL
and
FedEx
are
also
available.
Registering your Cell Phone
Basic dinner out for two
in neighbourhood pub
55TL
Tickets to the movies
The use of mobile phones is very common. The most well-known companies
are Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea. Phones can be purchased in many shops and
users can receive monthly bills or buy prepaid cards. One important notice is
that phones bought abroad cannot be used with Turkish Sim unless you
register
the
IMEI
number
of
your
phone.
9TL
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml ) 9TL
If you wish to continue to use a cell phone brought from your home country,
please register it as soon as possible. You will need to visit the nearest bank and
pay approximately 100 TL, showing your passport and IMEI number. Then you
may visit the respective SIM card operator’s store and buy a SIM card. They
may also ask you to pay a small amount of registration fee worth of
approximately 10 TL.
On the other hand, you can buy a second hand cell phone for 50 – 100 TL and
skip the step of registering your own phone.
Emergency and Medical Services
and Pharmacies
There are a wide range of medical facilities in
İstanbul that include fully equipped hospitals,
ambulance
services,
laboratories,
and
tomography and magnetic resonance centres
that may belong to public services as well as
private companies. Prices and quality of
services fluctuate.
Pharmacies (Eczane) are usually open
between 09:00-19:00. For emergencies, there
is always an open pharmacy open 24 hours in
every district of the city. The ones open 24
hours are shown on the windows of each
pharmacy.
Some of the important emergency numbers
include the following:
Ambulance- 112
Fire- 110
Police- 155
Money & Banking
The currency is the Turkish Lira (TL) and the
Kuruş (Kr). There are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and
200 TL banknotes and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 Kr
coins as well as a 1 TL coin. (1 TL= 100 Kr) The
VAT (KDV) is 8% and it is generally included in
the bills. The wide existence of (ATMs) all over
has made electronic banking very convenient.
The generally accepted credit cards are Visa,
MasterCard, Diner’s Club and American Express.
All banks perform operations such as changing
money, transferring money overseas and
efficient online and telephone banking services.
Checks are not common, yet travellers’ checks
can be cashed in select banks, post offices and
exchange offices by submitting a copy of your
passport and Eurocard.
Banks are usually open weekdays from 8:30
until noon or 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17.00.
Some banks in business centres are open during
lunch hours as well. The most convenient way to
exchange money is through Exchange Offices
(döviz bürosu). There are exchange offices in
most central areas, and some are open until
midnight in tourist areas. The exchange
commissions of banks and foreign exchange
offices may differ.
Opening a bank account and obtaining a Tax ID
AKBANK, the official bank Işık University works with,
has a branch on campus, located at the Social Centre.
You can easily open a bank account with presenting
the following documents: application form, ID
(passport), student certificate and a tax ID.
The tax ID can be obtained from Şile Tax Department
by presenting your passport and a student certificate
that shows you are a student at Işık University.
Students will be guided about this upon request.
USEFUL LINKS
Concerts, Festivals
Cultural Events that include various music
festivals,
film
festival,
and
infamous
performances by outstanding artists are part of
the daily routine. You can check the following
for upcoming events:
Online Ticketmaster Company
http://www.biletix.com/anasayfa/TURKIYE/en
İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts
http://www.iksv.org/en
Galleries and Museums
Rahmi Koç Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Museum,
Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum,
Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts (IMOGA)
Aksanat, C.A.M,
Evin Art Gallery, Galerist,
İşSanat, Pi Artworks,
Gallery Işık.
Travel Agencies
ETS Tour: www.etstur.com
Trek Turizm: www.trek.com.tr
Setur: http://www.setur.com.tr/en/english.asp
Airlines
Car Rental
Pegasus Airlines: www.flypgs.com
Atlas Jet: www.atlasjet.com
Turkish
Airlines:
www.turkishairlines.com
Avis Rent a Car: 212 368 68 00
Bus Companies
Very Brief Driving Information:
Some of the frequently used bus companies in
order to travel through Turkey:
You must be over 18 and must have a valid driving
license to drive a vehicle in Turkey. Foreign driving
licenses are valid for one year as long as your
personal information is stated in Turkish or English.
Most car rental agencies might refuse to rent you a
vehicle if you have your driving license less than a
year or two. Drunk driving is strongly prohibited.
Kamil Koç: http://www.kamilkoc.com.tr
444 0 562
Ulusoy: www.ulusoy.com.tr
444 1 888
Varan:
http://www.varan.com.tr/english/biletsatis.asp
444 8 999
The main bus station (Otogar) is outside of the
city centre. However, frequently used bus
companies have central stations in various
downtown locations with free shuttle service.
Budget Rent a Car: 212 253 92 00
News Portals
www.hurriyetdailynews.com
www.ntvmsnbc.com