Atatürk University maintains a comprehensive, multi-layered system for providing affordable, safe, and high-quality housing to its students. The university’s approach combines institution-operated dormitories, state-supported KYK housing partnerships, and new residential investments, ensuring that students of all income levels have equitable access to accommodation within or adjacent to the campus. These measures significantly reduce commuting requirements, housing costs, and socio-economic disparities in access to higher education.
1. University-Owned Dormitories and Facilities
Atatürk University directly operates large-capacity student dormitories located within its main Yakutiye campus and its affiliated educational sites. These facilities are designed to meet the essential living needs of students at prices well below local market rates. The dormitories provide fully furnished rooms, study areas, cafeterias, free laundry services, communal kitchens, high-speed internet access through the campus network, and social areas that encourage community life. Security is ensured through biometric access control and electronic HGS card systems, and all buildings are supervised by on-site administrative and security staff.
In total, the university’s dormitory network serves tens of thousands of students each year, making it one of the largest higher-education residential systems in Eastern Türkiye. This system substantially decreases the cost of living for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those arriving from distant provinces, and eliminates the need for daily long-distance commuting.
2. Partnership with State Dormitory Services (KYK)
Beyond its own housing capacity, Atatürk University maintains a formal collaboration with Türkiye’s General Directorate of Credits and Dormitories Agency (KYK). Through this partnership, university students are eligible to reside in KYK dormitories situated both on campus and within nearby districts of Erzurum. These dormitories are managed under national affordability standards, where rents are heavily subsidized by the state, including utilities, internet access, and essential services such as heating and cleaning.
The KYK facilities integrated with Atatürk University’s network provide additional housing capacity for thousands of male and female students. Notably, the completion of a 1,000-bed KYK student residence complex in the Yakutiye district, covering approximately 26,000 m², has significantly increased the number of affordable beds available to students enrolled at the university. This large-scale complex, built to modern standards, includes shared study halls, multi-purpose social rooms, dining facilities, and accessible design features for students with disabilities.
3. University-Operated Special Dormitories
In addition to the KYK network and state dormitories, Atatürk University also operates its own private dormitory for female students within the main campus perimeter. This facility offers a safe and supportive environment designed specifically for women students, with 24-hour supervision, modern furnishings, private study spaces, and integrated campus connectivity. The existence of university-owned female housing provides a crucial option for students seeking security and proximity to academic facilities without the higher cost of private hostels or apartments.
4. Affordability Compared to the Local Market
The cost of accommodation in university-owned or KYK dormitories is markedly lower than private rental prices in Erzurum. While the average rental cost for a 100 m² apartment in the city typically ranges from 6,500 TL to 11,000 TL per month depending on location and condition, student dormitory housing fees in Atatürk University and KYK facilities are a fraction of this rate—typically one-tenth to one-fifth of equivalent market housing costs. This affordability ensures that financial constraints do not prevent capable students from pursuing higher education.
Furthermore, the presence of on-campus housing eliminates daily transportation expenses and helps minimize the environmental footprint associated with student commuting, contributing directly to the university’s sustainable mobility and energy-efficiency objectives.
5. Social, Cultural, and Welfare Support within Housing
Atatürk University’s housing policy is integrated with its broader student welfare strategy. Dormitory residents benefit from organized cultural, sports, and social events that foster community engagement and well-being. The proximity of residential units to educational and health services, cafeterias, libraries, and sports centers supports a holistic student life experience. The housing environment is also managed to align with the university’s inclusive and equitable education mission, ensuring accessibility for students with financial hardship, disabilities, or other special needs.
6. Continuous Development and Investment
The University continues to improve its student housing infrastructure through renovation, modernization, and capacity-expansion projects. Maintenance programs ensure high living standards, while new residential developments—often in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports—are strategically located within walking distance of lecture halls, laboratories, and recreation areas. The institutional focus on housing provision reflects Atatürk University’s understanding of accommodation as a core enabler of equal opportunity and academic success.
