Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Kübra

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

I was born in Istanbul and my whole life almost spent there. So as an Istanbulian i can say living in Istanbul is great because it is multicultural and meeting point of west and east cultures. You can have a breakfast with nice view take a little tour with friends and a good fish in Eminonu after all you can go to Taksim to party or you can take a ferry to have some fun in Asian side. Would i recommend it? Hell YEAH !

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

I am an student in Istanbul i also work in ESN Istanbul as a volunteer so what i experienced about student lifestyle is everybody become friends for a short time and have fun together. Because with Turkish students or international students there is always warm atmosphere.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Well.. it depends on location. But when i compare to many of european cities Istanbul is cheap. If you live in central like Beşiktaş, Taksim,Kadıköy its around 600-1000 Turkish lira.But if you live in local places its pretty cheap. There are many cheap places out also. Alcohol is quiet expensive but you can find cheap places in Taksim and Kadıköy surely. In total 2000 lira is enough per month i think :)

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

I dont think so because Istanbul is very big and there are flatshares in central places for students. And students also rent flats in local places with furniture but i recommend a flatshare in central especially Mecidiyeköy area is perfect for that.

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

Food... OMG. Turkish cuisine is mixed Ottoman, Arab and Persian so food is spicy and hot. My favorite is Iskender Kebab which is from Bursa. There are many options to eat, you can find Turkish foods and world cuisine everywhere. And i love Künefe which is from Antakya. I'm hungry now thats enough haha.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

There are many places to visit in Istanbul. Especially the historical peninsula which is located on Fatih. You can see many historical buildings there and tourists :) Süleymaniye mosque which is one of the mosques in this peninsula is my favorite. It's just amazing building which has amazing view. I also love Maiden Tower (Kız Kulesi) which is located on sea. You can go Asian side to drink some tea and chill :)

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

I usually eat out. There are many good places. I can recommend Balkan Lokantası, you can find this restaurant almost every central district. And Bambi Cafe has nice menus which is located in Taksim and many places. I recommend HD Iskender which you can find in many malls. Abbas waffle is the best! And you must eat Kumpir in Ortaköy!!!!!

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

Wohooo sure :) There are many Erasmus clubs which i hang out. Erasmus students prefer to go there and also turkish pop clubs.(Eski Beyrut, Beat,Eskici,Semerkant,Casette) If you like lux clubs i can recommend Sortie which is located side of Bosphorus.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Just enjoy the moment, they are going to have great friendships and great moments.. Erasmus is amazing experience in Istanbul. Its going be magical.. :)