Alright, you’ve packed your bags, loaded up on sunscreen, said goodbye to your parents, steeled your nerves and geared up for the journey of a lifetime. No, we’re not talking about an episode of Man vs. Wild. We’re talking about your decision to move to a new city, say Chennai. And while we may not have much advice on how to conquer the wilderness or survive alligator attacks, we’ve definitely got some tips and tricks to help you ace this move. Now that’s not to say Chennai is an unwelcoming place. On the contrary, the people are warm and the city offers plenty of great opportunities for work and stay. But leaving the familiarity and moving to any new place can seem overwhelming and there could be many irritants – hot and humid weather, an unfamiliar cuisine, not being able to find great accommodation. So, we bring you some hacks for living in Chennai exactly like a local:
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Money Matters
The Chennai of today is modern, progressive, inclusive and so very exciting. But that excitement comes at a cost. No, we’re not being metaphorical here, we’re talking about the actual cost of living in Chennai. You’re in luck because compared to the other metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi, Chennai is actually pretty affordable to live in. Whether it’s renting a house, buying food, automobile insurance, fuel, public transport, entertainment (movies, zoos, parks), dining out and day-to-day expenses, Chennai is rather easy on the pocket. So if you are feeling the pinch, it might be that you haven’t made the right choices with budgeting. With everything so readily available, you might feel the urge to splurge instead of save. Help yourself make good financial choices by creating a monthly budget (and sticking to it). You can even download an app on your phone to help you along the way.
Public Transport is your Friend
Going somewhere? Use Chennai’s amazing public transport system to your advantage for all your travel needs. The city has a suburban train network consisting of four routes that service a majority of the city (the Chennai Beach–Tambaram/ Chengalpet is the most used line). The frequency of trains is generally good and it’s best to opt for a first-class ticket during peak hours. Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses are another option for getting around Chennai. Buses also travel to areas that aren’t accessed by the suburban trains, but be prepared to jostle as they can get pretty crowded at peak times. These inexpensive options are sure to cut down your cost of living in Chennai, as well as your travel times. You can also get around the city via auto-rickshaws, but try to use the ones with metres (unless you’re prepared to negotiate). If you want to avoid shelling out a bomb and learn a little bit more about the city, public transport is definitely your best bet.
Don’t go the PG Route
If you’re looking to save on rent by co-living, make the smart choice. Sure you can go the old-fashioned PG route, but wouldn’t you much rather live in a personalised space with extensive amenities and a vibrant resident culture? Professionally managed accommodations like Stanza Living are sure to get you the best deal, putting them miles ahead of other PGs in Chennai. They’ll sort you out with a fully-furnished space, delicious meals, the best amenities (yes, including high-speed Wi-Fi) and even a multi-tiered security system. So you can definitely look forward to a life of comfort and excitement, even at very affordable rates.
Learn the Language
If you’re not a local, trust us when we say it doesn’t hurt to learn a bit of the Tamil language just to get by. If you continue blabbering in Hindi, you’ll definitely survive but don’t expect the shopkeepers to give you stuff at a cheaper rate or start giving you directions to a place. English works, even broken English works most of the time, but Hindi probably won’t get you anywhere. So, ask your Tamil friends (or the Internet) to help you out with a few words and phrases before you head to Chennai. They are definitely going to open a lot of doors for you.
Beat the Heat
Always stay hydrated. Chennai is hot and humid all year round and you are going to sweat a lot. It’s best to accept that and ensure you have a water bottle with you at all times. Don’t forget to also invest in a good deodorant and perfume. The plus side to the scorching weather is that you’ll never need to rely on a geyser – room temperature water will work wonders for your body to cool off. Using sunscreen and wearing light cotton clothes is also a good idea – especially if you’re spending most of your day outside. So make smart choices, and stay one step ahead of the sun.
Embrace the Cuisine
For north Indians, instead of trying to crave and hunt for authentic north Indian food here, embrace and savor the local delicacies of Chennai – like idlis, dosas, vadas. They are inexpensive, very tasty and healthy. Some of the best spots to fill up on dosas are Mami Tiffin Stall near the Kapalleshwarar Temple, Karpagambal Mess on East Mada Street, and ID, which has three locations in the city. Trust us, once you’ve tried vada, sambar, uttapam and everything in between, you’ll wish all your food could be that ras-yum!
Beyond the City
When you’re tired of the daily hustle, Chennai has got lots of options for you to kick back and relax. If you’re a beach lover, head to Marina beach (or the less crowded Thiruvanmiyur Beach, if you’re a fan of the road less travelled) for some sun, sand and freshly caught seafood. Or get out of the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to the peaceful Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, home to over 100 species of birds including flamingos, egrets, herons, sandpipers, and many more. The tranquil atmosphere might be just what you need after a few months of busy city living. And for the shopaholics, Thyagaraya Nagar, popularly known as T. Nagar, is one of the biggest shopping districts in India by revenue. Whatever you’re looking for — be it jewellery, fabrics, handicrafts, clothing, or food — you’re likely to find it here.