Join Vaibhav Kumar as he takes you on a captivating journey through Ahmedabad, the textile hub and home to some of the top universities and colleges of India. In this immersive guide, discover what makes Ahmedabad a preferred destination for students.
Join Vaibhav Kumar as he takes you on a captivating journey through Ahmedabad, the textile hub and home to some of the top universities and colleges of India. In this immersive guide, discover what makes Ahmedabad a preferred destination for students.
What does being a student in Ahmedabad entail? A city known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, offers a unique set of experiences. From finding the right accommodation to managing expenses on food, transportation and exploring the city's tourist attractions, students face a range of considerations that impact their daily lives. Let us find out what this city nicknamed as the “Manchester of India” offers to students.
Vaibhav Kumar, a second-year undergraduate student at St. Xavier's College in Ahmedabad, shares the realities of living in this bustling city from a student's point of view. With a focus on Ahmedabad's rent, expenditure on food, transportation, tourist attractions, local cuisine, cultural vibrancy, college life and many others, this article aims to provide valuable insights into the true cost of living in Ahmedabad.
There are several affordable areas in Ahmedabad like - Mani Nagar, Gota, Gurukul, ChandKheda, Bopal, Anjali and Thaltej. For a decent 1 BHK flat here, the rent is in the range of Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000, while a 2 BHK flat would cost around Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000. Additional charges for water, electricity, and maintenance apply.
In contrast, the upmarket localities of Ahmedabad, such as Ambawadi, Naroda, Bhat, Ambli and Gandhinagar etc., have a higher minimum rent starting from Rs 16,000 per month. Please note that maintenance and other additional charges vary depending on the location and society.
Aside from these residential areas that are mostly favoured by families and students who live in groups, there are also paying guest (PG) accommodations and hostels available for students. Popular areas in Ahmedabad for PGs are Prahlad Nagar, Vasant Vihar, Nehru Nagar, Satellite and Navrangpura. A good PG in these areas costs between Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 and usually includes accommodation, two daily meals and laundry facilities. Hostels, offering similar amenities to PGs, range in price from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,500.
A majority of students studying in Ahmedabad prefer to live in PGs.
Regarding the average expenses incurred by students for their meals, students residing in PGs or hostels usually avail themselves of food services provided within the premises. On the other hand, those who live alone or in groups have the option to either cook their food on their own or hire a maid. Typically, a student’s average expenditure on food ranges between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,500. A very common and popular practice is tiffin service. For a tiffin service, you may shell out about Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,500 per month.
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Transportation costs in Ahmedabad are quite affordable. The majority of residents rely on public transportation, such as buses and metro trains, for their daily commute. Additionally, shared autos, taxis, e-rickshaws and electric bikes are commonly used here. Talking about myself, my flat is approximately 4.5 km away from my college, and it takes me around 30 minutes to reach there by bus. The one-way fare for this journey is Rs 22.
Overall, with less traffic, Ahmedabad boasts a well-developed transportation system, ensuring efficient connectivity among major areas within the city.
In addition to rent, travel and food, my expenses encompass electricity, water, internet, and mobile recharge (done once every three months). The electricity charges are calculated per unit and range from Rs 3.05 to Rs 5.20 per unit, depending on the total units consumed. On average, my monthly electricity expenses amount to approximately Rs 500 - Rs 800.
Furthermore, I allocate a portion of my budget for miscellaneous expenses such as weekend outings, shopping and occasional medicine purchases. These expenses generally amount to around Rs 1,000 - Rs 1,500 per month.
To understand the minimum and maximum expenses that can be incurred, check the figure below.
During weekends or on holidays, you have the option to explore both local markets and malls, as well as supermarkets that are spread across Ahmedabad. The city offers a range of popular tourist attractions that are frequently visited by tourists. Some of the notable places include Sabarmati Ashram, Bhadra Fort, Sabarmati Riverfront, SwamiNarayan Mandir, Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Kankaria Lake, Law Garden, and Adalaj Stepwell.
In addition to these tourist spots, Ahmedabad also has economical shopping destinations where you can find great deals. Sindhi Market, Marek Chowk Market, Law Garden Night Market, Dhalgarwad, Law Darwaza, and CG Road are known for offering affordable shopping experiences.
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Ahmedabad offers a diverse range of culinary options, catering to various tastes and preferences. While you can find a wide variety of dishes in the city, Gujarati cuisine holds a prominent place. Popular Gujarati dishes such as khakhra, fafda, dhokla, thepla, farsan, dabeli and dalvada are widely enjoyed by the people of Ahmedabad.
Non vegetarian food options are not very popular and you will find them at only a few places. Also due to its exclusivity, non vegetarian food is relatively more expensive than vegetarian options.
Ahmedabad is home to several esteemed universities and colleges of India. Some of the top institutions in Ahmedabad are - Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), Gujarat University, Nirma University, St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad University, CEPT University, National Institute of Design (NID), MICA and Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).
These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence and offer a wide range of programs across various disciplines.
Besides academics students are actively engaged in a variety of activities such as sports, singing and dancing, sketching and drawing, debate competitions, picnics, cultural events and many more. These activities contribute to a vibrant and dynamic college experience.
Coming to the college hostels, they are specifically designated for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas. It's important to note that the hostel does not provide breakfast, only two meals are served in a day. During festivals or on special days, lunch and dinner are also not provided, except for special meals served during those occasions.
The people of Ahmedabad are known for their warmth, friendliness and welcoming nature, making the city a delightful place to live and experience the local culture. They take pride in their rich cultural heritage and are deeply rooted in their traditions. Ahmedabad, being a vibrant city, is home to a diverse population comprising individuals from all across the country with various backgrounds.
From a student's perspective, Ahmedabad offers a unique and enriching experience. It offers a blend of affordable living, cultural richness, educational excellence and a friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for academic pursuits and personal growth.
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