Experience in Istanbul, Turkey

How did you find living in the city of Istanbul? Do you recommend it? How is the city?

It's a really captivating city with the Bosphorus and historical structure. Turkish meals are really delicious. The people are friendly. There are several museums. It's a city with lots of people and there is a traffic problem but the developed public transport makes it easier.

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How is student life in Istanbul?

The most popular universities are in Istanbul, where teaching is committed; like the Galatasaray University (it's a university with a mutual agreement between France and Turkey), the Boğaziçi University, the Koç University, the Sabancı University, the technical institute University of Istanbul (İTÜ), etc.

Istanbul is a very lively city. There is life 24 hours a day here. Nightlife is very dynamic.

The majority of young Turks prefer the Universities in Istanbul. The Turks are very friendly. An Erasmus student will never be alone.

How are living costs in Istanbul?

For Europeans, living costs in Istanbul aren't very high. I think around €250-350 (depending on the person) is sufficient per month (attention: that's excluding accommodation).

Is it hard to find accommodation in Istanbul? Have you got any advice to give?

No, it's not difficult. I recommend university's Facebook groups. There are people looking for flatmates. If you write 'I'm looking for a flat share, etc., the universities will always direct you! :) Houses are more expensive that apartments.

How is the city's food? What are your favourite dishes?

Oh my god! :) I don't know a single person who wouldn't like the Turkish dishes! There are several traditional dishes which are delicious. Breakfast is very popular in Turkey. Hours can be spent at the breakfast table. My favourites are also mantı, kebab, dolma, fish, rakı (a Turkish alcohol), mezze (the dishes you eat with rakı or other alcohol), soups, lahmacun, iskender, börek, Turkish deserts (especially Baklava) etc... And of course, there are also others I can't remember at the moment. :)

Mezze

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Baklava

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Which places do you recommend to see in Istanbul?

Taksim, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bebek, Arnavutköy, Karaköy, Eminönü, Galata, Nişantaşı, Cihangir, Kadıköy, Moda, Emirgan, Bağdat Caddesi, Fenerbahçe, etc.

Taksim

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Bebek

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And to eat in Istanbul? Can you tell us your favourite places?

You can find a good place to eat anywhere. You should eat at the street vendors. :)

Which places do you recommend for going out in Istanbul?

Taksim and Beyoğlu are the most popular quarters to go out in.

What advice do you want to give to future Erasmus students in Istanbul?

Istanbul really is a very beautiful city. I assure you; you will spend a magnificent one or two semesters here. :) Good luck and enjoy yourself! :)