Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Elif

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

Alive! If you are incoming students to Istanbul you should get `monthly akbil`, which is a card to give you free transportation for 77 Lira. It valid for 1 months so you have to load it every month. ( all of tramway, metro, bus, metrobus, funicular and boat)

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

It is not difficult to find accommodation in Istanbul. http://www.sahibinden.com/kiralik-daire this website is useful to find renting.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Galata, Karakoy, Taksim, Sultanahmet, Eminonu.

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

Yeah. If you are looking for cheap but tasty places you can go Tramway Cafe (in Taksim) or Yemek Kulubu (in Taksim) two persons price is 25 tl. If you are looking for a luxury place you should go Beymen Brasserie (in Nisantasi). I can tell that i haven't eaten much more delicious meat before. You can go Smyrna or Rose Marine Cafe (both of in Cihangir) they are good to drink coffee or eat something.

Source

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

Yes, Istanbul nightlife is quite good. Babylon, Hayal Kahvesi Beyoglu, Bronx these places doing live music which are really good. You can go Peyote or Kloster if you want dance. And Tektekci is `small bar` that you will taste most delicious shots ever! All of them are in Taksim.

Source

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Girls be careful about nightlife in Istanbul, some people will want to follow you or snipe you, if you are in this situation enter a cafe or wherever you find and don't leave without they are leave. And girls again be careful about taxis at night. You should find a 'stop taxi' which are attached to a station, they are more safety than the others. Last advice for all of you; if you take a taxi you behave like you know the road, you know where do you go. Some taxi drivers ravel the road just because they want to earn more money. Be careful! Have fun.