With the announcement of the YKS results, a long-awaited new chapter begins for students. Although the stress of the exam may seem to be over, a different decision-making process now comes into focus: the university preference period.
During this process, students may have many questions in mind. Which field of study is right for me? Which university should I include on my list? Is studying in Istanbul the right choice for me? What kind of daily routine will I have when I start university?
The preference period is not simply about preparing a list based on scores and rankings. Students need to consider their interests, goals, the city where they will study, the university’s location, and their daily life as a whole. The right decision shapes not only what you will study, but also how you will spend the next several years.
Look Beyond the Result and Evaluate Your Options Carefully
When the results are announced, students usually check their score and ranking first. This is perfectly natural. However, focusing only on the result is not enough during the preference process. What truly matters is accurately assessing which options are realistic and genuinely suitable for the student based on that result.
At this stage, it can be helpful for students to ask themselves the following questions: Which fields genuinely interest me? In which subjects am I both successful and motivated? What kind of field would I like to pursue after graduation? Am I considering a program simply because it is popular, or because it truly suits me?
One of the biggest mistakes made during the preference period is deciding solely on the basis of scores. In reality, the choice of program directly affects a student’s academic motivation and future career direction.
Campus and Location Should Also Be Considered When Choosing a University
When choosing a university, the opportunities it offers are just as important as the program itself. Academic staff, course content, student clubs, campus facilities, internship opportunities, and career support are among the details that shape the university experience.
Location becomes especially important for students considering university in Istanbul. The area where the campus is located can directly affect a student’s daily commute, social life, and time management.
Students considering universities that are integrated into city life, such as Istanbul Bilgi University, Kadir Has University, Haliç University, and İstinye University, should carefully evaluate access to campus, the surrounding student life, and nearby student dormitory options.
The Choice of City Is Part of the University Experience
During the preference process, students often focus only on the program and the university. Yet the choice of city is equally important. The city in which a student studies influences their social life, transportation habits, daily routine, and overall sense of comfort.
Istanbul is a strong option for students in many respects. With its wide range of universities, arts and cultural events, social spaces, transportation network, and career opportunities, it offers a rich student experience. However, student life in Istanbul requires careful planning.
For this reason, while preparing a preference list, students should ask not only, “Is this university right for me?” but also, “What kind of daily routine can I build in this city?”
Do Not Rush When Preparing Your Preference List
After the results are announced, students and families may feel pressured to make decisions quickly. However, a preference list should not be prepared in a hurry. Students should research the options that match their scores, review course content, consider university locations, and, where possible, consult different sources.
When creating a preference list, it is important to focus not only on programs that are “likely to accept me,” but also on those the student would genuinely want to study. After all, the chosen program will be the field to which the student devotes several years of time and effort.
It is also important for families to listen to the student, understand their expectations, and take part in the decision-making process in a supportive way. The preference period is a significant step in which students begin making informed decisions about their own future.
Preparing for University Life Goes Beyond the Preference List
The preference period does not end with choosing a program and a university. Preparing for university life is also an important part of the process. Students who will study in Istanbul should begin thinking early about their dormitory, transportation, and daily routine.
At this stage, students should consider where they will live, how they will commute to university, whether suitable study areas are available, how easily they can participate in social life, and whether they will feel safe.
Choosing the right student dormitory can make the transition to university life easier. A dormitory close to the university can help students spend less time commuting and participate more comfortably in campus life. In a large city such as Istanbul, a centrally located student dormitory can also make daily life more organized.
Why Is Choosing the Right Dormitory Important for Female and Male Students?
When choosing a student dormitory, it is not enough to look only at room photos or prices. Room options that meet the student’s needs, security arrangements, social areas, suitable study environments, and proximity to universities should all be evaluated together.
When reviewing female and male student dormitory options, the student’s lifestyle should also be taken into account. Some students prefer a quieter room arrangement with greater personal space, while others may enjoy a more social dormitory environment. For this reason, having a range of room options is an important advantage.
Social areas are also an important part of dormitory life. The living spaces within a dormitory should support students in building a balanced and social university experience, rather than one focused solely on studying.
The Preference Period Is the First Plan for a New Life
The preference process that begins with the announcement of the YKS results opens the door to a new chapter for students. Rather than making a decision based only on scores, students should consider the program, university, city, transportation, and dormitory life together.
While the right university choice shapes a student’s academic journey, the right dormitory makes the practical side of that journey easier. For students planning to study in Istanbul, choosing a centrally located, safe, comfortable student dormitory close to their university can help them start this new chapter with greater ease.
Konforist offers a safe, comfortable, and centrally located dorm experience for students preparing for university life in Istanbul, with dorms for both male and female students. With its location near many universities—such as Bilgi University, Kadir Has University, Haliç University, and İstinye University—along with easy access to public transportation, study areas suitable for academic work, common living spaces where students can socialize, and a variety of room options, Comfortist helps students start the new semester on a more organized footing. During the application period, it’s important to consider not only your choice of major and university but also the right dormitory choice to make your daily life easier.
