Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Pınar

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

If you think of living in Istanbul as a student, I highly recommend it. You may have some doubts about Istanbul, Turkey but actually, it is safe to live. Because we Turks are really calm and hospitable. Even a person who can not speak your language tries really hard to help you. There are 2 sides of the city, European and Asian. Both of them have improved transportation networks.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

If you do some research before you come, you can find interesting events. (concerts, museums, parties, exhibitions... ) As a student, after school, I meet my friends to hang out. At the weekends, I make plans to visit countless beauties of Istanbul. I live here since I was born and I have not seen all the "must see places" yet. They are really limitless...

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

You may not have too much money to live here. At school, my lunch costs me about 10 tl per day (which is very expensive in comparison with other universities). Price of the transportation vehicles' ticket for a student is about 1. 5 tl (round trip ticket= 3 tl). Living in a safe place (dorms or apartments) average costs 1000 tl, monthly.

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

Istanbul is a very big city so I need to know which town in Istanbul for advice. But I can say that there are lots of dorms and parts for students. I have some Erasmus friends who live in their own apartments for affordable prices.

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

Foods in Istanbul are AMAZING. Foods are holy for us, so we pay attention to flavour and cleanliness. You can find limitless options and price range to have a meal. My favourite flavours are street foods (including stuffed&fried mussels, bagel, sandwiches, meat on a stick, steamed burger, kokorec, kumru, cigkofte... )

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What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

I am kind of obsessed with museums. You MUST visit -Istanbul Modern (art museum)

• Sabancı Museum
• Rahmi Koç Museum
• Pera Museum...

These museums have "enter free" days. If you visit their websites, you can find the days.

Other museums, palaces, towers, mosques, churches, bridges, castles are waiting for you. You MUST also experience Turkish Bath!

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

If you are looking for a good place to eat out, you should pay attention to crowdedness. Most of the time, it is the right way to guess its quality. You MUST see these:

• Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi
• Ortaköy Kumpir
• Nevizade
• Güllüoğlu Baklava
• Tarihi İskender Kebapçısı
• Hacı Abdullah Lokantası
• İnci Profiterol...

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

Very good. Especially in Beyoğlu, Şişli and about Bosphorus you will find entertaining places where the people get sociable.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Don't hesitate to come Istanbul. I am sure that you will find Istanbul attractive! Maybe you don't want to go back.