Chennai - One of the best

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

Chennai is an awesome city. It has a temperate climate with no winter practically. Just summer and milder summer. It has a deep culture of its own in terms of food, music, cinema etc. December is the local music season where one can visit a lot of musical gathering (traditional indian Carnatic music). I would definitely recommend Chennai. Chennai is on the coast of Bay of Bengal and therefore one can visit the beach quite often also. Living costs are affordable if one comes from outside India. Even for Indians Chennai is affordable.

What is the student lifestyle like in Chennai?

Pleasant and good.

How much does it cost to live in Chennai?

On an average Rs15000 to Rs20000 depending on the luxury. If one is pragmatic even Rs 10000 is enough.

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

Accomodation in Chennai is not difficult. There are lots of local dailies and websites like sulekha.com keep posting advertisements on rentals. However accommodation may be costly on areas like Adyar, Besant Nagar, Velachery, OMR Road etc.

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

South Indian food is one of the best in the country. So much variety in the food available in Chennai. My favourite breakfast is Idli and Vada. The full course south indian meal is one of the most nourishing and tasty food one can taste. Sambar rice, rasam rice, curd with a lot of cereals and vegetables along with sweets.

What places would you recommend visiting in Chennai?

Marina Beach, Besant Nagar beach, Mahabalipuram (close to Chennai), Various malls.

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

Yes. It is safe and good to eat out. Some restaurants include Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Sangeethas, Hot Chips for traditional south indian/north indian food. Chennai also hosts a variety of international cuisines. Little Italy, Bela Ciao are famous Italian restaurants. For Mexican one can try cream center. Other restaurants are crimson chakra, pizza hut, dominos etc.

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

Chennai has a moderate night life but not a partying city. It is advisable not to roam alone in the night times. Some places of interest are 10 downing street.

What advice would you give future students heading to Chennai?

One of the best experiences you would ever get. Climate may be an issue for people not used to Humid Summer, but other than that Chennai has everything one an ask for.