Moving To Chandigarh? Here’s All You Need To Know About The City

Chandigarh, the capital of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, is not just a city; it's an experience. Often referred to as the ‘City Beautiful’, Chandigarh stands as a testament to urban planning and architectural excellence. Designed by the legendary architect Le Corbusier, this city is known for its planned layout, well-maintained infrastructure, and vibrant cultural scene.

For students, Chandigarh is not just a place to pursue education but a city that inculcates growth, learning, and a unique lifestyle. To shed light on what makes living in Chandigarh so special, Deepti Sinha, a final year undergraduate student at Chandigarh University shares her personal experience and opinions .

Economical And Upmarket Localities

Chandigarh is a planned city divided into 56 sectors. The upmarket localities of Chandigarh are sector - 5, 8 (also known as Mini Las Vegas), 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, and 33. These are the top posh areas where VIP and rich people reside. The average monthly rent of 1 BHK at these places is Rs 20,000.

On the other hand, the economical areas are sector 6, 7, 26, 34, 35, 41, 42, and 44 etc. The accommodation at these places for 1 BHK, 2 BHK and 3 BHK are Rs 8,000 - Rs 10,000, Rs 10,000 - Rs 12,500 and Rs 12,000 - Rs 15,000 respectively.

Students and those who live alone prefer living in PGs as they are economical and available in abundance all over Chandigarh, especially in sector 20, 21, 22 and 32. The monthly rent for a PG ranges from Rs 5,000 - 10,000 depending on the food, services and amenities that one opts for. It should be noted that sector 34 is an education hub full of coaching and education institutes.

Note: 1. All the rates mentioned above do not include electricity, water, and other miscellaneous expenses except for PGs.

2. At most of the places, landlords ask renters to deposit a sum equal to 2-5 months’ rent as security deposit.

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Expenditure On Food

Food is not very costly here. If you cook by yourself, it won’t cost you more than Rs 2,000 per person in a month. A lot of students and working professionals living alone opt for tiffin services which range from Rs 2,500 - 3,500 per month.

Travelling Expenses

With an efficient, well-connected, and affordable public transportation system, it’s easy to travel here and there in the city. People prefer using bike taxis a lot. The monthly expenses on travelling costs around Rs 500 - 800 unless one travels very frequently and uses cabs.

Tourist Attractions and Shopping Places

Some of the most visited tourist attractions of Chandigarh are The Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, and the ISKCON Temple.

For shopping, people prefer going to places like Palika Bazaar, Shastri Market, Patel Market, Rehari Market, Sadar Bazaar, and Furniture Market.

Other expenses

A student’s other expenses may include expenses on weekend hangouts, outings, going for movies, mobile recharge, medicines, and shopping etc. On an average, a student spends around Rs 2,500 per month on these.

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Food

One cannot talk about Chandigarh without mentioning its diverse and delectable food. The city is a food lover's paradise. The famous street foods of Chandigarh are usual chaat specialities, typical north Indian dishes like dal makhni, makki-di roti, missi roti, baingan bharta, sarso da saag, kadi chawal, rajma chhole etc, along with countless mouthwatering dishes for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

People and Culture

People from various states of India live in Chandigarh. They are friendly and mostly fun loving people. The main languages used here are Hindi and Punjabi. The diversity is reflected in the city's festivals, food, and art scenes. Students get the opportunity to experience and appreciate different traditions and cuisines, adding a rich cultural layer to their lives. The city hosts numerous events, exhibitions, and cultural festivals that cater to the interests of a dynamic student population. Additionally, Chandigarh consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life in India. The city's green spaces, well-maintained infrastructure, and emphasis on cleanliness contribute to its reputation as a comfortable and livable city.

Top Educational Institutions

Chandigarh boasts of some of the best educational institutions in the country, making it a magnet for students from all over India. From the prestigious Panjab University to top engineering and management colleges, the city provides a diverse range of academic options. The academic environment in Chandigarh is known for its quality education, experienced faculty, and a wide array of courses, attracting students across disciplines.

Some of the prominent educational institutions in Chandigarh include Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), LM Thapar School of Management (LMTSM), Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition (IHM), Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (CIHMCT), Mehr Chand Mahajan Dayanand Anglo Vedic College for Women (MCM DAV), Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Morph Academy, and National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR).

In conclusion, living in Chandigarh as a student is an experience that goes beyond academics. The city offers a perfect blend of education, culture, and lifestyle that contributes significantly to a student's personal and academic growth. From the vibrant atmosphere of its educational institutions to the serene beauty of its gardens and lakes, Chandigarh truly stands out as a student's paradise.

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