Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Gaye

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

Istanbul is a big and complex city. Some parts are really interesting some parts are just sad and not safe. So if you have enough money you can enjoy the city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

In Istanbul a lot of places for students. I think it mostly fun to be a student in Istanbul. But Training Opportunities are not good. You can make a research hardly. Some websites Forbidden. So you can't reach everything.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Istanbul is really expensive city about accommodation. You can find a room in good area around 1000tl. And if you want a home without furniture you can maybe find 1500tl 2+1 apartment. Transportation for student costs less. You have to take your student transportation card. You can use a month for 70tl. and eating if you eat outside it would cost 30-40tl/day. There is some cheaper places. Still it would be 20tl/day minimum. So you can buy from market or pazar. I think it would cost 300-400tl per month. Alcohol is not cheap here. You can take a beer in a bar min. 10tl.

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

It is kind of hard to find accommodation. I would check all student groups and write there. And there is some websites like Erasmusu. I would also try to make a Turkish friend to help.

Source

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

It mostly with meat and chicken. But also there is a lot of vegetable stuff. I think Turkish foods are delicious. My favourite food is mantı. If you eat meat.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

There are classic places to go. Like Ayasofya, Sultanahmet for historical places. Ortaköy for nice wiew. Taksim for going clubs or bars. But for me kadıköy is the best of Istanbul.

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

Yes there is a lot of home made restaurant. I like to go balkan lokantası. In taksim and Beşiktaş.

Source

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

I think there is a lot of clubs and bars to go. In taksim mostly. But i like kadıköy. You can sit on the sea side and drink what you want to eat what you want. Kadıköy moda.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Take care of your visa in your home country.