Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Dana

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

I think right now Istanbul is my favorite city in the world. I have been here for 9 months and it has been an amazing experience. I definitely recommend it. The city is crowded and big. However not everyone around here speaks English so you might find a difficulty with that.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

I go to Bahcesehir University, which has many students from all over the world so you can pretty much find friends easily. There are many nice and quite places around the city where you can study and hangout.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

This differs from a person to another, but I would say a 800 TL per month.
As a student you get a discount for using public transportation, and you can get the monthly package which is 200 passes for 70 TL for all around the city.
As for accommodation if you live with other students you can find rooms for 400TL a month.
And for food 100-200 per months is enough I guess. (depends obviously on where you choose to eat).

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

Actually it is not difficult. You can ask your university to help you find flats, or check online on some websites or you may just ask your friends and they may be able to help you.

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

Turkish food is really good, I enjoy eating it. Tavuk Döner, iskender, homemade turkish food, manti..etc. If you're a fan of fast food you can find McDonald's, Birger King… etc. The food is clean and the service is good and isn't that expensive.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

You should definitely visit the historical places of the city like Sultan Ahmet, Aya Sofia, Dolmabahce sarayi, Beylerbey sarayi, Yeldez saray, mecidiye cami.. etc. if you're into more quite places and good view you should go to Eyyub Sultan or bebek. Kadikoy, bostanci sahili, buyuk ada are all nice places that you should check out.

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

It is good and as a student you need to eat out most of the time. Mostly I would choose somewhere in Besiktas since my campus is there. Beiber Burger is my favorite place for burgers, Food Station is my favorite for pizza, Kantik is my favorite for tavuk doner, Balkan is my favorite for homemade food. And all these places are located in Besiktas.

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

Night life is amazing here. So many parties organized regularly. The most famous clubs are in Taksim. And it's safe to go with your friends and just party all night long!

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Try to learn Turkish, Enjoy the city and make good friends!