Welcome freshers, to a brave new world. The world of college students – the place where you’ll finally become an adult, move away from home, spend your time going to college fests, hostels, canteens (and perhaps, occasionally, the classroom), and live that life you dreamt of. And it’s all happening in Pune. Dubbed the “Oxford of the East”, Pune is home to the finest institutes of higher learning in the country today and that’s why you’re here, ready to launch your career.
The entire ecosystem in Pune is driven by the smart and vibrant student population that migrates to the city from across India and abroad. For you as a student, heading to a new city may seem quite nerve wracking. But if you’re armed with the right information, you can sail through this part of your journey quite smoothly. And we’re here to help with that. Say goodbye to all your worries, because we’ve brought you these 4 hacks for surviving student life in Pune:
Hack #1: Mark Your Territory
Let me paint you a picture: confusion, loss of direction, excessive use of Google maps, asking strangers for help, wandering around hopelessly. Is reading these words already making you nervous? That’s why it’s important to scout the area around your new college and find the best routes to get there beforehand. When you’re new to a city, it’s usually a good idea to find a place that’s close to your college, especially since not all university and college campuses offer residential facilities to their students. Don’t waste time roaming the Pune streets to find the best area in terms of facilities, let the internet do that work for you. Be it a hostel on Senapati Bapat Road, or a PG in Viman Nagar, there’s got to be a location in Pune that’s the right fit for you.
Hack #2: Select Your Space
With location sorted, don’t drop the bar when it comes to choosing your accommodation. The last thing you want is to be plagued by landlord quarrels, electricity and water issues, rent confusions, or flatmate troubles. Choose a hostel or PG that’s student friendly and will truly make you feel at home. Of course, that may be difficult in an old fashioned hostel set up, but that’s why you should consider a professionally managed accommodation provider like Stanza Living. Transforming the way that youth reside in Pune and across India, they offer vibrant and comforting fully-furnished co-living options to students and working professionals at affordable prices. From delicious meals and high-speed Wi-Fi to recreational spaces, and regular housekeeping and maintenance, they are sure to think of everything you need even before you do. You’ll get so much more than a boring PG, you’ll get a second home. Browse your new home on stanzaliving.com and pick a place that suits you best.
Hack #3: Money, Money, Money
In your first year as a college student, the chances are that you are managing or handling money for the first time. And we know there’s a huge temptation to spend it all on good food or shopping, as soon as you can. But think twice before you blow all your allowance away on that new pair of shoes. We suggest budgeting a part of it for essentials and emergencies before you splurge on your indulgences each month. And yes, you will get to indulge. The nightlife of Pune is very vibrant and happening, and you’ll definitely find students from the local colleges and university flocking the party hubs in the city. But we’d advise spreading out the fun activities. With a well planned wallet, you can easily plan outings with friends a few times in a month without breaking the bank. And if keeping track of your expenses is too much for you, you can always download a planner on your phone to do the trick.
Hack #4: See the Sights
Of course, starting college in a new city is a very exciting time. But you can get so caught up with classes and making friends and figuring out your daily routine that you forget there is more to the city. So we’re here to remind you to explore. Just by stepping out of your new house and taking a stroll around your area, you’ll get to know a lot more about the city. And Pune is really a sight for sore eyes. From Shaniwarwada, the Peshwa fort built in the 1700s, to the Aga Khan Palace, you can plan out your weekends with a new destination every week. So if you’re a nature lover, make sure you head out to the Sinhagad Fort to appreciate the towering range of the Western Ghats and if it’s shopping that draws you in, take a stroll through Hong Kong Lane, Mahatma Phule Mandai, and Fashion Street to marvel at all the goods displayed and get a good deal or two.
There’s no doubt that you can have an awesome student life in Pune. If everything we’ve told you isn’t enough, you should know that the city is also considered very safe, and public transport is cheap and readily available. Not to mention with its growing status as a student hub, it’ll give you the best placement opportunities to kickstart your career after college. So pack your bags, gather your books, and get ready. You’re going to ace college life in Pune!