Moving to Dehradun as a Student: Coaching, Study Spaces, PGs and Budget Tips

Every year, thousands of students move to Dehradun for college, school or exam coaching. If you're one of them, the first few weeks can feel like a lot: finding a PG, figuring out which side of the city you should live on, working out how the vikrams run.

This guide covers the basics. Where to stay, where to study, how to get around, and how to make your monthly budget last till the end of the month.

Which areas suit students?

• Prem Nagar and Nanda ki Chowki: close to several colleges on the Chakrata Road side.
• Ballupur, GMS Road and Kanwali: lots of PGs, libraries and coaching centres.
• Karanpur and the DAV College area: an old student hub near the city centre.
• Clement Town and Turner Road: quieter, with colleges nearby.

Pick your area based on your college or coaching centre first, and everything else second. Dehradun's traffic can make a long daily commute really tiring, especially in the monsoon.

Finding a PG or hostel in Dehradun

Karanpur, Ballupur and GMS Road are among the most popular PG areas. When you go to see a place:

• Look at the room in daylight, and check the bathroom too.
• Ask exactly what the rent covers: food, Wi-Fi, laundry, electricity.
• Ask about the rules: guests, curfew, notice period.
• Talk to someone who already lives there, if you can. They'll tell you things the owner won't.
• Get the deposit and rent terms in writing.

Study spaces and libraries

Self-study libraries have become very popular across Dehradun, especially around Balliwala Chowk and Kanwali Road. You pay a monthly fee and get a quiet desk, Wi-Fi and fixed timings. Lakshya Library and Eklavya Modern Library on Kanwali Road and Work and Study Co. in Vijay Park are a few examples.

Local tip · visit at the time you actually plan to study, so you can check the noise and whether seats are free.

Coaching institutes

Dehradun has coaching for banking, SSC, defence exams (NDA, CDS, AFCAT), CAT, CLAT and CUET. Before you join one:

• Sit in on a demo class.
• Ask about batch size and who the faculty are.
• Talk to current or past students.
• Compare fees and refund policies, in writing.

Getting around

App-based cabs and autos are easy to find.

Shared vikrams (tempos) run on fixed routes and are the cheapest way to get around. Ask a senior which number goes where.

If you live a few kilometres from college, a cycle or scooter makes life much easier.

Eating on a budget

Many PGs include meals, so ask before you sign.

Street food like bun tikki, momos and chole is cheap and filling. Our street food guide has the best spots.

Local dhabas near colleges serve thali-style meals at student prices.

If you cook, the weekly sabzi markets are cheaper than supermarkets.

Weekends that don't cost much

• Walk Rajpur Road and sit at a café.
• Go to Robber's Cave or Sahastradhara with friends.
• Explore Paltan Bazaar and its street food.
• Take the bus up to Mussoorie for the day.
• For more ideas, see our list of things to do in Dehradun.

Frequently asked questions

Find more on Doon Dekho

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