An Unforgettable Start to Orientation Week: Welcoming the New Semester with a Bosphorus Tour

The Bosphorus Tour event organized by the Üsküdar University Youth Club as part of orientation week for the 2025–2026 academic year was held to support the social adaptation of new students. Aiming to help students taking their first steps into university life get to know one another, communicate and adapt more quickly to the university environment, the event offered participants an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

At the event, held aboard the Valide Sultan ship with the support of Üsküdar Municipality, students had the opportunity to see the historical and cultural riches of the Istanbul Bosphorus up close. Thanks to the commentary provided by a guide throughout the tour, participants were informed about the historical buildings, palaces and landmarks along the Bosphorus. In this respect, the event went beyond being merely a social gathering and also contributed to students’ cultural knowledge.

                

Accompanied by the city’s iconic landmarks, the journey offered participants an experience rich both visually and academically. Thanks to the guide’s commentary, students had the opportunity to learn about Istanbul’s historical development, its cultural heritage and the strategic importance of the Bosphorus. In this way, students were able to get to know the city where they have begun their education more closely.

Social activities, an important part of the orientation process, help students adapt more easily to university life. In this regard, the Bosphorus Tour event helped students make new friends, expand their social circles and connect with the university community. The warm atmosphere throughout the event helped students express themselves more comfortably and strengthened their sense of belonging.

Organized in line with the Youth Club’s approach of holding events that aim to strengthen communication among students, the event was met with great interest by participants. Offering a motivating start to university life, the event helped students adapt to the academic process with a more positive outlook.

Attended by approximately 300 students, the Bosphorus Tour event showed that orientation week is not limited to providing information, but also has a dimension that supports social interaction. Participants’ satisfaction and the interest shown in the event contributed to strengthening the sense of solidarity and unity within the university community.

Held in line with Üsküdar University’s student-centered approach, this event enabled new students to make a stronger start to university life, while offering a socially and culturally rich experience that made the orientation process more meaningful.