Living
Compared to Western European countries living expenses are reasonable in Istanbul taking into account that the cost of living depends partly on your own spending habits. As demonstrated below, 300-400 Euros per month on average is sufficient for a student to cover his/her living expenses.
| Expenses (Approximate, Monthly) | Min. - Max.(TL) | Min. - Max.(Euro) |
| Private Accommodation (Flats) | 300 TL - 800 TL | 150 - 350 |
| Student Houses | 200 TL - 500 TL | 125 - 250 |
| Food | 100 TL - 200 TL | 90 - 225 |
| Transportation | 150 TL - 300 TL | 50 - 90 |
| Course Meterials | 600 TL - 1.500 TL | 20 - 75 |
| Various | 6.000 TL - 15.000 TL | 75 - 125 |
| Total for 1 month | 4.375 TL – 8.750 TL | 285 - 865 |
| Total for 10 monht | 10.500 TL - 20.400 TL | 2.850 - 8.650 |
Transportation
There are various forms of public transport available in Istanbul including buses, metrobuses, trams, funiculars, nostalgic trams and ferries. Tickets can be purchased at stands next to every station for an average price of 2 Euro roundtrip. Weekly and monthly passes are also available at discount prices for students. Buses, trams and metro run until midnight and you can travel by metrobus or dolmuş/taxis 24 hours a day. Apart from these, Istanbul Arel University provides its students with free shuttle service to both Sefaköy and Tepekent Campuses. Services to Tepekent campus depart opposite of the Tüyap Istanbul Center.
Accomodation
Besides the University’s student housing, state dorms are available for students. Another option, is for students to rent a house or flat together or individualy.
Food
When it comes to food, there are many excellent and convenient options in İstanbul. Both Sefaköy and Tepekent Campuses offer quality food choices at reasonable prices. The cafes and restaurants around the campuses are also an alternative for dining.
