Moving to a new city is always daunting. Moving to India’s capital city is even more so because it’s sometimes in the news for all the wrong reasons. Delhi is, however, much more than what meets the eye.
When moving to Delhi, expect wide roads, historical monuments, reputed schools and colleges, robust public transportation, parks, flea markets, malls, and heavy traffic. The climate is extreme, and pollution levels increase in winter. Finally, the delicious and never-ending food choices complete the Delhi experience.
Moving to Delhi as a student is a different experience than moving here as a single person or a couple with children. The city is unique because of the wide roads, street traffic, and many monuments. The weather and traffic can be challenging for a foreigner. Still, several state-of-the-art facilities help migrants settle in.
Preparing to Move to Delhi
1. What to Expect From a Student’s Perspective
Delhi is an educational hub. Many students move here from different parts of the country every year to study in some of the premier institutes.
Where to Stay in Delhi
Almost every college in Delhi offers its students the facility of a hostel.
Sometimes, due to the high demand, there are not enough rooms available, and students have to either rent a house or look for a paying guest (PG) house. Private hostels are also available for students.
Some Tips When Looking for an Accommodation
Before looking for accommodation, locate the nearest metro station to your college and look for accommodation near it. When that is difficult, try to find a location that is not too far from your college.
Check the metro connectivity if you have to resort to a faraway location. Always find a place to live through a broker. The broker may take an initial fee, but you are less likely to fall into a trap.
Have patience while searching for accommodation. Even though it may feel like a struggle, there is something for every budget. It hugely depends on the location, though.
Approximate Monthly Cost: ₹7500-50000, depending on whether you opt for a PG or a rental apartment, number of bedrooms, and the area it is in. Posh areas are expensive.
Delhi is a great place to live and you can understand why through my article on advantages and disadvantages of living in Delhi.
Where to Get Your Food From
The tiffin service may not be comparable to the dabbawalas of Mumbai, but it does the job. Several tiffin centres are working across the city, serving students home-cooked meals.
They are affordable and also provide a monthly service for a nominal fee. Many have also started to provide food catering for health-conscious people and gym-goers.
Do not Get Lost in the Crowd
Delhi is a fascinating place with plenty of things to do. It is easy to get lost in its glamour. My advice would be to stick to your budget, which for an outstation student is already tight.
Do not get caught up in visiting every place and eating at every famous eatery. Choose your accommodation wisely and take your time.
Do check out my article on unique things to do in Delhi-NCR for some out of the box ideas to spend your dull days.
Look for friends or classmates who can share apartments with you to reduce living expenses. The public transport in the city is robust. Choose your accommodation based on the availability of public transport.
If you are strained for money and do not see yourself spending too much, there are still plenty of things to do.
There are several parks and gardens, historical monuments, and several local and small eating joints you can enjoy with your friends on a limited budget.
2. Moving to Delhi For a Job as a Bachelor
Several work opportunities, a more affordable cost of living when compared to other metropolitan cities, numerous places to hang out with friends and colleagues, and nearby weekend getaway destinations make Delhi lucrative for a bachelor moving to Delhi for work.
No one Feels Out of Place in Delhi
Delhi-NCR is a hub for the IT sector, and multiple government offices are also here. That is why people from across the country come here. Delhi is truly a city of migrants.
Therefore, you will find the influence of a multitude of cultures here. You do not feel out of place.
A Bengali unable to visit home for Durga Puja can go to CR Park to celebrate the festival, which can help alleviate homesickness.
Everyone comes together during the celebrations of Holi and Diwali, and all festivals are celebrated with equal fanfare. Being a tier-one city, life is fast-paced.
Contrary to how Delhi is portrayed, people are friendly and helpful. There is no discrimination based on which state you belong to.
Great Places to Relax and Unwind
If you want to go on a date, have fun with a group of work friends, or enjoy dinner after work, Delhi has an option for all occasions.
You can plan many weekend getaways with your friends or family when they visit you in the city. Kasauli is only 6 hours away, and you can reach Agra to experience the Taj Mahal in only 4 hours.
Certain areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are easily accessible from Delhi. They are perfect for your next weekend getaway.
Fun Activities to Do in and Around the City
There are several activities within the city if you decide to skip the weekend getaway.
Mystery rooms like Hidden Hour and Mystery Room Rajouri Garden, among many the city has to offer, are a great way to have a fun evening with friends—de-stress with paintball at the Paintball Rocks in Gurugram.
