Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Ceren

What is it like to live in Istanbul? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Firstly it is a very crowded and chaotic city so if you'd like to experience this you can see and learn a lot. I definitely recommend to experience but i also don't recommend to live for forever. Because there are many problems. Its not a bike, women or LGBTI friendly city. People can stare at you due to your clothes, appearence etc. Except people the city is amazing i think. I've visited almost all European countries, Cuba, Japan and Korea. I think İstanbul is much more special than others as a city without people. You can find many things to do with very low prices, due to currency nothing will be so expensive for you. But you should know almost in all places you will pay same money for food and for alcohol :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

Even İstanbul is the one of most expensive city in Turkey it is still easy to live in it. I am a vegetarian and if you know the places there are many good options. Moreover, student friendly regions are also more open minded so you can be more free.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

The rents depends the region but i can say that you can rent a house with 1 or 2 rooms and one salloon in an average location for 200-250 euros. Of course now the prices are increasing all the time but it will be cheap when we compared it with europe. Foods are really cheap, an average meal can cost 3-5 euros. (vegetarian food prices usually cheaper:))

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Istanbul? Is there any advice you can give?

Its not difficult because if you rent a room probably your housemate will be a turkish student. Students usually can speak english better. Generally there are few people who can speak english in İstanbul. Two years ago average room prices were between 200-300 euros but now you can find much more cheaper i think. Do not forget to check rental house prices in the region of your house. Sometimes people can try to cheat you always search on the İnternet and find a good turkish friend to help you:) Turkish people are usually warm and friendly but the language could be a problem. So you need an english speaker turkish friend:)

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The best part of İstanbul is i think foods. Because there are many options with very few prices. You should visit a local bazaar. There are many fresh and cheap vegetables, fruits, clothes and more. I like cooking international so i usually buy vegetables from bazaars(they are really good) or markets and cook myself but there are some apps that you can see photos, location, comments and menu of the restaurants/cafes.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

I don't like European side. Its too crowded and i think more dangerous. Ah always keep your staffs with you, be careful. Asian side is quite calm and places, people are better. Especially Kadıköy is my favorite. But i also like the seaside from Kadıköy to Maltepe. They are also good.

Is it good to eat out in Istanbul? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is, around Bebek and Teşvikiye there are many good places but i think Kadıköy is also very good and more budget friendly.

Is the nightlife good in Istanbul? Where is good to go?

I don't like İstanbul's night life. Alcohol is expensive and cheap places usually full with men and they are generally not so nice. Other options are too expensive for me, i might not be the right person to answer that question but i don't like it.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Be careful and always search well, try to talk with turkish students because they might not talk with you due to they can be shy to speak english but seriously you will notice turkish people are very friendly, sometimes too friendly:)