Why You Should Visit Istanbul | ERASMUS Experience

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

The Ottoman history. That's the first thing that makes me so inspired to be here since years back which I am so amazed with the leadership qualities and all things about Mehmet The Conquerer.

Since then, I started to explore what Constantinople is all about until I explore how awesome Istanbul is panoramically, geographically, historically and everything. I am so grateful and blessed to be destined to be here!

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

For 1 semester. That's the period I applied for. And for that, I received around 7500TL from the sponsor covering accommodation, food, flight tickets, education, etc.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

Unfortunately, since I don't really know Turkish and my classmates don't really know English, so we don't really mingle with each other. Except for some of them who know English and my native language.

However, being a student here has some advantages. For instance, you can get a Reduced Fare Istanbul Card (used for most of the public transportation) which is half the actual fare so that you can move around easily; and you can get Museum Card for student which only costs 20TL which can be used for free entrance for most of the famous tourist sites such as Ayasofya (normal entrance fee 40TL) and Topkapi Palace for how many times you like to visit.

If you are lucky, you can also get lower price for certain things by mentioning you're a student here.

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

Of course! Istanbul has such really nice scenery around its city and great history behind- the place which resided world great empires. It is located nicely in 2 continents of Asia and Europe which are divided by Bosphorus that connects Marmara and Black Sea.

Exploring the view and its history are among the most wonderful things in my life.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

My friends from Malaysian Students Association here help me a lot to find accommodation. And that's really makes my life easier to get an affordable rent house with awesome housemates house near the dream places of mine. Oh, that's really nice.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

I only spend around 1000TL monthly or a bit more. I should be really grateful for that since we (housemates) cook everyday at home, and that saves my money a lot, because most of my spending is for house rent and bills (accommodation) as well as the groceries (food). The rest is for transportation, travel, winter apparel, etc.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I think it depends on your effort. The more efforts you put to learn Turkish, the easier to get it. It isn't really hard I think. Some universities (like one of my Erasmus friend's university) offer the course, but not mine.

After all, I can say Turkish language is a need for you to survive here. Although you will take non-Turkish courses here, you need to know Turkish at least for communication. Unless, you have a translator (i.e Turkish friend) every time with you.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Istanbul from your city?

Absolutely by flight. Because it may take months if you use land or sea from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Istanbul?

I don't really go out at night, but seeing the sunset by Bosphorus or Golden Horn is really awesome which you'll never regret.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Blue Mosque, Fetih Mosque, Miniaturk, Suleymaniye Mosque, Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, Military Museum, Islamic Science & Technology Museum, Eyup, Uskudar, Fatih, etc.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Istanbul in the future?

1. Learn Turkish. I wish I have known earlier before I come here that learning this language is a must to travel here for communication purpose with the people- so that I have much time to learn it and explore more about the people and this country. It is good to note that language is the door to learn everything about its people.

2. Know its history. If you come with more knowledge about the history of Turkey, particularly Istanbul/Constantinople and history of the great empires that ever resided here, you will appreciate every single corner and time you spend here in Istanbul, since it has great history behind. You'll definitely feel that excitement when that knowledge you have about certain places, will bring you back to the past and feel the history alive.

3. Always find out things before doing something. Planning is also important. Search on the background of places before visiting, customs of the people in certain places, the way people do things, their lifestyle, precautions and etc. So that your life will be easier and safer.

4. Download Trafi app (with red icon). It is highly recommended to help you find out the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to travel to various places here. This app helps me a lot to explore Istanbul with exact direction and information most of the times.

http://www.trafi.com/

So, all the best for you! May your time spent in Istanbul give you great experiences and will change things for better.