When I first came to Turkey for university, I met the concept of student cooperatives when I was looking for a room to rent in Istanbul on my own. The rent prices back then (now averaging 400-600 USD per month) were really daunting. Thanks to a friend, I got involved in a small but intimate student housing cooperative. Since then, my idea of collective living has completely changed.
What are student cooperatives and why are they important
Cooperatives are collective structures established by individuals to meet their economic, social or cultural needs on a voluntary basis. In Turkey, these structures date back to the Republican era. Today, student cooperatives offer an alternative solution, especially in cities with high rents and living costs.
Such structures, especially for university students, provide not only cheap accommodation but also support in areas such as food, transportation and social solidarity. For foreign students starting university in Turkey, student cooperatives can be a great starting point for social integration as well as affordable housing.
What kind of cooperatives are there for students?
In the table below you can see the types of student cooperatives that benefit international students the most and the advantages they offer:
| Type of Cooperative | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| Housing Cooperative | Rent sharing, communal living spaces |
| Food Cooperative | Group meal preparation, low-cost menu options |
| Educational Cooperative | Joint book purchases, shared access to online courses |
| Cultural Cooperatives | Shared events, theater and music nights |
In cooperatives, you also have the chance to practice your Turkish. For example, when using a shared kitchen, Turkish Food and Culinary Terminology naturally becomes part of your life.
Student Friendly Cooperatives in Turkey
Student cooperatives in Turkey have become more visible in recent years. Especially in metropolitan areas, these structures have become an alternative social network for both locals and foreign students.
Genc İşi Kooperatif: Produce Together, Live Together
Izmir-based Genç İşi Kooperatif is one of the exemplary models based on student participation. Since 2015, it has been developing educational and social projects based on the solidarity economy. This student cooperative aims not only for housing but also for the social and cultural development of individuals.
At events such as the “Cooperatives Solidarity Network Workshop” in 2024, many student cooperatives in Turkey came together. This strengthened the exchange of knowledge and experience.
EkoHarita: Finding Solidarity Networks on a Map
If you want to know the location of cooperatives, solidarity networks or food sharing points, EkoHarita is a treasure trove. You can reach communities such as “Şişli Solidarity Network” or “Deep Poverty Network” in Istanbul through this platform.
Such student cooperatives not only offer accommodation; they create a sense of community and support students to produce together.
How International Students Can Join These Networks
When you first come to Turkey, such structures may seem a bit “insider”, but don’t worry, the doors are open for everyone if you approach them in the right ways. Especially in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, both universities and NGOs offer support for international students to integrate into these communities.
Is Solidarity Possible Without Knowing a Language?
One of the biggest fears is the language barrier, but I can say this very clearly: in these networks “intent” always comes before language. Of course, learning some vocabulary for basic communication is a great help. It’s not a bad idea to start learning Turkish Food and Culinary Terminology to ask “where is the salt?”
What Steps Should be Taken for Participation?
- Find a cooperative or social enterprise group through the university’s student clubs.
- EcoMap to find solidarity points in your city.
- Search for local groups on social media with tags like “cooperative”, “solidarity”, “collective”, etc.
- Message the group you want to join: “I am a student, I want to volunteer. Can I participate?”
- After attending the first meeting, they get to know you and you soon feel a sense of belonging.
Life in Cooperatives: Advantages and Challenges
Student cooperatives offer great financial advantages, but each structure has its own internal dynamics. Not everyone has the same expectations, so it is important to find the right balance.
Decision Making and Responsibility Sharing
Student cooperatives usually make decisions unanimously. This democracy is a wonderful experience, but it requires patience. Even things like weekly task sharing, cleaning plans or shopping lists are planned collectively.
The Future of Solidarity Economy in Turkey
In recent years, student cooperatives have come to the fore not only in times of crisis but also as a sustainable living model. Especially among young people, the idea of “producing and living together” is becoming much more common.
The Role of the State and New Policies
Public institutions such as the General Directorate of Cooperatives are now developing various projects to support these structures. Structures such as the Youth Business Cooperative also continue to grow with EU funding.
What Can Youth Contribute To These Networks?
International students make these structures more inclusive through cultural diversity and different perspectives. Even small contributions can have a big impact, such as cooking a meal together, watching a movie, or teaching English to children.
Be Part of Solidarity!
Being a student in Turkey is not just about classes. The real experience starts with being part of this community. Student cooperatives are not only cost-cutting structures; they are also an opportunity for you to build social ties, practice Turkish and learn the culture from the inside.