Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Nadin

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

Visiting Istanbul would be one of the best experiences in one's life with all the history and fashion and nightlife but I wouldn't recommend living in Istanbul, actually generally in Turkey, especially if you are used to higher standards from your home country.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

Personally I am not like many of the students here. I follow the classes and try not missing and studying occasionally but most of the students get the notes from the students like me and study one night before the exam. They usually live with their parents if they are from Istanbul, others live in a shared apartment or in a dorm. We go out every weekend to Taksim which is the number one student nightout place and there are many bars for everyone.

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

It depends on how much money you're planning to spend on rent. Usually the rents are very high and where the rents are low the neighborhood is not that safe so I think that can cause a little problem.

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

Turkish food (what I mean is kebab, turkish pizza, etc. ) is tasty and different for foreigners but you shouldn't eat them like everyday cause there is too much fat. I like vegetables like leek, peas, etc.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

I don't want to say the classic places like the Grand Bazaar because you know you have to visit those places if you're coming to Turkey. But if you want more special places you should visit Pierre Loti, The Princes' Islands, The Galata Tower (and the cafes around there are fantastic), Istanbul Modern (which is a nice gallery with lots of collections), Karakoy (this is a neighborhood where there are fancy cafes) and on the asian side you should visit The Bagdat Street and Caddebostan (which is also a neighborhood with a nice view and nice green areas).

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

I already mentioned that on the question above but you can eat in Taksim, Bebek, Kurucesme, Karakoy and Ortakoy (You should try Kumpir there).

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

Students usually go to Taksim and it's always fun and there are many parties for erasmus students in Taksim. You can follow on facebook or couchsurfing.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

You should have a plan to visit Istanbul and have to know where to go before you come because there's so much to do and you shouldn't miss one.

HAVE FUN!