Finding a place in Kanpur

poynton

So I have found myself in Kanpur, U.P. for a little over 8 months, I am studying at the IIT campus for 2 semesters. Right now I am living on campus, which is beautiful (a nice getaway from the city), however my girlfriend will be joining me in a matter of a few weeks. I have asked for Martial Quarters but I am not sure if I will be allocated a flat or not.

Worst case scenario is that I will have to look for a place in the City, Kanpur U.P. I have a residency permit - I have registered with the authorities (mandatory for all with Visa's longer than 6 months) - but what are the odds of getting a flat for 8 months? How much money will I will be looking at per month, and how difficult will this task be.

I have not started looking, but I am just wondering what I am in for.

Thanks for the help,
SEAN

Khak

Hi
life within IIT campus is very different from life in Kanpur.... I hope you have got a taste of that in last few months......staying outside will mean commuting in auto rickshaws, cannot stay late in labs etc, power cuts, pollution etc....... I would strongly suggest you stay within IIT campus.........
otherwise you can try to rent a flat in adjoining kalyanpur area.........

__________________
~Khak~

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Valini

Hi Sean,

Khak's advice is very good. I have spent a long time in Kanpur for work and didn't have the fortunate chance to stay inside the IIT walls. Trust me, you don't realise how lucky you are to live within the IIT. If at all possible, stay there. I know that it might not be easy, but how about one of the small flats they have? I knew one of the french teachers got one the other year, it was a nice one bedroomed flat, bathroom, small kitchenette and sitting area. It'd be perfect for you.

Alos, a thought for your girlfriend here, if you live outside the campus in the city, and you go to Uni everyday, what will she do? Kanpur is NOT the kind of city whe can wander around and enjoy easily. (over a year as a lone female I should know!). The nicest areas to live in the city are pretty far, say ten km or more from the IIT. If you DO consider other parts of the city, check out Civil Lines, Swaroop Nagar, Tilak Nagar, but remember they are far from the IIT.
Flats aren't easy to come by either, your best bet would be to ask the other proffessors at the IIT, perhaps they know someone who lets out rooms as paying guests? That might be a nce way to integrate, if of course they accept you and your gilfriend (not sure thing).
If you do decide to live in the city, I can recommend a nice place. You said that you have registered at the FRO, so I assume you went to see SK Singh at Catchery? Opposite there is one hotel , the Little Chef and next door, less obvious is a private house / hotel called the Attic. It was a former British army barracks which has been converted into a private home and hotel. In fact, there are also at least two flats available too. One is at the top and another attached on the side. They have a beautiful garden and it's a really peaceful compared to the crazy city. They rent them out on long term basis too but I don't know the prices sorry.

I rented a 2 bedroom flat, with 2 bathrooms, AC back up generator, 2 balconies, large living room, hot water tanks, equipped kitched for 10,000 rps in a new appartment block in Civil Lines near the Green park stadium; I hope this gives you an idea.

Over all, my best advice is for you to stay in the IIT if at all possible!

Please send me a pm if you need more info about Kanpur, I'd be glad to help. I was there for the year of 07 and back again this summer, I'll be there in October too!

Victoria

ps: Have you met the French exchange student who teaches french yet? I really need to get in touch with him/her for this year if you know them!
many thanks!

poynton

Thanks a lot for the advice, I think I found a place right across the street from the Attic - that I might take. It is rented out by an Indian Family and the place was very beautiful -and will include food as well. For two people, with food I am hoping to get it for about 5-10 thousand RS, what would be a fair price?

No I have not met any French teacher, although there are a lot of french exchange studnets here at IIT - about 10 of them. No other Canadians though

Khak

5-10 thousand rupees is a huge range...........cannot comment

poynton

sorry for the broad band - it was just a number that was thrown out during our discussions - I think anything above RS/8000 is to much.

I am hoping to secure it for around 7000 Rupees - I see this as fair, thoughts?

Keep in mind this is a private room (own entrance), with a kitchen, cook, food, bath, and access to a lovely sitting area that is furnished - and is for 2 people. They said they are not renting this room with a huge profit in mind - but she obviously wants to ensure all costs are covered.

Valini

Honestly, if everything is included, ALL utilisty bills, FULLY furnished with total privacy (like your own home but attached as you have described) AND food...
for 2 people, I think anything up tp 10,000 is reasonable really. What is the quality like? Is eveything up to your standard? Will they mind you inviting other Uni friends around? Make sure you've checked all of the possibilities. Is there an internet connection? can you get it done too?
Make a list of what you would like EXTRA in the flat. Then go with your minimum price and negociate. for example, you'll pay extra if they include a microwave (you dont always want to eat at the same time or whatever) or perhaps if they put a tv in your room...

Just a few ideas, but don't hesitate to push for a little more if you'd like it, then agree on a price accordingly. They've probably got a spare one of many things laying around.

It's a good area near Catchery, close to the Landmark if you go to the gym, r for the only acceptable 'bar', or perhaps where your girlf can go alone too to Naveen Market.

How will you get to IIT? from naveen market there is a Tempo which goes directly there, and you can get a cycle rickeshaw to the tempo stop, otherwise are you going to dare it with a scooter?

Keep us informed, i'd love to hear how you get on.

Khak

check the following
1) power back up
2) 24 hour water in kitchen/batchroom
3) any additional maintenance/utlity bills
4) whether kitchen has oven/hot plate and gas cylinder
5) any security deposit and whether you can move out any time

Valini

VERY wise words (i kind of skipped this one without realising it)!

PLUS, excuse me if it's already been stated but:

1.
A/C ??? Is there one in at LEAST the bedroom? (links to Khak's N°1: will you at least have fans during the Regular power cuts?)

2.
Is there a hot water emersion tank? (again linked to Khak's N° 2)

I made a mistake at first of taking a room without hot water (an emersion rod ISNT practical for long periods and i'm sure your girlfriend won't approve)
AND without AC or back up power.

These are perhaps the MOST important things.... Summer in Kanpur is hot as hell and difficult to survive without a cool room, and winters are wet and nasty and difficult to get washed in a bucket of hot water everyday... the luxury of a hot running shower is wonderful!