Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Deniz

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

I guess, Istanbul is the most amazing city! I born in Istanbul and also grew up in here. There are so many enjoyable things an entertainment activities almost every hour of day. I am
so lucky because of that.Unfortunately prices are able to change depending on side of İstanbul (low prices in not coast places- far away from bosphorus). I would recommend it absolutely. You won't be regret to come over here!

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

Student lifestyle is fine too. There are lot of options for breakfast,dinner,brunch,acommodation or anything else. You can pick whatver you want. Istanbul do not sleep! You can find whatever you need every hour. Taksim (you can use subway to reach there) is the most crowded and bustling location in Istanbul.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Changeable around 700-1000 turkish lira depending on your liife stardarts.

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

No it's not. Istanbul givng you many alternatives to you pick. Private acommodations are around 500-700 Turkish lira but every University offering dormitories for foreign students. It would be better to pick that one. Dorms are always clean and comfortable.

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

what a important question. Foods are really oily and spicy (I mean traditional ones) but you will be able to find almost every world kitchen cooks here. Chineese, russian, italian, french (in Taksim, you need to ask somebody to get there).

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Beauty is sleeping in bosphorus. You can visit Ortaköy (to go there, you have to get minibuses from taksim or by bus), absolutely Taksim , Kadıköy (across to bosphorus by steamship. Karakoy (here you can eat most delicious fish meals ever), also ask your new friends to bring you to more interesting places that now I didn't remember yet. Contrary to popular belief, Turkish people are so friendly! trust me .

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

My favorite spot in İstanbul Kitchenette , cooks are light and kitchenette got hearty foods.
It is really hard to find tasteless foods in İstanbul. Turkish people really care about their stomach :)

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

Like a bomb. You can go to Taksim as I mentioned before. There are so many bars,lounges and parties. By using subway, u can go to Curcuna(Şişhane station) , Fabrika( taksim station in istiklal street) .This is the best shot bar in Taksim. Almost every week me and my friends go that place. You can go Reina somehow prices are too high in there (because located in coast of bosphorus- Bebek ).Kanyon (by subway you have to go Levent. but pay attention,not 4. levent! just Levent.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Istanbul got everything you want and need! Just have fun and discover in traditional atmosphere of Istanbul!