Ankita Das Symbosis law college
1 Move to the college: I lived in Bhubaneswar most of my life and chose Pune to pursue my law degree. I wanted to study in a reputable law college and had heard that Pune is a good place to go. So, here I am.
2 How were the first few days at the hostel or paying guest accommodation: I spent the first year of my graduation in a hostel called Saheli. There were girls from many different colleges there and I got along with them quite well.
The food wasn’t great but you have to learn to find good and cheap food for yourself.
From my the second year onwards, I started staying at a place on rent with some college mates since there are fewer restrictions on you when you live alone.
3 Getting to know the city: Pune is a very relaxing place. Unlike other small towns where it seems that everyone knows you and judges you, I felt at home and free here.
There is no eve-teasing and most quiet places are also safe.
The one problem I faced is moving around in the city. Public transport is a challenge. Buses are crowded and infrequent.
Auto-rickshaws can be expensive if you live far from your college and driving a two-wheeler can be dangerous because of the traffic.
Now I commute through auto-rickshaws.
4 Getting comfortable in the college: It took me a little time to get used to my college in Pune.
The people that I met were similar to my friends in my hometown and since there is diverse crowd, everyone can find people they would like to be friends with. After all, students come to study here from all over the country, from big cities and small.
5 People of the city: The people of the city are as relaxed as the students here are.
They are in no hurry and ready to help to you.
It would be helpful for you to know Marathi though. Knowing the local language really comes handy.
6 Lifestyle it offers: Pune has a traditional character as well as the shining middle class touch.
While there are a whole host of places to go out at night and shop at, the city becomes quiet after 10.30 pm.
4 Getting comfortable in the college: It took me a little time to get used to my college in Pune.
The people that I met were similar to my friends in my hometown and since there is diverse crowd, everyone can find people they would like to be friends with. After all, students come to study here from all over the country, from big cities and small.
5 People of the city: The people of the city are as relaxed as the students here are.
They are in no hurry and ready to help to you.
It would be helpful for you to know Marathi though. Knowing the local language really comes handy.
6 Lifestyle it offers: Pune has a traditional character as well as the shining middle class touch.
While there are a whole host of places to go out at night and shop at, the city becomes quiet after 10.30 pm.
7 Fun things they did: The one thing that I remember most fondly is an exchange programme for which I went to Germany with a college friend. I had a lovely time there and got to see a lot.
Apart from that, I enjoyed attending the college events in Pune such as our own college’s festival Symbhav.
8Top hangouts you would recommend: I would suggest three places
(a) Koregaon Park — the overall ambience of the place is buzzing with youth and there are a number of eating joints;
(b) FC Road (Fergusson College Road) — it has many colleges there and places to go to;
(c) Thousand Oaks Restaurant at MG Road.
9Where do you go to for learning more about the city to gain more knowledge: I haven’t really explored such places in Pune.
10What do you not like about the city: I would say (a) the traffic (b) the public transport and (c) the pollution.
11How difficult is it for an outsider to settle here: It’s not difficult at all. Women are respected and feel very safe in the city.