By Shriyam Gupta & Garima Bakshi
Last week we gave you a little black book for North Campus.
Now, we’re flipping the coin and taking you on a virtual tour of what life in South Campus has to offer! Unlike North Campus which forms a hub and communion of colleges, South’s colleges are scattered all over South Delhi in different pockets and zones, making it a totally different experience altogether.
A restriction of studying in North Campus is that you’re likely to run into or be constantly drawn to the company of your good ol’ school buddies; though initially, this is super helpful is acclimatizing to life in DU, it sometimes limits us in meeting new people. This way, South Campus has something fresh to offer- it throws you out into the world and you’re pretty much pushed to chilling and interacting with people from all over town and our country; those starkly different, yet incredibly interesting.
And what better way to enjoy a new friend’s company than to explore what South Campus’ surrounding neighbourhoods have to offer? To fully enjoy college life, you’ve got to step out and explore the markets, colonies and way of life that surround it.
Given the proximity of certain colleges within South Campus, we’ve identified pockets for you to scout through and explore. While Shriyam and I are based out of North Campus, over the past two years we’ve managed to scout for little black book finds courtesy all our friends studying at South Campus colleges. There’s a whole lot to do, and a ton of places to choose from, for every pocket and every interest. So get ready, set, and call out for an ‘autoooo.’
# 1 | COLLEGES AROUND SATYANIKETAN MARKET | Such as DCAC, Sri Venkateswara College, Jesus & Mary College
These colleges come closest to forming a hub of sorts in South Campus. Given the active and expanding student life, this place has grown to become a place oozing with new cafes and stores, and its vibe is most enthusing!
GRUB STREETS |
High on Burgers | It’s ideal for a quick snack between classes. Their burgers are dolloped with flavour thanks to the variety of sauces and dressings on offer. Our own favourite is the Super Cheesy Chicken burger.
Where | 57, Opposite Venkateshwara College, Satyaniketan, New Delhi; Price | INR 150 for two (approx.)
QD’s | This is an adda for students! We love the tandoori momos here.
Where | 294, Satyaniketan Market, Near Venkateshwara College, Satyaniketan, New Delhi; Price | INR 400 for two (approx.)
Kev’s Maggi | While their claim to fame may be offering innovative renditions of maggi, we found them all to be pretty similar in taste. That said, it doesn’t take way from the fact that anything maggi is downright delicious. Fun fact: It’s known for students running away without paying.
Where | 298, Satyaniketan, New Delhi; Price | INR 100 for two (approx.)
Venky canteen | Craving dosa-idli-vada? A spot that we would recommend would be the Venky canteen.
Where | Sri Venkateswara College; Price | INR 100 for two {approx.}
China Bowl | Once you’re done devouring plates of usual DU food, hop over to China Bowl for desi versions of Chinese and Thai dishes. We quite like the chicken winglets and pork spare ribs here.
Where | 10, Satyaniketan Market, Opposite Venkateshwara College, Satyaniketan, New Delhi; Price | INR 350 for two {approx.}
THE LITTLE THINGS & UTILITIES |
Photocopies | DCAC’s mini market provides a great alternative to long queues at college photocopy shops. Besides that, it offers binding, scanning and other services too. Jain Bookstore has a monopoly in South Campus over books, photocopies and notes.
Where |
Shyam Photocopy shop | Satyaniketan Market
Mini Market: Behind DCAC
Jain Bookstore: Satyaniketan Market
Notes, Readings, Stationery and Bookstores | Stores in Netaji Nagar market and Jain Bookstore will meet your demands for notes, readings, books and stationery. However, most South Campus students head to North Campus to get their notes and readings.
Where |
Jain Bookstore | Satyaniketan Market
Netaji Nagar market
Accommodation | Given your budget and interests, we highly recommend you ask your seniors about where to stay in South Campus. Colonies like Hauz Khas and Amar Colony have PGs and flats, so make sure you keep a look out for fliers. Try Def Col and Safdarjung Enclave as well {more expensive}. Besides that, private contractors and students contacts can help you look for great places.
Other Cool Surrounding Areas |
Yashwant Place: Famous for its ‘kripsy’ chicken
Cafe Coffee Day {close to Taj Palace Hotel}
# 2 | LADY SHRI RAM COLLEGE {LSR}
You know you’re in DU if you’ve heard rumors, gossip and stories about the oh-s0-elusive LSR girls. You will find out that these rumors and stereotypes are, for the most part, far from true. What you will also realize is that given how LSR is pretty much isolated {the closest being Gargi and Kamla Nehru College}, you’re going to have to travel a fair bit for tuitions, activities, food and drinks.
GRUB STREETS |
LSR Café | Widely known as the ‘best college canteen’ {even though LSR students refuse to call it a canteen}, the café at LSR offers a wide range of items that cater to every taste from South India to continental cuisine. Currently, it’s being run in collaboration with Pat-A-Cake, so if you have a sweet tooth you can satisfy your cravings here! We recommend the kathi rolls at the Café.
Where | LSR College; Price | INR 150 {approx}
Sidewok | This place needs no introduction, but needs a little overspending given college budgets! Sidewok serves Chinese, Japanese, Burmese, Malaysian and Thai. Our favourites are the prawn Harkao dimsums and the burnt garlic soup.
