Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Gianluca

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

Because I was thinking it was cheap.

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

Nothing for now. I hope to receive something soon. They should give me about 1000€.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

If you live on campus, it sucks. I highly recommend to live close to Taksim. That's the best choice ever.

I really regret to live on campus. So I usually go to a hostel during the weekends.

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

Yes of course. Except for Italians the food is amazing, for us it's still very good.

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What is the food like?

Often fried. Eggplants are amazing. Desserts are too sugary.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

No, unfortunately I have been in a dormitory, losing most of the fun.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

30 tl everyday for food, 900 tl for accommodation on Koc campus. And alcohol is very very expensive even for Europeans. Clothes are cheap, especially in bazaars (not the grand bazaar) and in Koton stores.

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

No and yes. Language sounds so random but we learned to say thank you and to bargain with taxi drivers.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to school from your living place?

Minibus1+minibus2+metro and it takes 80 minutes (never live on campus! )

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

• Arsen lupen (pub).
• Taksim sopha hostel (to meet travelers and have few hints about the city).
• Curcuna + Murekkep (best disco so far).

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

• Klemuri (Black Sea food).
• Konak (adana kebab).
• Durumce (sis kebab).
• Na pizz (Italian pizza as good as in Italy).
• Rizzelli (a must if you are German and you love soccer).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

A lot but those that impressed me more were the basilica cistern, the spectacular view that you have on rooftop bars, the sunset in Uskudar and the Sunday market in Kasimpasa (not for tourists, best prices ever! ). Few honorable mentions: Kadikoy, Besiktas and Ortakoy.

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

Don't study that much because on average Turkish students'level is very low. Don't live on campus. Have fun without alcohol. Frequent hostels you will have the best time of your exchange in them.