Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Джансу

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

Actually I have been living in Istanbul since I was born.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

İstanbul is full of dangerous situation for foreigners, because if someone is dangerous and think you could have some money you can be killed for it. Besides, there are some people who are humanitarian in this city and you can contact them on language exchange sites because the people who have been in that area are more conscious. And by the way, if you're in contact with someone you should ask first if he/she has been a university student or graduated from university. Except that, Istanbul night life and day life is enjoyable and full of events especially in university campus.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Istanbul to other students?

Yes I recommend to students my city, because they can find jobs in safety places and I can advise Istanbul university, Yıldız technical university, Bosphorus university (the best one in Turkey) and the other one is Metu in Ankara. Marmara University is almost free. İstanbul Technical University is the second best as a technology university.

What is the food like?

You can find western, eastern and traditional foods that you can eat in this city. Some of them have high price some of them have low price. It depends on what you eat.

Source

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

Actually I live in my own home but you can find flats or houses easily and cheaply. Especially when you arrive at Istanbul you should have ask your friends at school if their friends need someone to share rents at home or not. Because it's the best way to hire a rental home.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

İstanbul is the most expensive city in Turkey. It's hard to live here. For a person it costs 1000 dollars.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Indeed language is not easy to understand but you can find some courses that can be free or low priced.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Istanbul?

The best way is to travel to Istanbul by train, especially by interrail.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Istanbul?

You'd better go out at night with your friends and on their cars. Don't use transportation system at night in Istanbul because it could be dangerous or it could be broken. Maybe you can use metro.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Istanbul?

There are some good cafés on the shore of Ortaköy to eat Kumpir and the Waffle.

Source

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Prince Islands, Dolmabahçe, Topkapı, Hagia Sophia Museums, Armenian and Greek Churches in Kadıköy, Spice Bazaar and Covered Bazaar, some beautiful parks especially Rally park in Taksim (Gezi Park) and Beyoğlu İstiklal Street.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Istanbul in the future?

I have a recommendation both for girls and boys:

• Girls please be careful with Turkish men because they can rape, steal and even kill you. Please don't contact any Turkish man who is not known by your Turkish girl friends or classmates.
• Boys please be careful with Turkish men because they can steal your money, they can play a trick on you or they can confuse you. Please don't contact with any Turkish girl or boy that is not known by your friends.

In emergency situation please contact with your native friends and if you need to go to police station, go with them because most of the policemen don't know English in Istanbul.