Transportation
Transportations
İTÜ campuses (iGeo2021 Campus) is located at points that offer public transportation alternatives. İTÜ metro stop is located in front of the main campus in Ayazağa, and Taşkışla and Gümüşsuyu campuses can be reached within a few minutes’ walk from Taksim metro station. Thanks to the fact that all the campuses are located in the city center and the public transport facilities are linked to each other, it is possible to easily reach other urban travel alternatives such as ferryboat, metrobus, tramway.
We do not have a shuttle to pick up international students from the airport. Students are expected to make their own way to their dormitory or residence. Istanbul is a metropolitan city and there are buses, trains and tubes (metro) to and from İTÜ and other areas in the city until late hours.
Click for Information Metro Istanbul
There are two major airports in Istanbul.
From Istanbul Airport: By
Havaist shuttle; (http://www.hava.ist/en/)
It would be best to take the Havaist Airport Shuttle, which is the most convenient way to travel to the city center, Taksim Square. You can find Havaist shuttles outside of the airport exit gate. This bus would cost approximately 18.00 TL.
Once arrived in Taksim, you can take metro to get to İTÜ Ayazağa station. Follow the İTÜ signs and you will find yourself at the entrance of İTÜ.
To travel by metro, you must obtain an “Istanbul Card” from the information desk or the machines provided. Card fee is approximately 5.00 TL; additionally you will need to load credits to access the metro service. 1 metro pass costs approximately 3.50 TL.
By taxi;
When you arrive to the airport you may take a cab to the Ayazağa Main Campus which costs around 100.00 TL or to the city center which costs around 120.00 TL.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport:
Sabiha Gökçen airport is the furthest and second major from the City.
By HAVABUS shuttle;
As mentioned above, you can take the HAVABUS airport shuttle at the airport exit gate to arrive in the city center, Taksim Square. The bus would cost approximately 20.00 TL . Once arrived in Taksim, you can take metro to get to İTÜ Ayazağa station. Follow the İTÜ signs and you will find yourself at the entrance of İTÜ.
By taxi;
When you arrive to the airport you may take a cab that will cost about 150.00 TL to go to İTÜ Ayazağa Campus.
Rent a Car
If you have an international driver license, you can rent a car at Airport Car Rental Agencies.
Banks & Currency Exchange
The Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkey. Credit cards are widely used and accepted. Visitors can use their Visa and Master Cards. ATMs can be found all around the country. All of them offer foreign language options and pay out Turkish liras. Foreign exchange offices may be found throughout the country. Operating hours are mostly Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00. In the arrivals section of Istanbul and Sabiha Gokcen Airports, there are 7/24 open exchange offices. Also the exchange offices located in shopping malls and touristic areas are open later and on Saturdays.
Indicative Exchange Rates Announced
Time Zone
Turkey has decided to stay on Turkey Time all year round, which means an offset of 3 hours from GMT/UTC. Turkey Time is 3 hours ahead of GMT/UTC, or GMT plus 3.
Click for information Istanbul Time Zone
Electricity & Voltage
Turkey's electrical system operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets.
Weather
The weather in August is clear and the sunny days provide the ideal weather to explore the city in the best possible way - on foot, plenty warm enough to eat and to outside, take the Bosphorus Cruise. The weather should be expected sunny and around 32 - 30 C during day time.
Click for Weather Forecast (Istanbul)
Click for Turkish State Meteorological Service 
Dining Out
Istanbul is a culinary delight no matter what your budget. From simple workers' eateries and sidewalk cafes to posh culinary palaces with liveried waiters, Turkish cuisine is good and the value-for-money unbeatable. A typical Turkish dish generally consists of lamb, mutton, and veal with a variety of vegetables. Pilaf, all kinds of pastry, bulgur, haricot beans, rich olive oil, and vegetables are also common side dishes. Meatballs, shish kebab, and doner kebab are also classic dishes. Because of its coastal location, fish is also popular although it is usually cooked simply, such as grilled, or fried with olive oil and lemon juice. Istanbul is the commercial and cultural center of Turkey; and there are restaurants of many nationalities such as Korean, Russian, Italian, and Chinese.
Shopping in Istanbul
Famed as the City of a Thousand Colors and Fragrances, Istanbul is a paradise for shoppers. A large variety of traditional carpets, jewels, gold, and leather goods can be purchased on the street in the tourist areas, or one can visit the city's modern shopping malls where Turkish brand goods can be found. The shops are open from 08:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Saturday. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar open their gates at 08:00 and close at 19:00. The large shopping malls open from 10:00 to 22:00 seven days a week. Shops do not close for lunch.
The iGeo2021 area is opposite the most famous shopping center of Istanbul.
Click here for details. The ISTINYE PARK SHOPPING CENTER
Dormitory
DORMITORIES
Within dormitories located at Ayazağa and Gümüşsuyu, İTÜ offers a cosy accommodation for students. Dormitories that built with the supports and donations of İTÜ graduates, allow 2 thousand 953 students to continue their studies in a comfortable and safe environment. There are 11 separate dormitories in total including 3 for mixed, 1 for only male and 7 for only female students.
At dormitories there is an option of two or triple rooms. Rooms furnished with furniture and belongings that student may be in need of, have bathroom inside as well. There are study halls, laundry and ironing rooms belonging to dormitories; tv, telephone, internet, canteen and security services are maintained.
Click here for more information about dormitories.