There are several pottery centres where you can try your hand at pottery and even pursue it as a hobby. You can also try ice skating at India’s largest skating rink, ISKATE, in Gurugram.
It is a great place to go with friends and on a date. If you enjoy standup comedy, The Laugh Store in Vegas Mall, Dwarka, is the perfect place for you.
Many standup comedians hold shows on several occasions in Delhi-NCR. If you are seeking some adventure, Worlds of Wonder in Noida is the perfect place to be.
It also boasts an extremely clean waterpark and all rides are supervised by trained lifeguards. If your family is in town, the light and sound show at Red Fort is another great option; your parents would love it.
You can combine it with the Chandni Chowk shopping and food experience. My article on fun activities in Delhi can serve as your guide to spend some great time with your friends!
Girls Should Take Care of Their Safety
Delhi is a relatively cheap tier-one city to move to. However, it might not be the safest for girls. Heinous crimes against women have been committed here. Still, a few incidents do not define the ways of a city.
It is not the safest city for women, but it’s not uninhabitable. Therefore, girls moving to the city must treat the issue of their safety seriously.
Stay away from a few areas, especially at night, like Paharganj, GB road, Old Delhi lanes, Shahdara, Seelampur, Seema Puri, Shastri Park, Burari, Bhalaswa, Jahangirpuri, Badarpur, Madanpur Khadar, and other outer areas of Delhi.
Avoid being out late at night. Using the company cab is also a decent option when commuting at odd hours from work. Be aware of your surroundings and Delhi is as safe as any city.
3. Moving to Delhi with Children
Delhi warmly welcomes families with children, making it an ideal destination for relocation. The city’s family-friendly environment ensures that you can make the move without any hesitation.
Quality Education is Available in Delhi
Delhi is one of the best cities in the country to educate your children. Delhi schools offer different curricula, such as CBSE, ICSE, International Board (IB), and Delhi Board.
Schools here are known for their facilities and infrastructure. Plenty of schools in Delhi promise a bright future for your child.
Sanskriti School, St. Columba’s, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Modern School Barakhamba, a few branches of Delhi Public School, Ryan International School, GD Goenka School, one of the several Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Tagore International School are a few examples of the kinds of schools that are available in Delhi.
Plenty of Fun Activities for Children to Enjoy
There are several places in Delhi where you can take your children to give them a good time. The Science Museum near Pragati Maidan is a treat for young minds.
Children can learn new things about science here through experiments they get to perform themselves. The Museum of Illusions in Connaught Place is a fun place to tickle your children’s imagination.
The Delhi Zoological Park is well-maintained and deserves a visit. A visit during the winter months is ideal. Several other parks and gardens in Delhi allow your children to run freely.
Nehru Park in the Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, is one such place.
4. Delhi is a Wonderful Place for Expats
Delhi is a vibrant city for expats. It is culturally rich, and you can experience the essence of India without travelling across the country.
Several things work in Delhi’s favour, making it one of the better cities in India to move to.
The Language that You Will Encounter in Delhi
While Hindi is the most widely spoken language in Delhi, the city is incredibly welcoming to foreigners.
English is widely understood and spoken, making it easy for expats to navigate their way around the city and communicate with the locals.
Many Indian Festivals are Celebrated in Delhi
Delhi is a metropolitan city, with people from different parts of the country and walks of life coming here to make something out of themselves. It makes Delhi a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
Delhi’s rich historical past also has a deep influence on the festivals that are celebrated here. This city is truly representative of India. All through the year, you can experience the excitement around festivals.
From Makar Sankranti in January to Christmas in December, Delhi celebrates all festivals with fanfare.
Access to Affordable Quality Healthcare
Several hospitals, run by private healthcare companies and the government, provide top-notch healthcare services. Some private hospitals specifically cater to the needs of expats.
Esteemed government hospitals, like All India Institute of Medical Sciences, are located here. Going to government hospitals can sometimes be a hassle due to the large number of people visiting them.
Private hospitals are a good alternative. There are several private hospital chains, like Fortis Hospitals and Max HealthCare Hospitals, in the city.
5. What Should Anyone Moving to Delhi Should Keep in Mind
Public Transport of the City
The city has an excellent public transport system that makes your commute easy. The plus point is that it is readily available and affordable. Delhi Metro is a vast network of 393 km covering Delhi far and wide.
