Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Istanbul
Here are some pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Turkish city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Istanbul
- Istanbul has numerous universities spread across different areas of the city, making it easy to find a shared flat in a convenient location with good access to popular entertainment spots. Some of the best neighbourhoods are Kadıköy, Beyoğlu, and Taksim.
- If you have a Turkish flatmate, make the most of this opportunity to experience unique moments and learn more about the local culture and language.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Istanbul
- In some cases, utility bills are not included in the rent, and these can be high, especially in the winter months when heating is necessary.
Erasmus Apps for your exchange programme in Istanbul
To simplify your exchange process to Istanbul, download one of the Erasmus+ apps. These apps provide useful information about exchange procedures and life in the city. For example, try to choose a flat close to your university to avoid the hassle of using public transport extensively. While public transport in Istanbul is efficient, using it extensively every day can become tedious.
How to meet people in Istanbul
Besides sharing moments with your flatmates, here are some ways to meet people in Istanbul:
Student associations in Istanbul
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) has chapters at several universities in Istanbul. You can join ESN Kadir Has at Kadir Has University or the ESN Istanbul at Istanbul University. These groups often organise joint activities and excursions, giving you the chance to meet students from various universities.
Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Istanbul
There are many Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Istanbul. Some are divided by academic year, while others are specific to different ESN chapters. These groups post calendars of activities, such as beer pong tournaments, trips to places like Cappadocia and Bursa Uludağ, themed parties, and bar nights.
Whatsapp groups for Erasmus students in Istanbul
Look for links to WhatsApp or other messaging service groups. Join these groups to connect with other students before you even arrive in the city. This can help you find people with similar interests to explore the city together.
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Istanbul
Here are some helpful tips for living in Istanbul:
- One of the first things you should do is get an Istanbulkart, a special transport card for students that offers discounts on public transport.
- Istanbul is a multicultural city with numerous festivals. Take advantage of events like the Istanbul Art and Culture Festival and the International Film Festival during your exchange.