Koç University dormitories guide — what recruiters and admissions teams must know

At-a-glance summary

• On-campus housing is available to both undergraduate and graduate exchange students.
• Undergraduate rooms: standard triple bunk rooms on West Campus.
• Graduate rooms: single rooms in shared apartment flats near main campus.
• Applications: completed online via Koç University’s Academic Information System (KUSIS); payment by credit card.
• Fees: undergraduate $1,440 (includes a refundable damage deposit $135); graduate $1,820 (includes deposit).
• Move-in/check-out: 24-hour check-in at Building S, Main Campus; keycards issued after check-in form. Damage deposit refunds processed to credit card within about one month after checkout (minus any deductions).

Who this information is for

• International student recruiters: prepare application packs, collect medical documentation for accommodations, and advise on financial deadlines.
• University admissions teams: coordinate KUSIS credentials, set internal timelines and manage room assignments.
• HR and marketing professionals in education: craft communications that explain housing options clearly to international applicants.
• Agencies working in student placement and edtech: integrate housing guidance into offer letters and onboarding workflows.

Detailed dormitory information and step-by-step procedures

Undergraduate dormitories — what to expect

• Room type: Standard triple-person bunk rooms located on West Campus. These rooms are designed for community living and are best suited to students prepared for shared accommodation.
• Special accommodations: Students with disabilities or medical conditions can request alternative room types. Ensure students submit official health documentation before the application deadline to secure consideration.
• Application process: Applications are submitted via KUSIS. Pre-issued KUSIS log-in credentials are required. Payments are made by credit card during the online application.
• Fees and deposit: Total fee $1,440 (€1,290), including a refundable damage deposit of $135 (€120).
• Move-in/check-out: 24-hour check-in available at Building S on Main Campus. Students must submit a check-in form to receive keycards. At the end of residence, students submit a check-out form and return keys to dormitory management.

Graduate dormitories — what to expect

• Room type: Single rooms within shared apartment flats located near the main campus, offering more privacy than undergraduate housing.
• Special accommodations: As with undergraduate housing, students with documented medical needs may request alternative room allocations by submitting official documentation before deadlines.
• Application process and payment: Same online KUSIS process; payments via credit card.
• Fees and deposit: $1,820 (€1,630), which includes the refundable damage deposit.
• Move-in/check-out: 24-hour check-in at Building S with identical check-in/check-out procedures and deposit refund policies.

Step-by-step application checklist for recruiters and admissions staff

1. Confirm admission and issue KUSIS login credentials to the student well in advance of the dormitory application period.
2. Advise students to prepare:
   • Valid passport copy
   • Student admission letter
   • Health documentation (if requesting special accommodations)
   • Credit card for payment
3. Student completes online dormitory application in KUSIS and makes payment.
4. Housing office reviews applications and assigns rooms; communicate timelines to students.
5. Before arrival, provide students with welcome information and practical preparatory tips (transport, arrival times, what to bring).
6. On arrival, students complete check-in form at Building S, receive keycards and welcome packages.
7. At departure, student submits check-out form, returns keys and ensures room condition to secure full deposit refund.

Accessibility, support services and integration programs

Dedicated disability and inclusion support

Koç University provides specialised support through its Diversity, Inclusion and Disabled Student Coordination Unit. This unit works with students who require accommodations to ensure equitable access to campus life. Admissions and international teams should:

• Collect official health documentation early.
• Liaise directly with the coordination unit to request suitable room types and campus adjustments.
• Include accessibility information in pre-arrival communications.

Accommodation assistance and welcome packages

International students receive accommodation assistance and guidance for off-campus options if needed. Welcome packages include practical campus and Istanbul (İstanbul) tips, orientation schedules and contacts for on-campus services. Recruiters should ensure students understand the practicalities of living in Istanbul (transport, banking, SIM cards) and point them to orientation materials.

Social integration — mentorship and cultural programs

Students are paired with mentor students to provide peer support for practical matters. The Turkish Hospitality Experience Program and campus events promote cultural integration with Turkish families and the local community. Highlight these programs in your recruitment pack to increase appeal and reduce settling-in anxiety for applicants.

Move-in and move-out best practices — minimise issues, protect deposits

Pre-arrival communications (what your team should send)

• Clear arrival window, Building S check-in instructions and 24-hour check-in details.
• A packing checklist tailored to room type (undergraduate triple bunk vs graduate single room).
• COVID-era contingency plans (if applicable) and health service contacts.
• Contact points for emergencies and late arrivals.

Move-in day checklist for students

• Bring passport and student admission letter
• Bring printed proof of payment and KUSIS confirmation
• Complete the check-in form at Building S to receive keycard
• Inspect room with dorm staff and document any pre-existing damage
• Ask for welcome pack and orientation schedule

Move-out checklist to ensure deposit return

• Submit the check-out form by the deadline
• Remove all personal belongings
• Clean the room and communal areas
• Return the keycard to dormitory management
• Obtain a completion receipt to support deposit refund follow-up

Actionable advice for recruiters, admissions teams and placement agencies

Streamline document collection and expectations management

• Pre-package health documentation templates so applicants know what to provide.
• Set expectations early about shared living arrangements (undergraduate triple rooms).
• For students with medical needs, initiate accommodation discussions at the offer stage to secure alternative rooms.
• Maintain a clear escalation chain for arrival-day issues.

Partnering and cross-promotion opportunities

Highlight Koç University’s on-campus accommodation and integration programs when creating recruitment flyers and offer letters.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Koç University’s dormitory system is designed to be accessible, supportive and transparent — essential qualities when advising international students. Study in Turkiye is ready to partner with your institution or agency to implement these best practices.