Every Day Life in India
From aromatic street food to colourful festivals, from bustling trains to serene campuses — discover the vibrant daily life that awaits international students in India.
A Culinary Adventure Every Single Day
India is a food lover’s paradise. Every state has its own cuisine, every street its own flavour. As a student, you’ll eat better and cheaper than almost anywhere else in the world.
The Thali Experience
A complete Indian meal served on a single platter — rice, bread, dal, vegetables, pickles, and dessert. Available from as little as $1.50 at student canteens, it’s the most affordable and nutritious meal you’ll find anywhere.
Street Food Culture
From Mumbai’s vada pav to Delhi’s chole bhature, Kolkata’s kathi rolls to Chennai’s dosas — street food is a way of life. Most snacks cost between $0.20 and $1.00.
Chai — The Social Glue
India runs on chai. A cup of spiced tea costs just $0.10–$0.30 from roadside stalls. It’s where friendships form, debates happen, and study breaks come alive.
Student Accommodation
From on-campus hostels to private apartments, India offers a range of affordable housing options for international students.
University Hostels
Most universities offer on-campus hostels at $30–$80/month. Meals, Wi-Fi, and laundry often included. Shared rooms with 2–4 students are common.
Private PG / Paying Guest
Private rooms with meals in residential homes. Costs $80–$200/month depending on the city. A popular option for students wanting more independence.
Shared Apartments
Rent a flat with fellow students for $100–$300/month in major cities. Platforms like NoBroker, Flat.com and university notice boards help you find flatmates.
Purpose-Built Student Housing
Modern student residences with gyms, study rooms, and social spaces. Brands like Stanza Living and University Living offer premium options at $150–$400/month.
Transport — Affordable & Adventurous
India’s transport network is vast, affordable, and an experience in itself. From the world’s fourth-largest railway network to modern metro systems, getting around is easy and incredibly cheap.
Indian Railways
The lifeline of India. Over 67,000 km of track connecting every corner of the country. Student concessions available. Sleeper class tickets cost as little as $2–$5 for overnight journeys. Book via the IRCTC app.
Metro Systems
Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and more have modern metro systems. Fast, air-conditioned, and incredibly affordable at $0.15–$0.60 per ride. Student passes available.
Autos & Ride-Sharing
Auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous and fun. Ola and Uber operate in all major cities with student-friendly pricing. Bike-sharing apps like Yulu make short commutes easy and green.
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet connect 100+ cities. Flights often cost less than $30–$60 for domestic routes. Perfect for weekend getaways to explore India.
Social Life & Culture
India’s social fabric is warm, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating. From campus clubs to city festivals, there’s always something happening.
Campus Festivals & Events
Indian universities are famous for their cultural festivals — multi-day extravaganzas with music, dance, drama, hackathons, and sports. Events like IIT Bombay’s Mood Indigo and BITS Pilani’s APOGEE draw thousands of students from across the country.
Clubs & Societies
Most campuses have 30–100+ clubs covering everything from robotics and coding to theatre, music, photography, and social service. International student associations help newcomers settle in quickly.
Weekend Adventures
India’s diversity means there’s always somewhere new to explore on weekends — hill stations, beaches, historical forts, wildlife sanctuaries, and heritage towns. Student groups regularly organise budget trips.
Indian Hospitality
“Atithi Devo Bhava” — the guest is God. Indian families are known for their warmth and generosity. Don’t be surprised if classmates invite you home for festivals, weddings, or simply a home-cooked meal.
Festivals — Every Month is a Celebration
India celebrates more festivals than any other country. As a student, you’ll experience a year-round calendar of colours, music, food, and joy.
Diwali — Festival of Lights
The biggest festival in India. Cities glow with millions of lamps, fireworks fill the sky, and every home shares sweets. Campuses come alive with rangoli competitions and cultural shows.
Holi — Festival of Colours
A joyous celebration of spring where everyone plays with coloured powders and water. Campus Holi celebrations are legendary — with DJ music, dance, and thandai (spiced milk).
Regional Festivals
Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Onam in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, Navratri in Gujarat — every region has unique festivals with distinct traditions, foods, and celebrations you won’t find anywhere else.
Practical Tips for Daily Life
Everything you need to know to settle in smoothly and make the most of your time in India.
SIM Card & Internet
Get a local SIM card from Jio, Airtel, or Vi for $3–$5/month with unlimited data. Free Wi-Fi is available on most campuses. India has some of the cheapest mobile data rates in the world.
Banking & Payments
Open a student bank account with documents from your university. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is India’s digital payment revolution — pay for everything from chai to rent with your phone.
Weather & Clothing
India has diverse climates. Pack light cottons for summer (March–June), an umbrella for monsoon (July–September), and layers for winter (November–February). Local markets offer affordable clothing.
Healthcare
University health centres provide free or low-cost basic care. India has excellent private hospitals in all major cities. Health insurance for students costs around $50–$100/year.
Typical Monthly Budget for Students
India is one of the most affordable countries in the world for students. Here’s a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses.
Ready to Begin Your Indian Adventure?
Explore universities, find scholarships, and start planning your journey to one of the world’s most vibrant countries.