Private dormitory costs for university students are rising: Monthly fees in three major cities have reached 80,000 TL

Following the announcement of university entrance exam results, housing costs have become a top priority for students and their families, just as much as enrollment. After the General Directorate of Credit and Dormitories (KYGM) announced that dormitory applications would begin on August 24, the registration period for private dormitories has also accelerated.

According to a report by Betül Alakent from Sabah, the 2026-2027 academic year fees for private dormitories in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Konya, and Eskişehir show that housing in major cities has become a heavy expense for students. In the three major cities, private dormitory fees start at 25,000 TL per month and rise up to 80,000 TL depending on room type, location, and services provided. The annual cost for a 10-month period ranges between approximately 250,000 TL and 800,000 TL.

The main factors determining the price include proximity to universities, public transport options, the number of people in the room, and meal services. In Istanbul, fees vary significantly in dormitories around Beşiktaş, Şişli, Avcılar, Maslak, and Ayazağa. While a single room including breakfast in Beşiktaş is around 35,000 TL per month, double rooms in Şişli start at 40,000 TL; fees for single rooms rise to 55,000-60,000 TL.

In Avcılar, single rooms in dormitories near the Istanbul University campus range between 45,000 TL and 60,000 TL, including dinner. In the same area, fees for rooms with 6 bunk beds can drop to 21,000 TL. In dormitories in Maslak and Ayazağa near Istanbul Technical University, rooms for 3-4 people are priced at 40,000 TL per month, while single rooms range between 60,000 TL and 80,000 TL.

ANKARA AND İZMİR ARE ALSO AT HIGH LEVELS

Fees have also risen in Ankara and İzmir, where prices were lower compared to Istanbul in previous years. In Ankara, rooms with 6 bunk beds start at 20,000 TL, while prices for single rooms go up to 55,000 TL. It is noted that in many private dormitories in the city, dinner is included in the package along with breakfast. In İzmir, private dormitory fees range between 22,000 TL and 65,000 TL.

Eskişehir and Konya stand out with lower housing costs compared to major cities. In Eskişehir, single rooms including breakfast and dinner are in the 25,000-30,000 TL band. Prices for rooms for 3-4 people drop to the 10,000-15,000 TL level. In Konya, average fees for 4-person rooms including breakfast start at 10,000-12,000 TL, while single rooms range between 20,000 TL and 30,000 TL.

Dormitory fees usually include natural gas, internet, electricity, water, and breakfast. However, there are dormitories that charge an additional 300-400 TL per day for dinner. Laundry service has also become a significant additional cost item. While some dormitories offer free use of a washing machine once a week, 100-200 TL is charged for additional use. There are also dormitories that demand fees of up to 400-500 TL for washing and drying machines.

Payment plans in private dormitories also strain family budgets. Although installment options are generally offered for 10-month usage, some dormitories require a 40 percent down payment and the remaining amount to be paid in a few installments. It is stated that a bill of 400,000 TL per year is issued for a single room in a dormitory near the Istanbul University Beyazıt campus, with 40 percent of this amount requested as a down payment.

News Source: 12punto