KURES (Koc University Guidance and Psychological Services Center)

Starting university education abroad symbolizes a critical milestone in the process of transition from adolescence to adulthood in a new country. During this term, students take new responsibilities, make decisions that will impact their future lives, individualize and rearrange their close relationships accordingly. This transformation which also includes a developmental progress is accompanied by both positive and negative psychological experiences. Most people need the company of a professional throughout this process to be able to verbalize and understand their experiences. KURES accompanies students in their process of coming to know and realizing themselves, and supporting their personal development. It aims at helping students acquire the knowledge and skills that will help them cope with the academic, social and personal problems they face throughout this process.

KURES (Koc University Guidance and Psychological Services Center) is composed of two departments:

1. Psychological Services Center
2. Guidance Center

Students can consult the Counseling Services if they would like to recieve psychological support or psychological counseling. Some of the subjects that the Counseling Services can help with are as follows:

– Difficulties in the adaptation to the university life

– Exam Anxiety

– Relationship difficulties

– Anger management difficulties

– Depression

– Problems related to Self Esteem

– Eating disorders

– Loss and Grief

– Family Conflicts

– Fears and phobias

– Diffuculties in time management

– Concentration difficulties

– Alchool and Substance use and addiction

The Guidance & Self Development Service of KURES aims to enhance academic and personal development of students, faculty, and staff through educational programs and workshops on a variety of topics. The programs are designed to increase the awareness about issues related to physical and psychological wellbeing and safety of students.  Educational programs for students are planned to address subjects such as stress management skills, nutrition and body image, and healthy relationships.  Other services of Self Development Service include orientation to welcome newcoming students to campus and academic life, consultation services for faculty, staff, and parents to address concerns about the behavior and wellbeing of student by providing educational programs related to student health, and mentorship program to select and educate student mentors to be exemplar fellows to newcoming students.

Contacts:

  • Elif Isın I Counseling Center Coordinator I kures@ku.edu.tr I (0212) 338 1749
  • Gülçin Yılmaz I Psychologist I kures@ku.edu.tr I (0212) 338 1272
  • Hilal Akekmekçi Tunalı I Psychologist I kures@ku.edu.tr I (0212) 338 2777

The student defines his problem with his counselor and develops coping strategies and solutions through the guidance of his counselor. If you experience diffuculties in the areas similar to the ones above, please consult the Counseling Center.

To get an appointment, you can call the Student Health Center at (0212) 338-1273 or you can write to kuptem@ku.edu.tr.

For emergencies, please call (0212) 338-1100.

In necessary situations students may be reffered to KUPTEM at the Health Center for short term or long term psychoterapy, psychiatric assessment or psychiatric treatment. The principle of confidentiality is essential at KUPTEM and all the services are free of charge.

Exchange students are welcome to take advantage of Koç University’s on-campus support services. For counselling and psychological services, please refer to the link below.

http://dos.ku.edu.tr/counseling-service