CHENNAI:Breakfast in under Rs 50, two beaches for an outing, street shopping at Pondy Bazaar, and cultural extravaganza during Margazhi. Here’s what makes the city an affordable second home to college students
Jose Yazhini, 19, Stella Maris College
This is my third year in Chennai and I haven’t felt any less than at home here. People here are kind and approachable. The best place to go for shopping here is Pondy Bazaar because it is pocket friendly. There are many affordable restaurants too like Waf O’bel, Fussili Reasons, and Atte Glocal Café.
Rohit Luniya,20,MNM Jain College
Chennai adopts anyone who is not from here. The city has given them a life, and they have adapted themselves to the city’s culture. The city knows to stand united during crisis. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the cheapest, I’d rank Chennai 6. Why? You can feast on idlis, dosas, and vadas at just `45.
Rathna Mahesh, 20, Stella Maris College
Chennai houses both expensive and affordable options for food, clothing, books. Sometimes it is a trying experience for my wallet. But since college kids like me live on a budget, places like Pondy Bazaar have the same niche options for a price that we can pay.
Shridevi K, 19, MOP Vaishnav College for Women
Beaches fascinate me a lot and I love hanging out at Marina Beach and Besant Nagar Beach. It’s a refreshing experience to take a stroll along the streets. It takes barely any money to go to the beach. Hot bhajjis and spring potato are all you need to satisfy your hunger pangs. This is the best hangout spot.
Maryann M, 19, MOP Vaishnav College for Women
There are lots of options to hang out — beaches, restaurants, temples, Pondy Bazaar. In Chennai, you can shop with just `100 and get a meal for `70. You can walk around the city all day and still not get tired.
Aadharsh Jain, 18, SA Engineering College
Many students and people who are in search of job wish to come to Chennai as it is a well-developed city with a peaceful lifestyle. It has many factories, hospitals, parks, beaches, restaurants, temples, schools, and colleges. The travelling facility is also well maintained like the metro, railways and airways and bus facilities, and they don’t burn a hole in your pocket. The availability of resources and cheap travel makes it the best city.
Pooja Kumar L, 19, MOP Vaishnav College for Women
What I love about the city is the small but ambient eating joints located at every nook and corner. For a college-going student like me who stays in a hostel, there are not many food options. It’s an advantage to be able to go out and grab a bite when the hostel food is not good. The eateries here are easy on the wallet.
Niranjana Gangaprasad,20, SRM University
Chennai is multifaceted. The summers can drive you crazy but the city knows how to beat the heat. While the traffic can get on your nerves, the city’s authentic cuisine can calm your senses. You can see how people from all walks of life, live their lives sorting things out on with help only from each other. From five star hotels to small joints on the roadside, you have it all and that makes it pocket friendly.
M Ashaa Vigashini, 21 ,College of Engineering, Anna University
I love the balance between culture and modernism. While you see Mylapore buzzing with excitement during the Margazhi season, you also find crowds appreciating poetry slams, open mics and other such events. The city can be equally pocket draining as much as being pocket friendly. If you explore in detail, you will find no-frills spots that are more appealing than the fancy ones for food, clothing or entertainment.
(Inputs by Akshaya Motcham, Anushree Madhavan, Aswini B, Pooja Anchaliya and Rochana Mohan)