According to the official website of Delhi University (DU) , only 14 out of the 64 colleges provide residential facilities for students. The university also has two off-campus hostels for students --- International Students House for Women (for International students only) and Under Graduate Hostel for Girls.
The limited hostel accommodation means that most of the outstation students have to depend on paying guest (PG) accommodation. Don’t fret, HT City gets you some helpful information about PGs.
North Campus
Dominated by a student population, it isn’t difficult to find an ideal accommodation around Delhi University’s (DU) North Campus , where every third house has been converted into a PG . Majority of these are for girls. While some people have renovated their houses into a hostel, others have just organized basic facilities with a bathroom and bed within the existing structure.
Hudson line, Jawahar Nagar and Kamla Nagar are the most preferred locations in North Campus. While the rate list of Jawahar Nagar PG’s heads from Rs. 10,000 and goes up to Rs. 15,000 including food (breakfast and dinner), electricity, Wifi, CCTV Cameras and monthly rent, Hudson line is bit cheaper. The range goes between Rs.8500 to inclusive basic facilities there.
“I have been living here for the past two years. This area is safe due to a student population and is accessible to the metro station , bus stops and market . From multiple food cuisines to stationary to affordable parlours that run special offers for students, one can easily get all stuff here,” says Neha Mangla, DU student who stays in Hudson lane.
While Kamla Nagar is the most happening location in the area, but residency comes at a cost. Prices for PG starts from Rs. 12,000 here and go to Rs. 20,000 and above. The market complex has both, flee market and brands for students.
“We provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food and timing is not an issue for us. We have a security guard here and rooms are available in single, double and triple occupancy,” says Ginni PG owner at Kamla Nagar.
The rate chart changes as per occupancy in Kamla Nagar. Rs. 15,000 is the ideal price here. However, some PG have restricted timings.
R K Sharma,another PG owner in Kamla Nagar says, “We charge less than others, but there are few rules we would like students to follow. For instance, girls have to be back by no later than 10pm. Being new in the city, these students don’t turn up on time and in case of any problem, we have to rush to Police Stations.”
South campus
Students who secure admissions in South Campus colleges have a relatively harder time. The seats in most PG accommodations at Satya Niketan are usually already full by July first week. Owners say they started getting request for accommodation right from the declaration of the first cut-off.
“As soon as the first cut-off comes, students start calling us to book the PG. By July all the PG get filled here,” says, Radhe Khanna, a PG owner.
However, with the increase in demand each year, the rent has also gone up. The rate list of PG starts from Rs. 5500 and goes till 10,000 at Satya Niketan. “I pay Rs. 5500 monthly rent and for food they charge Rs. 40 per plate. Safety is one issue here, I lost my phone and nobody helped. Students are responsible for their belongings,” says Mani Maheshwari, a graduate from DU.
Satya Niketan is also known for its famous food joints and hang-out zones. What Kamla Nagar is to North campus students, Satya Niketan is to South.
Male students have limited options in South Campus, leaving rental flats as an alternative. They share flats in areas like Munirka, Safdarjung Enclave and Vasant Vihar apartments where the rents start with Rs 20,000 per month.
“I have been living here from past two years. As the rent is bit high, we share the flat among four students and contribute for food. This place is safer than PG and there is no interference from owner side,” says Himanshu Sharma who stays with his friends at Vasant Vihar apartments.
Unlike abroad, girls and boys can’t stay together in a PG as owners don’t allow it. Even flat owners don’t permit unmarried couples to stay together. This rule exist in both campuses.
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Rules and regulations
-Boys are not allowed in girls PG and vice versa
-Most of the PG’s are open till 10.00 pm in the night
-Students have to sign in and sign out their timings on a register maintained by the security guard
-Parents can’t stay in PG during nights
-Drinking and smoking is not permissible
North Campus accommodation facilities
Attached washrooms (Shared or individual depending on the rent)
CCTV cameras
Wi-fi connectivity
Guard and security systems
Four times meal a day
South Campus accommodation facilities
Attached washrooms
Wi-fi connectivity
Rs.40 per meal
Flats on rent at NC
Unfurnished flats (2BHK) - Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 21,000
Semi-furnished flats (2BHK) - Rs. 23,000 to Rs. 25,000
Full-furnished flats (2BHK) - Rs.26,000 to Rs, 30,000
Flats on rent at SC
Unfurnished flats (2BHK) - Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 15,000
Semi-furnished flats (2BHK) - Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 20,000
Full-furnished flats (2BHK) - Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 25,000
Rent Break-up
2 months security deposit+ 1 month rent+ broker commission
Social media help groups
Flat and flatmates North Campus chapter
Flat and flatmates North campus and South campus
Flat and flatmates North Delhi (north campus)
Flat and flatmates South Delhi
Survival tips on staying away from parents for first timers:
1) Carry a sauce pan from home when you shift to Delhi that can cook anything- from rice to instant noodles. Cooking at home is much cheaper than taking dabbas or eating out. You still have time, learn to cook basic stuff before you leave home.
2) You will be sharing your room with someone and chances are, that something expensive might get flicked or that jar of laddoo given by mom will be finished in your absence. Don’t forget to lock up everything of value.
3) Let’s accept it that Delhi isn’t the safest city in the country. Keep somebody always informed about your movements. Might sound intrusive, but hey, we care for your safety.
4) If you go out to eat, always ensure that the cost is divided between everybody equally or you will remain broke through the month.
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