Delhi autos and e-rickshaws are available at all times. Learn the art of haggling, as running by the metre is not something Delhi autowalas do. Plenty of buses also ply, and they are free for women.
Apps like Uber, Ola, and Rapido are great for hassle-free commuting if you can spend extra.
Plenty of Places to Visit During Weekends
It is a fact that Delhi has many places that students can visit to take a break from their studies. There are several places to visit to make date night special. There are several children-friendly places as well.
Delhi has everything from cafes, Dhabas, flea markets, and historical monuments to shopping malls.
Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Lajpat Nagar, and Karol Bagh are some markets you can visit to purchase apparel and other accessories at decent prices.
There are multiple eating joints across Delhi, like Yashwant Place, Jama Masjid, Paharganj, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place, to name a few.
Delhi and its Traffic Tales
Delhi’s traffic can be a problem, especially during peak hours. It is not nearly as bad as Mumbai or Bangalore’s traffic, but it is still a hassle.
The vast city roads and flyovers are a boon, but you might waste a lot of time commuting if you do not plan your daily travel.
Delhi’s traffic police are strict, and fines are imposed if caught breaking any traffic rules. However, this doesn’t stop Delhiites from driving rashly.
Be careful and stick to your lane; most problems will solve themselves.
Yes, a few rowdy ones would honk unnecessarily and overtake you while giving you a deathly stare, but ignore them – whatever keeps you safe. Delhi locals are always in a hurry to reach somewhere.
Still, they will waste hours arguing with you over trivial matters on the roads. Do not engage in road rage.
Delhiites are notorious for quickly escalating even minor issues, and situations often end up in physical violence or even death. Aggressive behaviour and cursing fellow motorists are typical Delhi behaviour.
Just remain seated calmly and do not escalate, no matter what. Apologise and leave the area even when you might not be at fault.
Delhi road altercations aren’t about being right or wrong; they’re about staying alive. Driving in Delhi at night is pleasant as the roads are relatively empty.
Driving around the India Gate late in the evening can be an enriching experience.
Pollution Woes
The city’s problem during the winter is pollution, which usually settles down once the spring season rolls in February. The air during the winter months is colder and denser. It moves slowly, trapping pollutants.
This eventually leads to the smog and heavy pollution experienced in Delhi during that time.
The pollutants are contributed by the growing city traffic and, especially, by the stubble crop burning in the neighbouring states of Delhi.
The Delhi government rolls out an odd-even rule during the winter to combat increased pollution.
The last digit of the vehicle registration number decides whether you have an odd-numbered or an even-numbered car. Each car can be used alternatively. Women drivers are exempt from this rule.
Therefore, it would be a good idea to buy an air purifier for the winter months. Keep a mask handy to protect yourself from the pollution when stepping out.
Brace Yourself For Delhi’s Weather
Delhi’s weather is extreme. In Delhi, you can experience all seasons distinctly. The temperature during
Delhi’s summers ranges between 25°C-50°C. Summer usually starts in April and ends when the monsoon starts in July. It is hot and humid during the summer.
Maintain an adequate intake of fluids and wear light cotton clothes. The monsoons do provide some respite from the summer heat.
However, it is still hot and very humid during this time, and certain places experience waterlogging. Nevertheless, enjoying an evening walk in India Gate is always a good idea on most days.
The monsoon ends in early October, and Autumn begins. It is a time when the weather is pleasant and the air is dry. Therefore, it is the festive season, the best time to visit Delhi.
Delhi gets severely cold during the winter. The temperature during winter ranges from 1°C-25°C.
If you are an expat from a temperate country, it might not seem like much now, but Delhi winters differ from what you might have experienced.
As an Indian, if you are moving from the South, do not forget to pack lots of warm clothes.
Delhi’s Rich Heritage is a Delight for All
Several monuments are scattered throughout the city, so you can take your children around to teach them our history, culture, and tradition. This supports learning beyond what is taught in school.
India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun Tomb are a few of the city’s monuments.
These monuments have gardens on their premises, where you can enjoy their beauty and history while having a picnic with your family and friends. They are also a marvellous attraction for expats.
It is an introduction to Indian history.
Delhi has many places of worship, including Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kali Bari Temple, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.
Some of these places of worship are architectural marvels.
The Akshardham Temple educates people through movies and interactive shows about the tough journey Lord Swaminarayan made to spread the good word.
Jama Masjid is gigantic and leaves you spellbound with its beauty.