Experience in Bangalore, India by Tia

What is it like to live in Bangalore? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Questions like these are aways tricky to answer because I've grown up in this city. My whole life has been here, so it will be different for someone visiting or staying for a short time.
It's all about finding your crowd. If you find people that you can hang out with, it's great. If you can't find friends or make friends that easily, it might be a little hard. This is a city overflowing with restaurants, bars and pubs of every kind. There really is something for everybody. If you're a foodie then it's a great place to be.

The party scene is picking up at an unbelievable pace. Although it might not go on till the early morning hours like Delhi or Bombay, it has its own vibe and it's a great one.
The people here are for the most part easy going and more genuine than other places in India. Although of course, there are the painfully fake ones as well. Pick carefully.

The thing that the city does not have is a vibrant literary scene or theatre scene. There are the occasional events but if you're into that, Delhi would be more your city.

I personally wouldn't recommend living here because I feel like there's a lot more a city should be, but if you're into food and beverage and the best weather in India and that's enough to keep you happy, then I totally recommend it.

When I research a new place I always want to know the negatives as well, so here goes. Architecture isn't great at all. The roads are some of the worst in India, with potholes everywhere. Traffic is increasingly terrible. If you don't know either hindi or kannada, everyday life is quite difficult because people tend to take advantage of you. If you don't have your own vehicle, public transport can take up quite a bit of your money. Hardly any literary or theatre scene.

Positives: Every restaurant, gastro pub, micro brewery, bar and coffee shop you can think of, and a rapidly increasing party scene. Also the best weather imaginable. It's always a variant of cool and not too humid.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bangalore?

Student life is great if you're financially not too bad. There are a number of places you can eat on a daily basis that do not cost you the sun, moon and stars. Transport as I said can cost you quite a bit if you don't have your own vehicle.

How much does it cost to live in Bangalore?

As a college student myself, I find that 10,000 rupees is enough for a month. Keep in mind I am based in Bangalore so my accommodation and daily food is taken care of. If you're renting as a student, depending on the kind of accommodation you choose and your daily expenses, I'd say anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 although I know several friends who manage on less.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bangalore? Is there any advice you can give?

I personally never have had to look for accommodation but, as friends have told me, it isn't too difficult. There isn't much advice I can give with this because everyone I know came here and once they enrolled in the institution, they asked the authorities for help, or senior students.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food as I said is the one thing Bangalore can boast about. But here, I'm talking about the food and beverage establishments because I'm not a big fan of the local food. The food and beverage establishments are everywhere and of an incredible variety, but good establishments will cost you a bit. There are also those that cater to students and are reasonably prices. My favourite dishes are the Minute Steak at Cafe Noir, the minute steak at Smoke House Deli and the pastas and pizzas at Toscano.

Is it good to eat out in Bangalore? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Places to visit: UB City (Cafe Noir, Shiro, Toscano), Arbor Brewing Company, Orion Mall, Indiranagar (an area which has a commendable variety of restaurants, breweries and pubs), Ebony and Matteo.

Is the nightlife good in Bangalore? Where is good to go?

As I said, it's rapidly picking up. Places I'd recommend: Vapour, Skyye Lounge, The Loft, Toit, Big Pitcher, Black Rabbit, Plan B, High Ultra Lounge, Hard Rock Cafe.

What advice would you give future students heading to Bangalore?

If you aren't from India, prepare yourself for a bit of a culture shock. It's a lot to take in at first. Come to Bangalore only if you really love food and beverage and if you can make friends easily. It is not a very pretty city, but once you settle in, it's alright. It doesn't have much to offer in the literature and arts front, so remember and understand what you're getting into. I'm fairly happy in Bangalore because I've lived here my whole life and have established my friends and way of life.
Arrive with an open mind, and a positive outlook.