Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by M Faruk

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

Istanbul is most crowded city among Tr cities, there is lots of place to visit, travel. Most of them like ancient (Sultanahmet), Square (Istiklal street), See side almost more than 10-15 town (Usküdar, Eminönü,Sarıyer, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy plus more...) this city like collect with numerous city town, lets say you choose this city as a foreign student i guarantee you against sometimes you would not decide where you really would like to go forwhy various places.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

its up to you, your social life style.
Firstly, if you are party boy/girl there is only a number of erasmus or kinda party like that it can be nice but no more, when we compare UK or over Europe parties its only 3-6 point on ten (changeable up to place which u will ve chosen)
Secondly, Hardworking student, you can find a lot of suitable zone to study and attend or create a group for improving skills like lessons, sportive activity, etc.
Thirdly, Ordinary student, i was born in istanbul and grown up here as well also i can clearly say you that i didnt even go some famous place in istanbul so that you would across lots of activity which is more enjoyable than you think.
Finally istanbul is consist of two diffirent part which is connected by bosphorus bridge and great numbers of oppurtinity for travel. its useful that to use smart card (called istanbul card) which is valid each way like (tram, subway, bus, ferry, finicular and more), it also benefit that when you use this card for second transport you get automatically discount.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

i can not say anything about it, we are student thereof stretch your arm no further than your sleeve will reach. i try to help you
transport: with smart card as i wrote you before cost about 70 Turkish Liras per month.
food: with student card each time 1 Turkish Liras and You can use it at most twice in a day.
accommodation: its wide range in accordance with your flat from 600 to 1000+ Turkish Liras, you have more oppurtunity like hall of residence , for further information please check web sites especially here also you cand find someone else using other websites (Check and like ;) University Facebook pages)

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

Yes, But Turkey population has a lot of young and open minded person you can deal them like flatmate, roommate please more question to ask me write here or facebook

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

it is enough to say ...Delicious... you would discover what palate really works ;)

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Fatih, Eminönü, Sultanahmet, Beyazıt, Aksaray, Beyoğlu, Etiler, Sarıyer, Ortaköy, Kadıköy, Beykoz, Bakırköy, Mecidiyeköy, Şişli, Osmanbey, Nişantaşı and more 20++

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

Sure, but you must eat famous place cause some place very cheap and unhealty,
My favourite sport is Body styling but its good to use see side for running, here has a number of swimming pool also all university has a special zone for Sportive activity like basketball, volleyball, football, Fitness center

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

yes, it is fascinating except parties. i think the best choice for night that special waterpipe places or quality pubs

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

u ll welcome, here is peacefull and safe city.
İf you have specific question pls dont hesitate to contact me ;)