Experience in Chennai, India by Sneha

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

Chennai is a beautiful South Indian city with a rich historical and cultural background. The people are by far the most helpful and down to the earth compared to other Indian metros. It's a coastal city, and beaches here are quite expansive, with the Marina beach being the longest beach in Asia. The weather is mostly humid all year around, but if one can bear that then it's a great place to stay.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Chennai?

For young people it isn't an ideal city, there are very few pubs and bars, the alcohol is expensive and there aren't too many recreational facilities either. However it is a centre for culture; that is traditional dance, music and yoga (especially at Kalakshetra colony which attracts people from all over the world).

How much does it cost to live in Chennai?

Chennai is a pretty expensive city to live in. Apartment rents vary from 12-25, 000 rupees per month, depending on the place, in which case a decent apartment could be more expensive. Casual dining is also quite pricey, anywhere between 500-800 rupees per meal. Therefore if one were to live in Chennai they'd spend approximately 20-25, 000 per month.

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

It isn't difficult to find accommodation, it's difficult to find good accommodation. If one isn't particular about where they stay, hygiene, privacy, etc. then it shouldn't be too hard. However, I do suggest that one finds a family and stay with them as a paying guest. That way food, security and hopefully privacy too is ensured.

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

I like continental food, but I was raised eating Indian food such as idli, vada, dosa and rice.

My favourite food is pizza, but vada sambar is my Indian favourite.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Chennai?

The Marina beach, the Birla Planetarium, the museum, Phoenix MarketCity, Auroville (it isn't in Chennai, but definitely worth a visit) Luz church, Cholamandel Artist's Village.

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

Yes it isn't bad, but compared to cities like Bangalore, Chennai has a long way to go in terms of restaurants.

Eden, That Madras Place, Crimson Chakra, Sangeetha, L'amandier, Cream Centre, Plan B.

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

Nightlife again isn't too bad, but not great either.

Some places are Q Bar, Dublin, Blend and 365.

What advice would you give future students heading to Chennai?

It's a good city to begin with in India. It's incredibly hot throughout the year, there is no winter as such but besides that it's not bad. The people are good, there's a beach, and it's a melting pot of Tamil culture. The Chennai population is very conservative, and not as open to socio-cultural change as much as other Indian cities. Besides that it's a warm (pun intended) and cheerful city to live in.