Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Anne Katrine Kallin

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

I choose Istanbul manly because I never went there before but I heard many great things about the city. It seemed more exotic and different then just going to London or Berlin.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I am gonna be here for 5 months and I received, from the danish government, approximately 13.000 DKR which was more than enough.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

The student life here is very social and much more active than the one I know in Denmark. I go to Bogazici University and the amount of activities planned for us exchange students have been truly amazing. There have been trips, parties, groups and simpel arrangements to local places.

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

I would definitely recommend Istanbul to others! Its a vibrant city where there is always something happening somewhere. I don't know about the University of Istanbul cause I am at Bogazici.

What is the food like?

The food is amazing and cheap! There are little street shops everywhere where you get a Döner or a Durüm for no money. The cousin is colorful and tasty!

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

You can make it really cheap here if you want. Most expensive things here are the booze! So going out can be expensive or like home. THe food, as I already mentioned, is cheap though and groceries too. My rent is only 700 lira and I think thats pretty much the standard if you find a room in a shared apartment.

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

You can take language courses at Uni or in town. There are many places that offers Turkish courses. I myself haven't leaned the language but I get along fine when I go out.

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

I took the plane to Atatürk and from there I got a taxi.

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

Most partyplaces in Istanbul in concentrated around the Taksim square and on the main shopping street called Istiklal. Here you can find big clubs and bars, but I personally like the more local places and would recommend Tektekci in Beyouglu or the Ara cafe. Also The Beat is a good place to dance if you like old school 90's music :)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

My advice is to just get out there and explore! Go down the side streets, ake a bus and see where it ends. There are nice areas in Besiktas and Ortaköy which a located by the water. I personally liked the Galata Area and the little vintage streets in Nisantasi.

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

Make sure to tjeck the different neighborhoods! I live in Mecidiyeköy which is not necessarily the most popular are but I like it because its local and cheap and the public transportation is very good from this area!
If you are a master student I would also recommend that you are sure that the master courses on your university matches your educational profile. There are often many interesting courses but very often they are only for bachelor students.

My last advice is TO HAVE FUN!