My Experience in Istanbul, Turkey - by Laura

What´s the student life like in Istanbul?

It depends on the area. Above all, the students areas are Besiktas and Kadiköy, and also around Taksim. Beyond these areas, there isn´t much of a student atmosphere.

Would you recommend the city and University of Istanbul to other students?

I would definitely recommend the city, above all for Spaniards, since the cultural change is huge and often startling and strange, too. In Istanbul there are now twenty odd universities, but not all of them are good ones.

What´s the food like in Istanbul?

Very specialised, but there is a lot of it, so there is lots to try out.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Istanbul?

It was quite hard finding somewhere as an Erasmus student, because there isn´t that much accommodation available and what is available is very expensive. Normally, flats shared between seven people and including sharing a room still cost getting on for 300-350 euros per month.

How expensive is everyday life in Istanbul?

All the savings you make on food and everyday products you end up spending on alcohol...!

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

At the start, Turkish seemed impossible to me. I signed up for a class at the university but I didn´t learn very much. The majority of what I´ve learned has been either of my own accord or from my flatmates, who are all Turkish girls.

What´s the cheapest way of getting to Istanbul from your home city?

From Santiago, there´s a direct flight with Turkish Airlines.

What are the best places for partying in Istanbul?

Most people go to the local bars and clubs around the Istiklal area, but there are also some interesting places in Besiktas.

What about eating out in Istanbul? What are your favourite places?

The touristy places are for me nowhere near the best. As a general rule, any dump which looks like it hasn´t been decorated for at LEAST thirty years will have the best Turkish food you´ve ever had!

What does Istanbul have to offer in terms of culture?

Obviously the main places are Sultanahmet and Eminönü (Süleymaniye and the new mosque), and are very impressive: this is also where you´ll find most of the tourists. There´s also the Palacio de Dolmabahçe, perfect if you like European-style royal palaces.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Istanbul?

Don´t be tempted to give up if the city seems large at first. If you have to catch the metro or bus to get to uni, good luck with that! You´ll definitely have the time of your life.