Where | N 11, N Block Market, Greater Kailash 1, New Delhi; Price | INR 1200 for two {approx.}
Café Coffee Day Lounge | Coffee, conversations and more- this popular coffee chain is a hot spot for a quick chat or a debate discussion.
Where | M 37, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 1, New Delhi; Price | INR 400 for two (approx.)
Pout Café | With ambience that has accents of all things pink and striped, this café is cosy and cutesy and perfect for a warm cup of coffee in the winters or a reprieve from the heat in the summers.
Where | N Block Market, Near Fab India, Greater Kailash, New Delhi; Price | INR 1500 for two {approx.}
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU |
Satyam Nehru Place | Catch up with friends over a movie or two, post class. This is one advantage that LSR has- Satyam is walking distance from it.
Nehru Place Complex | This complex has lots of places for the discerning foodie- there’s a Sidewok, Royal China as well as McDonald’s. Nehru Place also has HP Singh, for LSR ladies who want to create couture {click here for our guide}
THE LITTLE THINGS & UTILITIES |
LSR is known for its self-sufficiency. Everything you need will be provided within the gated campus of LSR; else you can always check out North Campus for your notes and books.
Other Cool Surrounding Areas |
Kailash Colony Market: Check out Big Chill and Cafe 27 in this neighbourhood market.
# 3 | GARGI & KAMLA NEHRU COLLEGE
These all-girls colleges are situated very close to GK 1 N Block market, which makes it an ideal spot for the college going ladies to shop, eat and unwind post a day of classes. However, apart from the usual GK 1 stores and conveniences, our friends at Gargi and KNC also recommend you visit SDA market and Amar Colony market from time to time.
GRUB STREETS |
Mithas Café | Gargi College’s go-to café is situated bang opposite it. It serves fast food, Indian-Chinese, North Indian and South Indian dishes.
Where | 4 & 5, Anand Lok Market, Opposite Gargi College, Siri Fort Road, New Delhi; Price | INR 300 for two (approx.)
Spice Aangan | This is the place to go to if you’re craving kebabs and rolls. We recommend the shawarmas and tandoori chicken of Spice Aangan. PS: They have outdoor seating.
Where | C 21/2, Opposite I.I.T. Main Gate, SDA Market, New Delhi; Price | INR 300 for two (approx.)
Aap Ki Khatir | Aap ki Khatir is another option if you’re in the mood for rolls.
Where | 1, C Block, DDA Market, SDA, New Delhi; Price | INR 300 for two {approx.}
THE LITTLE THINGS & UTILITIES |
Notes, Readings, Stationery and Photocopies | Check out your college photocopier or go to Sadhik Nagar for photocopies and stationery. For books, notes and readings, we recommend you visit North Campus.
CHILLER PARTY |
Spell & Bound Bookshop & Cafe | This cozy little café is perfect for sitting back with a book and sipping on Depaul’s coffee or munching on Nizam’s rolls- yup, they serve them both! Grab a book, get a bite, and enjoy.
Where | C 11, 2, Market, IIT Main Gate, SDA, New Delhi; Price | INR 300 for two (approx.)
Café Qahwa | This student hub is famous for its apple pie, orange muffins and coffee. Buzzing with conversation, this place is a must if you want to be a part of the student atmosphere.
Where | C-14, Ground Floor, Community Centre, Market, SDA, New Delhi; Price | INR 400 for two (approx.)
Nature Morte Art Gallery | Interested in art? Visit this contemporary art gallery if you want to soak in some brilliant art & photography exhibitions.
Where | A 1, Niti Bagh, Opposite Kamla Nehru College
Siri Fort Complex | All you sporty guys & girls, watch out for events at Siri Fort Complex! Step out and play a game of badminton, football or squash with friends. Or do what we do- a long run followed by a nice and long swim. Click here to see our Siri fort guide.
Siri Fort Auditorium | Keep a look out for exciting plays, concerts and movie festivals that take place from time to time. Note: keep a look out for Osian Film Festival, National Film Festival, and international performances.
Other Cool Surrounding Areas |
Hauz Khas Market {opp NIFT- best dosa stand ever!} & Yusuf Sarai Market {check out Annapurna for Bengali sweets and delectable samosas}
Hauz Khas Village: browse through LBBD for recommendations of our favourite places
Shahpur Jat: our Shahpur Jat guide comes out soon, stay tuned!
Notes in our Little Black Book |
Satyaniketan Market has some excellent tuition centres; even North Campus students end up here for their math, actuarial science and economics tuitions.
Venky, JMC etc {Hub # 1} is situated very close to Lutyen’s Delhi. If you’re bored of eating and drinking, make all the gardens and lawns that Lutyens Delhi has to offer your walking/running/picnic ground. We’ve enjoyed many a Frizbee sessions with friends from different colleges in Lodhi Gardens.
Malls are calling! South Campus {especially Bhagat Singh College, Gargi and KNC }is situated very close to the Saket malls, while all the Satyaniketan colleges are close to the Vasant Kunj malls. In the summer months, this is where students run to for air-conditioned seating.
Most importantly, college is the time to work hard, discover more about yourself and the city than you have before; and fortunately, Delhi offers much for you to walk, browse or sit through.
Enjoy!
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