Experience in Mumbai, India by Sreenath

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

Mumbai is a very lively city. I was raised there since my childhood. I would definitely recommend the place since it is a very dynamic and multicultural society out there. The city is vibrant and full of energy, easily accepting every newcomer and infusing every new change into its own.

What is the student lifestyle like in Mumbai?

The student life in Mumbai is very much different as compared to the European and American universities since Indian universities relatively focus more on the scores of every student as the level of knowledge. The student crowd in Mumbai University is mostly Indo-Asian and you find lots of students even from France, Russia and Germany.

How much does it cost to live in Mumbai?

It does not cost as much as it costs in any European or American city. The monthly living costs would be anywhere around 200-500 EUR.

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

It is kind of difficult for anybody who doesn't speak English but due to the recent communication developments, it is very easy for the international students to find accommodation thanks to the university and the administration

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

The food is typically MUMBAIKAR. It comprises mostly of the delicious spicy Indian stuff ranging from Dhokla to Basundi and Dosa to Dal Makhani. You can find the glimpse of varieties of Indian foods in Mumbai. My favourites are Pav Bhaji, Uttapam, Chapati- Bhaji and Misal Pav.... The local food varieties!!!

What places would you recommend visiting in Mumbai?

There are lots of places to visit in Mumbai. First you have the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Haji Ali, Nariman Point, Siddhivinayak Temple and the list goes on.......

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

It is very much important to eat at a local spot rather than in a restaurant in order to discover the true colours of the city's eateries. I would suggest going to the Chowpatty beach and try Bhel and Falooda!!!!

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

Mumbai is always lively... The city is awake from 5 am in the morning till 4 am the next day. So practically you can say that it is a city which never sleeps. There are in fact lots of places to see there and enjoy ad cherish the night life. You can find lots of night pubs, restaurants and other stuff which are just lovely. There is a very famous CHOR BAZAAR (flea market) on every friday at Byculla right from 2 am- 5am where in youcan get lots of authentic Indian antique stuff for as cheap as 5 EUR. Don't forget to take a walk on the Chowpatty beach and yeah, the Bandra-Worli sea-link just looks so amazingly beautiful in the night!!!

What advice would you give future students heading to Mumbai?

Pack your bags and just rush through....... Good luck to all!!! :)