<p>I posted on the study-abroad forum, but there just not much activity there - so let me ask you wonderful parents! DD will be attending university post-grad in Istanbul for a semester or a year. She may have housing near campus, but may not. Who’s been to Istanbul? What’s good to see and eat? Anyone knowledgeable about student housing or homestays or cheap places to stay? DD is still in another country without much internet time, so I’m having fun scouting out stuff for her… 
She will be on the European-side.</p>
<p>I don’t have knowledge aside from the typical tourist stuff, but one thing your daughter might want to think about is the clothes she brings. While there are Turkish women in shorts and t-shirts, I remember most women covering their arms and legs completely or wear jilbab. The majority of women wear headscarves and it is not uncommon to see women with their faces covered. Given all this, I’d recommend that your daughter stock up on long sleeved shirts, longer skirts, non-skintight/belly bearing/etc. pants and other items that allow her to be herself while still being respectful.</p>
<p>I found the Istanbul forum on tripadvisor.com to be incredibly useful when I planned my trip and you might enjoy exploring that site.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t agree with AdmissionAddict. That is the common misconception about the city, but in fact no body cares about what you wear in Istanbul, especially on the European side. I know the city pretty well. For housing, I guess school campuses would be the best place to stay for her. Renting an apartment wouldn’t be very wise, price + traffic.
There are several blogs by American Study-abroad students from Istanbul, you can some real experience through those blogs. I will post them here if I can find it. here is a nice site, [Istanbul</a> City Guide | istanbul.com](<a href=“http://english.istanbul.com/]Istanbul”>http://english.istanbul.com/).</p>
<p>Btw, just to remind you, she may have a quite hard time keeping up with her courses, beacuse State school in Istanbul are not easy.</p>
<p>AdmissionAddict-- there are almost zero women who cover themselves completely in Turkey. Remember Turkey is a moderate secular county founded on the principles of Ataturk, and there is a huge debate going on currently whether women should be <em>allowed</em> to wear a head scarf at public universities-- currently it is forbidden under the law.</p>
<p>Anxiousmom, I can tell you that your daughter will probably have a great time and learn a huge amount in Istanbul. It is Europe’s third largest city, and has just incredible varied neighborhoods rich in history and culture. We’ve visited there every summer for the past 15 years and really enjoy it.</p>
<p>And definitely, Turkish universities are nicely challenging, and many Turkish students take their education very seriously. It is certainly not a “party” atmosphere at most schools.</p>
<p>Let us know if you have specific questions; I’d love to help.</p>
<p>I’ve never been, however, two of my close friends have just returned from Turkey and both visited Istanbul (different trips). They loved it, enjoyed the Turkish people and would go back. I’m sure your D will have a marvelous time!</p>
<p>I was in Istanbul 3 years ago…did not see one single person with a hijab…except one tourist couple staying at our hotel; they would have been from Saudi, Kuwait or the UAE. Certainly not Turkey. People were wearing what we were wearing.</p>
<p>I’ve been in Istanbul (and Kusadasi) last May, and I liked it. My D loved bargaining at the Great Bazaar and the Egyptian bazaar. 99% of its people are Muslim but there are very different from the rest of the Islamic World, you can wear what it’s more comfortable to you and no one will care except if you are going to the mesquite (women must cover their knees, but no their heads.) I saw just two girls in burkas and they were from Iran as our friend told us after talking with them.
I prefer Greek food over Turkish but I liked the rice pudding, the “mystery meat” as my D called it (the one on the sticks) and the sesame breads and pretzels. The apple tea was very good.
I wouldn’t live there, too many people!</p>
<p>I was in Istantbul a few months back on business and enjoyed it. Unfortunately most of what I saw was the inside of an office building, but I did have a brief chance for some sightseeing before catching the return flight and it was an amazing location… as they say, its literally where east meets west.</p>