Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Sena

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

It is a huge city. It is on both continent at the same time--Asia and Europe. It is so crowded. It is so vivid. If you want to live in it, you need to have that energy. You should catch up with the vibe.
It is also mix of cultures, different people from different races with different religions. It has ifferent food from different countries, and also the best local food from all around Turkey, magnificent food with authentic tastes, which you could never have the chance to taste in other countries.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

It is an ideal city for a student, except its being huge and complicated at the first time for a foreigner. Also, as we are getting through an economical crisis, the city is quite expensive for the Turkish people but it might be way cheaper for those whose native currency is Euro or Dollar, because of the conversion.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

A good, and relatively small flat for only one person, in a good location would start from 3000 TL. Which, again, is expensive for the Turkish but is only 450 Euro when converted.
The groceries, the clothes are also expensive for the local, expensive in Turkish Lira amount. But as I mentioned before, is ideal in Euro.

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

It is not difficult. We have lots of websites for it. Such as "sahibinden.com" "zingat" "hürriyet emlak" etc.

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

The food is a-ma-zing! My favorite dishes are including but not limited to, Iskender Kebab, İçli köfte, Baklava, Künefe. (These are from other cities of Turkey but you can find numerous places in İstanbul which are expert on these)

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Almost all the museums, Panorama 1453, Galata Tower and so on.

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

It is really good. I don't have favorite spots because I'm spot fluid :D One should try as much places as s/he can, instead of stuck in only one good place.

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

It is really good. There are lots of good night clubs in Beşiktaş, Taksim in European side. And also Kadıköy in Asian side.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Don't miss the opportunity!