Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by ismail

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

Multicultural people from middle east and west. A geographical and cultural bridge between Asia and Europa.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

There are very different cultural student groups. There are very wet oriented liberal students. Religious islamic groups. Conservative groups. Some of the students from opposite groups have also good relationships, but some of them have could judge each-other because of their live styles.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

At least 750 USD per mount.

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

University dormitories. I don't recommend to live western people in conservative districts. Taksim, Kadıkoy, Besiktas, Kiziltoprak, Bostanci are some of recommended districts which are not conservative.

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

Different kind of kebabs, vegetable cooked with olive oil, etc.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Taksim is the best place for western students. There also some bars in Kadikoy.

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

For students it is cheap to eat tantuni, (a kind of meat) Also fish (Norway makrelle) with bread on the street could be bought for a few dollars.

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

Taksim. Possible to find live music bands from all over the world.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

It is good to participate student activity groups like mountaineering, sailing, caving etc. You can get a lot of friends and at the same time very cheap possibilities to travel with closed groups from Turkey.