What's the city of Chennai like?

Created by Aravind S, Modified on Sat, 02 Dec 2023 at 11:11 AM by Aravind S

Enjoy the sights and wonders of Chennai when at IITM!

Chennai, or as some folks still call it, Madras, is like the welcome mat to South India. It's one of those big cities in the country, and for a student, stepping into this place for the first time can be pretty crazy. But hey, don't fret, we’ve got your back. We’ll show you the ropes and give you the lowdown on everything you need to rock your college life here.

Cultural diversity: Chennai is a big, warm home for people from all over. It is a peaceful city where everyone gets along, no matter where they are from. You can see people from other states running shops, as Rapido drivers, and just living here. The 2023 Chennai pride march is an example of how cool and open Chennai can be.

Cuisines: Chennai stays at the heart of South India’s culinary delights. People just can't wait to dive into its delicious restaurant scene, and nothing else matters! A2B, Sangeeta Veg etc serve the finest South Indian foods to taste. And the area-wise eateries? Nugambakkam’s bakeries, Sowcarpet’s chaats, Anna Nagar’s fast foods - they’re all enticing to satisfy those taste cravings, anytime you want!

Leisure pursuits: Kodambakkam is the birthplace of Tamil cinema. Chennai offers one of the best cinematic experiences that one can get. The malls, (with Phoenix market city located just minutes away from the campus ) are one of the most sought-after places to shop, eat, and spend time. The beaches (Marina, Besant Nagar, Thiruvalluvar Nagar), which paint Chennai’s picture beautifully, offer a delightful way to start and end the day on a positive note.

The city also has a competitive sports scene, great infrastructure, and good safety facilities.

On the whole, the thought of spending 4 or more years in Chennai can be exhilarating, and the city surpasses all the expectations that you might hold. The traffic and the heat can be irritating at times, but they’re add-ons that you get with living in any metropolis.

Here is a tribute to Chennai ft. Anirudh Ravichander’s Chancey Illa - capturing the vibe of the city:

(This video is not made by AskIITM - it has been attached for viewing purposes only. Credits to The Sight Media on YouTube.)

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