Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Enes

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

Istanbul is only city that had built on two continents in world.There are several difference between two sides.Europe side is known as a place that sun never goes down:) Every touristic places (Blue Mosque,Hagia Sophia,Yerebatan Cistern,Topkapı Palace etc.)are in Europe side.Asia side has somethings as well but it's not livable(expect Kadıköy:D) like Europe side.You should definitely see Beyoğlu,Kadıköy,Beşiktaş.Istanbul is also known as crowded city.That's pretty much true (especially at mornings and evenings).You will get used to crowd eventually,don't worry :).And finally there are Prince Islands(Büyükada,Burgazada,Kınalıada etc.)that you can go with one ferry at weekends :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

I think it's pretty much same like everywhere else.Students usually rent a apartment and struggle with actual misery JK :D Crowd and time you're wasting on traffic might be things that bothers you.It depends how much time you spend at school to which department you in.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

It's actually depends which part you are living in Istanbul.It can be changes 1000₺(250 Euro) to 2000₺(450 Euro) included rent,essential requirements and transportation expenses.In Turkey,everything can be handle with bargaining so dont forget the fact that first stated price can decreased if you would start bargain :D

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

It can be hard for a student to find cheap rent if you are coming at Spring semester.Some local students open their home to rent a room.Also,to be honest,Turkish people usually don't know English,you can experience some communication troubles with landlords.It's useful to get a Turkish friend who can take care for you :D Besides this,choose wisely where you live,it might be not like you saw on online.

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

Firstly we have all global fastfood chain's restaurant in every state so you won't be hungry if you don't like local foods :D Usually Turkish food isn't spicy,much more oily.My favorites are 'Muhlama','Adana Kebap','Şalgam'and 'Yaprak sarma'.There are local restaurants you can eat everywhere.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

You can look up museums and historical places(mentioned a few in first question) from Google,have never been a museum person :D You should go to Galata Tower in Galata -of course-(There're city rumours about who you climb up together,that person gonna be your partner in future:D ),Maiden's tower in the middle of bosphorus to have dinner,Pierre Loti in Eyüp to ride roapway and see view of Golden Horn with some tea :) and finally Çamlıca groves,Belgrad forest(Atatürk's Arboretum),Aydos forest,Yıldız Park.In Kadıköy,there are some places worth to see which waiting for to discover:D

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

Yes,street food culture is really popular in Turkey.You can see peddlers who sells Rice Pilaf with Chick Peas or spit meatball(not a thing with hygiene).Also some places nearby Bosphorus are good to eat.

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

Hell yeah:D! Like i said at first question.Sun never goes down!.Some can say 'Turkey has a different understanding of clubbing'.Yeah that's true sort of.There are places called 'Pavyon' (basically old-fashioned strip club).If you get invited to one of them,i suggest to dont go unless you get used to culture :D But most of students prefer normal clubs in Kadıköy(Eskici,Dorock),Taksim and Beşiktaş (That's three states you should definitely go for party)

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

People are helpful and eager to talk with foreigners(sometimes not into kind ways).If you ask something to someone,-even that person doesnt know English-he/she probably will find for who know ,to help.Maybe local sellers may get advantage from your lack of thing's price knowledge,so dont be naive to believe what they say at first:D In some states it might be dangerous to walk on streets at nights(Beyazıt,Şirinevler,Aksaray etc.) but where the nightlife exists,this danger disappears.If you have any questions you could DM me.Have fun while you can ;)