Erasmus in Istanbul, Turkey by Adela

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

I am a passionate traveler and I love to learn about different cultures and customs. I found Turkey to be the most exciting country from the list of the universities offered.

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

My exchange is for one semester (September-January) and I receive around 220€/month which covers the accommodation. The rest is from my savings.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

Turkish people love to have fun, so nightlife is an important part of everyone’s life. Young people usually don’t cook, so they always eat out and love to be social.

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

Yes! Yes! Yes!

What is the food like?

Most of people enjoy the food here, but I - as a vegetarian - don't have many choices.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

I found my accommodation on Facebook.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Rent is usually 800-1500 TL, depending on the location and how many people share the flat.

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

Turkish is definitely not easy and unfortunately most people don’t speak English. My school offers classes on Fridays.

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

Even though Istanbul is huge and always crowded, the public transportation works really well and it's very cheap. There is metro, buses, metro buses, ferries, shared taxis... It is quite easy to cross continents from the Asian part to European one and many people do it every day.

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

I live in Kadikoy and it’s probably the safest and the most fun area. It’s full of cafes, bars and there’s many things to do. Most locals spend their free time here.

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

There’s a restaurant at every corner and there's always something for everyone. My favorite food is Manti - which is pasta with filling and yoghurt sauce.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Most of the places are at the European side, but I also recommend to travel to different cities. Turkey is a huge country and every part of it is different.

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

Istanbul is an incredible city and has a lot to offer. It can be challenging, but every city can be. Turkey is going through an economic crisis, so it is very cheap for foreigners (and very unfortunate for the locals). There are some dangerous parts in the city and you’ll have trouble to communicate with the people and orientate yourself in such a big city - but it’s definitely worth it and I wouldn’t change anything. Also don’t forget it’s a Muslim country - although you won’t notice it so much in Istanbul, the only major difference is, that alcohol is quite expensive.