Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Merve

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

City is really beautiful and there is tooo many places to see both historical and natural. But it can be hard sometimes live with crowded transportation vehicles especially the period 7-9 am and 5-8 pm. Other hours are relax.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

It is good because for an European student city is really cheap. Also there is qualified libraries like Salt Galata, Taksim Atatürk Kütüphanesi and so on. There is also many museums mosques and churchs which give the chance see the history alive.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Accommodation for a student at most expensive places are around 400 euro. If you live with roommates or in aparts it costs around 150-200 euro. If you eat two times in a day at most expensive places it will take around 20-30 euro for you. But you will not need this because Turkey is a street food heaven. If you like them it will cost at max 5-8 euro for a day for you. Transportation system for students are different you can buy 200 pass for 80 liras( aroun 24 euro) and it is enough for a month. I can say you can buy a life in Istanbul which is comfortable at max 500-550 euro.

Ps: there is also museum card which is for one year around whole country and it costs aroun 15 euro for students.

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

For Turk students it is not but there can be problem about language. There is places for foreign student in Kadikoy, Taksim, Besiktas, Atakoy, Sisli.

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

Except kebabs i can say çiğ köfte, iskender, poğaça, simit; these are the cheap street foods for everyday life.
There is also places like restaurant we call them lokanta which makes cultural home foods and cheap. Most famous one is Balkan Lokantasi

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

There is too many i cannot count one by one. But you can contact me to give advice.

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

I already said..

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

I do not have night life but if you have you should go to Taksim Besiktas or Kadikoy. Except them you cannot find. Maybe just Erasmus parties which organized by universities as extra

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Be careful about when you go out at night, choose trustable ways and public transportation. And when you need help choose young people usually they know english enough to help you. Some olders can know but it is not often situation.