Boğazici University

I am spending the semester at Boğazici University which is located in the affluent Istanbul suburb of Etiler. I live in its supposedly premiere dorm that is the "top choice of graduate and exchange students". But too me, with its closet like rooms, stark white walls, strict visitor rules, and unfriendly manager, it feels more like a prison or a hospital. However, the lively exchange students that live here and the cheap çay in the basement cafe make up for the lack of atmosphere. Since classes haven't started yet, there are usually daily excursions to Sultanahmet (the old city), Taksim (hip shopping and bars) and anywhere else that will keep us occupied during this strange limbo between registration and the start of courses.
Although Boğizici is one of Turkey's best universities, accomplishing a basic task like registering for courses requires a lot of effort because of a bureaucratic, disorganized administration. I was surprised when I learned that I had a four day block to register for my classes, which seem like a lot of time for me. However, when I realized that I was faced with a multitude of time conflicts, blocked classes, and a clogged on-line registration system, I wondered why we weren't given more time! Finally, after a marathon of obtaining approval for classes, e-mailing back in forth to the administration here and at home to make sure courses will count for credit, and maneuvering my schedule to fit in as many Middle East/Turkey focused classes as I could, I finally have timetable of classes that I think will work out quite nicely. I'm taking a smattering of classes including poly-sci courses, Turkish language, and painting.
After such a stressful process I'm looking forward to finally starting classes on Monday. I'm anticipating the walk to South Campus that leads past stunning views of the Bosporus and through tree lined pathways to a lovely quad lined with old stone buildings. I have to admit it still hasn't really sunk into my consciousness that I really am studying here. Although there are all the normal things a student neighborhood has like ATMs, grocery stores, and cafes, it still feels exotic to me!