Experience in Mumbai, India by Rajveer

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

A decade before, Mumbai was called Bombay. Bombay was named by Portuguese explorer Francis Almeida from Portuguese wordsBom Bahia, which means ‘the Good Bay’. Though the name has changed, this port city is still a good place to shape and achieve your dreams. A bit of perseverance and patience can set you sailing towards your dreams. Mumbai is also called commercial capital of India. Mumbai is known for Indian film industry Bollywood, Page3 life, glamour, fashion etc. The city has very good places to hang out particularly the beaches. Mumbai is indeed a city that never sleeps. I have never seen a building in Mumbai with all lights out.Mumbaikars (Mumbai local people) are quite helpful, almost all youngsters speak English. Most of the people you meet is receptive and helpful. Most people will help you with addresses, small-talks and guide you, and in case they cannot, they will surely catch hold of someone who might be able to help you. The best part of the Mumbai city is the opportunity and exposure it provides. Whether you want to be in Finance, IT, manufacturing, service or entertainment, the city has rooted its legs in all of the segments of industries. A true all rounder.

How much does it cost to live in Mumbai?

Please take a look at this site:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=India&city=Mumbai

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

The best option for a student new in Mumbai is to look for accommodation in the college hostel. Accommodation in Mumbai is not difficult, you can easily book (via online) hotels, even rent a flat (1BHK) at some $400 to $500 per month. Finding accommodation in Mumbai can be slightly easier for girl students as there are comparatively more girls hostels and PGs available for girls in Mumbai.If you are admitted in some course at IITB or at TIFR then you'll get hostels to stay provided by the institute itself. There are couple of groups and pages on facebook about the accommodation in Mumbai where people can help you.

What places would you recommend visiting in Mumbai?

Marine-drive, Chowpaty, Gateway of India, Bandstand - these are the places one ought to visit in Mumbai. They are the jewels, with Marine drive forming the queen's necklace. Hiranandani is another place where you can visit and experience the brilliance of civil architecture. Hiranandani will offer you all shopping options, lots of food option etc.

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

You will never starve in Mumbai. Mumbai has all the ethnic people, it also has all the cuisines. Whether it is Rajasthani Kachori, Punjabi Kebabs, Bengali fish varieties, Marathi Misal Pavs and spicy south Indian Idly, Dosas - anything and everything you get within your locality of stay and it applies to both Veg & Non Veg - Street / Class restaurants. Mumbai has its own variety of great street food to offer. From Paanipuri, Bhelpuri, Ragda Patties, Vada Pavs, Bhurji Pav to Pav Bhaji to Idli/Dosas to Kulfis to Golas, there is so much to offer on the Mumbai streets to satiate one's hunger. For various retaurants visit Hiranandani. Every 10 steps you will find a street food stall, most probably a vada pav stall. You will get to taste the most peculiar Mumbai style sandwich, Cheap and Best chicken rolls at Bademiya, pavbhaji at Cannon, juice at Haji ali etc.

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

Nightlife in Mumbai is extremely awesome, can't be properly explained in words. You know it is incorrect if you consider "city that never sleeps" an exaggeration. Mumbai indeed never sleeps. Local trains run upto 1:30 am in the night and start back at 4:00 am. You will see people returning from their offices till 2:30 am and newspaper vendors sorting their pile of newspapers from 4:00 am. You know that Nightlife is never disappointing with places like Big bang, Ground zero, Totes Garage etc. Right from High street Phoenix Palladium, Inorbit Malad for the gentry to Fashion street and Bandra Link road for the common man, you know the place you live in is a shoppers paradise.

What advice would you give future students heading to Mumbai?

Mumbai has two big institutes i.e., Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and Tata Institutes of Fundamental Research (TIFR) which are known for high quality education and research and here you can find the brightest minds of the country. So if you are looking for intern, semester course, full course or whatever try to get into these institutes. As institutes will not only give you high quality of education but a lifetime experience of staying in Hostels, delicious food mess, full night-out, hang out with friends and what not. Apart from these institutes there are also lots of other good institutes in Mumbai where you can expect a lot. For students, Mumbai is worth to visit.