Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Onur Can

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

It's the most crowded city in Turkey with 15 million people living in it so in the rush hours traffic is very bad,public transports are heavily overpopulated, but on the bright side,you can go anywhere using the public transport.There are certain advantages of being a student in İstanbul and if you are a history enthusiast you will be amazed how much of a historical places that you can go and explore.İstanbul is the only city that divides between two continents -Europe and Asia-. The asia part is less crowded and has more green areas whereas the europe part is mostly buildings.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

It's easy to be an University Student in İstanbul because there are lots of universities in it and the student population is pretty much compared to other cities, so that you can easily find discounts on the cafe's,mall's etc. Also students takes trips to the various places along İstanbul, you can join them in your universities, it will make it easier to explore istanbul in the First Place

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

It depends whether you will be staying in a dorm or you will rent an apartment. The apartments costs more than dorms and you also have to pay for the bills. Water and electricity doesnt cost so much if you use it properly but the rents are very high in the main areas of İstanbul.Food is not so expensive, there are certain markets that you can find cheap prices, so if you cook at home,it won't cost much.

I'd say it costs approximately 2500 Turkish Liras per month

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

There are lots of residances in İstanbul that you can easily rent a flat, they are more safer and secure. But i heavily suggest that students should ask their hosting Universities for the accommodation and listen to their advice as accommodation differs from place to place in İstanbul

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

There is a wide options of cuisines in İstanbul, you can easily find any cuisine of any country, I prefer Turkish foods, kebabs, or Turkish cuisine also i like to eat chinese food and i can find it literally everywhere in İstanbul, but i strongly suggest for the visitors to try some local foods, you can search for the Traditional Turkish Restaurants and ask for ''Yaprak Sarması'' ''Kuru Fasülye'' ''Mantı'' ''Biber Dolması'' ''Beyti Kebab'' and other traditional foods. If you are coming from Europe you can easily find and eat kebab in europe but its hard to find other foods that i recommended.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Istanbul is the crossroad of so many civilisations, Early Roman civ.,Byzantine,ottomans etc. You can see the buildings that influenced from Greek,Roman and Turkish architecture and also you can see the old İstanbul had influenced by Renaissance architecture. I strongly recommend the visitors to visit Kariye Museum, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque,Topkapı Palace,Istanbul Archeology museum,Balat Fener Rum patriarchy,Laleli, Emirgan, Beykoz, Otağıtepe (you can see the amazing bosphorus view) Beylerbeyi palace.
If you like night life you can go to Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, the cafes and pubs are cheap and great there.

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

As I stated, you can find any cuisine that you like. But check on the internet and read the comments before you go and eat somewhere.

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

I'm not a lifenight person but you can go to Beşiktaş and Kadıköy. Also Karaköy is good.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Learn about its history and look for the historical sightseeings before you came here, even if you are not a history enthusiast, this city hides so many stories of older generations and civilizations. You should explore and see İstanbul by yourself sometimes,so plan a trip the moment you come here.