Here is the move almost every smart exchange student makes: land in Istanbul, check into a social hostel for a week or two, make your first friends over breakfast on a rooftop, and hunt for a flat from there. It takes the pressure off your arrival, and it usually costs less than a rushed apartment decision. Istanbul has over 100 registered hostels; these are the ones exchange students keep recommending to each other.
Why Beyoglu is the right base
For students, location beats everything. You want to walk home after a night out, reach the metro in minutes and be surrounded by cheap food. Beyoglu, the district around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, is exactly that: central, connected to every metro line that matters, and wall to wall with cafes, bars and other students. Dorm beds here run roughly 10-15 dollars a night, with the lowest prices in February and March.
The hostels students love
Cheers Hostel.
The classic social pick, and it earns the reputation year after year. There is a cosy common room, an outdoor terrace and a bar with proper city views, plus organised walking tours, party nights, pub crawls and even yacht trips. The dorm beds are among the most comfortable in the city, each with a reading light and power outlet, and linens and lockers are free. Location: Sahkulu, Beyoglu, a few minutes from Galata Tower.
The Central House Istanbul Taksim.
Set in a completely renovated historic building just off Istiklal, it feels more boutique than backpacker. The draw is the huge rooftop terrace with sweeping city and sea views, where the included Turkish breakfast alone justifies the booking. Guests rave about the weekly pub crawls as the easiest way into Istanbul's nightlife. Location: just off Istiklal Caddesi, Beyoglu, 10 minutes walk to Taksim Square.
Stay Inn Taksim.
The budget workhorse: simple, sociable and impossible to beat on location for the price. Taksim Square and Istiklal are within easy walking distance, there is a rooftop terrace for evenings, and the well travelled staff hand out genuinely useful advice on the city. Fair warning: there are stairs, and plenty of them. Location: central Taksim, Beyoglu, about 12 minutes walk from Taksim metro station.
Hostel Nelly.
A small, friendly Beyoglu hostel that wins people over with warmth rather than size. The staff are flexible and helpful, the location keeps you close to both Taksim and Galata, and yes, there are resident cats roaming the building. Good fit if you want somewhere social but calmer than the big party hostels. Location: Beyoglu, 13 minutes walk from Taksim metro, 17 minutes from Galata Tower.
YOLO Hostel.
Sits across the water in Kadikoy, the Asian side neighbourhood where Istanbul actually lives. Expect clean, comfy rooms, a lovely common room, cheap laundry and a street full of cafes outside the door. Ideal for a quieter semester or for students whose campus is on the Asian side. Location: Kadikoy, near Moda, 25 minutes ferry to Eminonu or Karakoy.
Your first two weeks: hostel to flat
Book 7-14 nights in a hostel and start the flat hunt on day one. Erasmus students typically share apartments, with rooms and studios starting around 120-260 euros per month depending on the area, while private rooms in student residences average 400-450 euros.
Check Erasmus Play, university housing boards and the Facebook and WhatsApp groups your ESN chapter will point you to. View flats in person, confirm which bills are included, and never send a deposit before you have seen the room. Two weeks is usually plenty.
Before booking, check four things: maximum stay limits (some hostels cap long stays), female only dorm availability, lockers big enough for a laptop, and whether breakfast is included. Booking direct or messaging the hostel on Instagram sometimes gets a better weekly rate than the booking platforms.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best area for Erasmus students to stay?
Beyoglu (Taksim and Istiklal) for nightlife and central transport, or Kadikoy on the Asian side for a calmer, more local and affordable base. If you can, pick the side of the city your campus is on; commuting across the Bosphorus every day gets tiring.
Hostel or apartment for a whole semester?
Hostels are ideal for your first two weeks and for meeting people, but for a full semester a shared flat works out cheaper and gives you your own space. Rooms start around 120-260 euros per month depending on area.
How much does a hostel in Istanbul cost?
Expect about 10-15 dollars for a dorm bed and more for a private room. March is the cheapest month; prices climb through summer and peak in August.
Are Istanbul hostels safe for solo travellers?
The established hostels are well run, with electronic door systems, lockers and 24-hour reception at most. Female only dorms are widely available; filter for them when booking if you prefer.