Choosing the Right Dormitory

Is price the only criterion? How important is location? What does the price include?
The answers to the questions on your mind are here.

Dear Parent,

Before deciding where your student will stay, please consider the following points. Keep in mind that the only criterion should not be the dormitory’s price; make sure to carefully check what is included in the fee along with the details concerning your student’s safety and comfort.

During your student’s university years away from you, please ensure that you can give positive and satisfactory answers to the following questions:

The Building and Security

• Does the dormitory have a license issued by state institutions such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports (GSB)?
  (Dormitories affiliated with GSB display the GSB logo and the sign “GSB Private XXX Student Dormitory.”)
• Is it regularly inspected by the relevant authority?
• Was it built to meet students’ needs?
• How close is it to the university and classrooms? Is transportation a problem? Is shuttle service provided? Have you calculated the monthly transportation cost?
• Is it located in a safe area of the city? Are the surrounding streets safe?
• How are entrances and exits controlled? Is there 24/7 security staff? What kind of security system is in place? Is the building equipped with security cameras, and can the system store at least three months of footage?
• Was it built in compliance with the latest earthquake and fire regulations? Is there a certificate of compliance?
• Regarding fire safety, for example:
  • Are there fire and smoke detectors and automatic extinguishing systems in every room?
  • Are room doors fire-resistant and certified by TSE?
  • Are mattresses made of non-flammable materials?
  • Are there enough fire extinguishers, and are they annually inspected and refilled?
  • Are rooms equipped with residual current circuit breakers to protect against electrical faults and short circuits?
  • Is there a fire escape? Are the doors on escape routes suitable for quick evacuation?
  • Are emergency lights installed in escape corridors? Do generators and emergency lighting activate automatically in case of power outages?
  • Is there a sufficiently large water tank to cope with water cuts?
  • Are stair steps equipped with anti-slip strips to prevent accidents?
  • Does the Fire Department provide an annual inspection report certifying compliance with fire safety regulations?
  • Does the Chamber of Electrical Engineers provide an annual compliance report for electrical installations, grounding, and lightning protection systems?
  • Does the Chamber of Mechanical Engineers (MMO) inspect heating systems, hot water boilers, and pressure vessels annually, with compliance reports available?
  • Are elevators registered with MMO and equipped with inspection tags showing annual maintenance and compliance?
  • Is there an up-to-date inspection report for generators and emergency lighting systems?

The Room Your Student Will Stay In

• Is it airy and well-lit, free of humidity issues?
• Does it include a spacious and practical desk for each student?
• Are students assigned rooms according to their class schedules (daytime/evening)?
• Have you seen the rooms before registering and checked whether the facilities match what was promised?
• Is the bathroom and toilet inside the room?
• How is the room heated? Can you verify that heating is sufficient?

Services Provided

• Is there uninterrupted hot water 24/7?
• What is included in the monthly accommodation fee? Are there additional paid services?
• Are laundry and ironing services provided?
• Is there unlimited and uninterrupted internet service?
• Is room cleaning included? How often are rooms cleaned? Is there enough cleaning staff? Are proper cleaning products used? Is the building regularly disinfected?
• Are there safe and legal job opportunities within the dormitory for students to earn money and gain experience?
• Is there a spacious, quiet study hall?
• Are there dedicated study areas for specific programs (e.g., art, music, dentistry)?
• Are there social facilities in or near the dormitory where students can spend their free time productively? (e.g., cafeteria, café, game/activity rooms, cinema, gym, shared kitchen, TV lounge)
• Does the dormitory organize activities that contribute to students’ development? (e.g., sports tournaments, courses, seminars, art activities, social aid projects)
• If meals are provided, where are they prepared? Are hygiene rules followed? Are meals adequate and healthy? Are meal times compatible with class schedules?
• Are staff such as receptionists, technicians, and security guards available 24/7? Is there trained staff to help with problems or emergencies?
• For safety reasons, are students’ addresses reported to the District Police Department and Population Directorate? (Otherwise, students may face issues with residency, healthcare, etc.)
• Is there a health room (infirmary)? What is the procedure in case of first aid needs?
• Is accommodation allowed during summer school?
• Is the accommodation contract prepared for 10 months, or is it longer?
• Is there a corporate structure behind the business, ensuring you have someone to address issues if they arise?
• Are the promises and services clearly documented in a written contract?

Please ensure that you can answer all of the above questions positively and satisfactorily regarding your student’s university years away from home.

We wish you the best.