Delhi is a city for those who want to work hard to achieve their dreams, come what may. Such an ambitious spirit is reflected even in the streets of Delhi, where people are always on the move, never to stop for even a short period of time! If you have moved to Delhi to go to the college of your dreams, there is a high chance the culture shock itself will drive you crazy! And if you don’t get accepted into the hostel of your college, you might find it even tougher to cope. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Although it can be a daunting task, everything you will need to know about finding a PG to live in while you work hard (and have fun as well) is right here on this page!

We present to you a list of 9 important factors to keep in mind as you search for a PG around your college:

1. Brokers are NOT necessary:

As much as you may have heard otherwise, you can in fact find a PG without those pesky human beings that all college students by the end of their graduation will start to consider bothersome presences. You can find various posters around your college or a nearby market indicating that there are PGs available. You can also take walks across the nearby neighbourhood, and you’ll usually find the building which have vacancies will have either numbers or banners in front of them so that you can reach the owners!

2. Check the time it takes to commute:

Although the distance between your PG and your college may seem short initially, it often takes a lot longer due to traffic. This is why it’s always advisable to verify how long it takes from you PG to your college during peak hours, regardless of whether you travel by a vehicle or on foot. If you calculate your daily commute beforehand, it’ll help you in many ways as you make your plans with your friends later or are rushing for class at the last minute!

3. Have a fixed budget beforehand:

If you have a budget in mind before you head out to search for PGs, you will be able to resist the temptation to overspend on a place that’s beyond your means. This will also help you narrow down on specific localities, as you will realise that the closer your PG is to your college, the more expensive it’s going to be. It will help to talk to your seniors in college to get a good yardstick for how much a PG should be costing per month.

4. Figure out transportation:

You will need to know how well connected your PG is, not only to your college, but to other areas as well, so that you can travel in and around Delhi/NCR without a lot of problems. North Campus is very well connected through the yellow line in the metro, and you can take e-rickshaws or autos as you like. South Campus, being more diffuse geographically, will require some more work from you, in terms of figuring out which places are well accessible.

5. Ensure that your locality is safe:

Several PGs come with guards and other security measures, like cameras and double-latching doors. In addition, you can also learn about how safe the area is if you talk to people in your neighbourhood; have there been any robberies, instances of violence, etc. Make sure to always keep your belongings under close supervision just to be doubly sure. And in case any mishap were to occur, always keep emergency numbers stored in your phone as well.

6. Check nearby areas for daily requirements:

If you are opting for a PG that provides you food, you don’t necessarily need to be in an area where there many restaurants or dhabas, since your food will be arranged for; otherwise, it’s a good idea to figure out how you will procure your daily meals. However, regardless of the food situation, you should check your nearby locality for convenience stores, doctors and chemists, laundromats, etc. according to your needs. Having these facilities nearby proves to be immensely helpful in the long run!

7. Ascertain the regularity of electricity/water/mobile and internet networks:

This is an absolute must, probably the most important in the entire list! Before you decide on a particular PG, put in the effort to verify the details of the regularity of its electricity, water supply, and mobile networks. Some areas have scanty reception at best, while others face frequent power cuts and erratic water supply. Under no circumstances would you like to live in a cave that’s cut off from the world in terms of the most basic amenities! Again, in this regard, talking to seniors who have had similar experiences, as well as your immediate neighbours, will prove to be instructive!

8. Review your contract details:

You will most likely have to sign an agreement when you move into a PG, so it’s important that you go through it carefully. Some might have a lease tenure, in which case you won’t be able to move out unless you pay rent for all months. Most PGs also require a security deposit before you move in, often for two months, but some agree for one month as well. It will also be helpful to ask tenants in the same PG about their experiences with the landlord, since they can many a times prove to be pesky characters! This way you’ll know how not to get on their nerves.

9. Get to know you roommates/flatmates:

The last point in this list is not about where you live, but about whom you live with. You may choose the former, but the latter is not often your call. In these situations, it is important to keep in mind who you can and cannot live with: some might be too loud for your liking, some too nosy. However, it is just as likely that you may find your roommates or flatmates to be very nice people, and then they will become an important part of your journey as a college student! So don’t be too worried if you don’t like them initially–you can always bridge your differences later.

So that’s all about how to hunt for PGs like a pro! We guarantee that if you follow these tips, you’ll find a wonderful place to live in (although it might take some time), and that your stay in it will be a pleasant experience as well.

Do leave us a comment if you feel we have missed out some important element of PG-hunting. And, of course, leave a like and share with all your friends who’re looking for PGs or those who would relate to the daunting task of finding a PG to live in!