Experience in Rajshahi, Bangladesh by Ishtiaq Madmud

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

Rajshahi is a very peaceful and the the cleanest city of Bangladesh. It lacks a lot of modern facilities but still it's a nice and cheap place.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rajshahi?

Rajshahi is called as education city. It has 3 public universities named University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi University of engineering and technology and Rajshahi medical college which is under the University of Rajshahi. Also the city has some good Private institutions. It's a cheap place so it is a good city for the students.

How much does it cost to live in Rajshahi?

The average rent for a 3-4 bedroom apartment is about 12 thousand taka. The student hostels are way cheaper. A room will cost about 400 to 2000 taka. Rajshahi is a cheap city. There are a lot of electric vehicles (two seated rickshawas and 4 seated vehicles) to travel around the city which is really cheap. You can get fresh fish and vegetables without any doubt. Food is a bit cheaper here.

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

There is no problem with the accommodation. People are also friendly here.

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

The food is basically traditional Bengladeshi foods. There are a lot of resturants. You can get foreign dishes there. I have a lot of favourite foods as I love to eat. But My most favourite food is ' Kachhi Biriyani ' which is a type of fried rice with beef or mutton. It's also spicy.

What places would you recommend visiting in Rajshahi?

To be honest Rajshahi is not a rich place for the visitors. There is nothing that much attractive. The Padma river is the most popular destination for us to pass our leisure time. Other than this outside the city there is Puthia Temple and castle. You can get there easily by bus and it will take about 30 minutes. That is an important historical sight.

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

Rajshahi has a lot of resturants. I have two personal favourite restaurants. 'Master chef' and 'Mughals'

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

There is no clubs or bars here. But the night life is safe as the crime rate is very low here in comparison with the other cities of Bangladesh. So those who want to roam around the city in night Rajshahi is a good place. But other than the resturants there are no such place for an outing.

What advice would you give future students heading to Rajshahi?

Students willing to come here in Rajshahi are always welcome ! The people are friendly, the city is cheap, you will get fresh foods here. But if you need a lot of modern facilities then Rajshahi is not the place for you. But if you want a simple life with some lower than average facilities then come here! I promise you will get a good quality education here with extremely low cost