How to Live in Istanbul?

 This is my first blog post about my experience as a student in Istanbul. For my first entry, I think it is the best to tell what life is like for a student in Istanbul. I moved to Istanbul in September 2017 from İzmir/Turkey. I have full scholarship so I didn't have to worry about accomodation. Accomodation is a huge problem for students in Istanbul, but there are several options. If your university doesn't have accomodation facilities, you can apply private dorms. The average fees for private dorms are around 15.000 TL for a year. If you come from Europe or USA it is very easy for you to afford this price since 1 Euro is equal to 7.75 TL and 1 USD is equal to 6.70 TL. Istanbul is an expensive metropolis in comparison with other cities in Turkey, but I can live with 1500 TL a month including eating out everyday, transportation, educational expenses and several nights out. In Istanbul, transportation is quite cheap for students. It is also very easy. You can use ferry, subway, bus, taxi, tram etc. The only disadvantage is that public transportation stops after 11.30 P.M, but you can still use taxi or UBER (unfortunately it is illegal now). Night life is very fast in this city. Bars are open until 02.00 or 03.00 A.M. There are nice places for any income level and any kind of taste. The best places to spend time are really close to each other but the traffic can be a little too much. Except entertainment, Istanbul is a very good place for a college student. The historical and natural beauties, museums, festivals, theaters... There are many activities during the year. It is impossible to starve in Istanbul. Turkish cuisine is one of the most diverse cuisines of the world. You will find something for your taste for sure. Also, there are many other options besides Turkish food. Istanbul has the best universities of Turkey and some of them are the best in the world. There are so many different kind of people, places, foods and I am sure that you will have a good time here.