The University of Calcutta, with campuses in College Street and Ballygunge, attracts thousands of students each year for its storied arts, science, and commerce programs. For many out‑station scholars, finding a safe, budget‑friendly Paying Guest (PG) accommodation within walking distance of lectures and libraries becomes a top priority. In 2025, the College Street area and its environs offer a variety of PG options—ranging from basic twin‑sharing rooms at ₹3,000 per month to fully furnished single rooms with meals at ₹7,500—ensuring every student can find a comfortable stay without burning a hole in the pocket. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: average rents, top PGs, amenities to expect, budgeting tips, and insider advice to help you secure the perfect room near Calcutta University.
1. Why Choose a PG Near University of Calcutta?
- Proximity to Campus: Many PGs in College Street, Jorasanko, and Vivekananda Road are within a 5–10 minute walk of lecture halls and the Central Library, saving time and transport expenses.
- Student Community: Living among peers fosters study groups, cultural exchanges, and lasting friendships.
- All‑Inclusive Convenience: Bundled rents covering food, Wi‑Fi, and utilities let you focus on academics—not bill payments.
- Safety & Supervision: Family‑run PGs often provide a homely environment with 24×7 presence of caretakers and CCTV, crucial for parents’ peace of mind.
2. Understanding PG Rent Ranges (2025)
Based on recent listings around College Street and nearby wards:
- Single Room (Non‑AC): ₹4,600–6,000 per month
- Twin Sharing (Non‑AC): ₹3,000–5,000 per month
- Triple/Four Sharing: ₹3,000–4,500 per bed per month
- AC Rooms: ₹7,500–13,000 (single or twin) for PGs offering air conditioning.
Most PGs include at least two vegetarian meals, monthly housekeeping, and basic furnishings—bed, study table, and wardrobe.
3. Key Localities & Their Appeal
- College Street (~0–0.5 km from campus)
- Heart of the university district, home to Anu’s PG (Single ₹5,000; Twin ₹4,000).
- Easy metro access via Central Metro (Gate 5).
- Heart of the university district, home to Anu’s PG (Single ₹5,000; Twin ₹4,000).
- Jorasanko & Bowbazar (0.5–1 km)
- Historic lanes with Dwijendra Villa PG (Twin ₹9,000) for girls, close to Rabindra Bharati University.
- Historic lanes with Dwijendra Villa PG (Twin ₹9,000) for girls, close to Rabindra Bharati University.
- Vivekananda Road (1–1.5 km)
- Mindtree PG offers 4‑sharing at ₹4,000 and single rooms at ₹7,500.
- Mindtree PG offers 4‑sharing at ₹4,000 and single rooms at ₹7,500.
- SN Banerjee Road / Abhedananda Road (1.5–2 km)
- Angela PG (Twin ₹4,000) and Anitas PG (Twin AC ₹11,700) cater to female scholars near Vivekananda College.
- Angela PG (Twin ₹4,000) and Anitas PG (Twin AC ₹11,700) cater to female scholars near Vivekananda College.
- Sealdah / Raja Bazar (1.5–2 km)
- Mira Ladies PG starts at just ₹3,000 for a four‑sharing room, excellent for budget seekers.
- Mira Ladies PG starts at just ₹3,000 for a four‑sharing room, excellent for budget seekers.
4. Top 6 Affordable PGs to Consider
4.1 Anu’s PG (College Street)
- Rates: ₹5,000 single | ₹4,000 twin sharing
- Distance: 0.5 km from Central Metro, 0.3 km from Hare School.
- Amenities: Two veggie meals, Wi‑Fi, housekeeping twice a month, shared bathroom.
4.2 Debasish Best PG (College Street)
- Rates: ₹6,000 single | ₹5,000 twin | ₹5,000 triple
- Distance: 0.2 km from University of Calcutta.
- Extras: Study‑friendly common room, fan‑only rooms (AC optional), onsite laundry.
4.3 Mindtree PG (Vivekananda Road)
- Rates: ₹7,500 single | ₹5,000 twin | ₹4,500 triple | ₹4,000 four‑sharing
- Distance: 1.2 km from College Street; near Shobhabazar Sutanuti metro.
- Features: Wi‑Fi, common kitchen, daily cleaning, 24×7 water supply.
4.4 Mira Ladies PG (Sealdah, Raja Bazar)
- Rates: ₹3,000 four‑sharing | ₹3,200 triple | ₹3,500 twin.
- Distance: 1.6 km from campus; direct tram and bus routes.
- Safety: Female‑only PG, caretaker on duty, CCTV in corridors.
4.5 Angela PG (SN Banerjee Road)
- Rates: ₹4,000 twin sharing
- Distance: 1.6 km from campus, near Assembly of God Church School.
- Comforts: Semi‑furnished rooms, shared bathroom, occasional power backup.
4.6 Dwijendra Villa PG (Bowbazar)
- Rates: ₹9,000 twin sharing for girls
- Distance: 1.3 km from College Street.
- Perks: Spacious rooms, hygienic kitchen, monthly housekeeping, proximity to Sealdah railway.
5. What Amenities Matter Most
When evaluating PGs, prioritize:
- Food Quality & Timing: Two meals included? Veg/Non‑veg options? Meal timings suit your schedule?
- Internet Speed & Reliability: Look for at least 20 Mbps; avoid PGs with data caps.
- Security & Privacy: 24×7 caretaker or warden, CCTV in common areas, lockable room doors.
- Hygiene Standards: Daily or alternate‑day cleaning of shared spaces, regular pest control.
- Water & Power Backup: Uninterrupted water supply and generator/inverter lighting for monsoon or outage days.
- Study Environment: Quiet hours policy, dedicated study corners or desks in rooms.
6. Budgeting & Hidden Costs
- Security Deposit: Typically 1–2 months’ rent, refundable at end of stay.
- Electricity Charges: Often extra, charged per unit or as a flat monthly fee (₹200–600).
- Laundry & Extras: Some PGs charge ₹100–200 per laundry load; others include it.
- Fuel Surcharge: Note if kitchen uses gas; refill charges may apply for excess use.
- Late Payment Penalties: Fines of ₹200–500 if rent isn’t cleared by the due date each month.
Always request a detailed rent breakup to avoid surprises.
7. How to Choose the Right PG for You
- Visit in Person: Check room size, ventilation, and actual cleanliness.
- Talk to Current Residents: Ask about food quality, Wi‑Fi downtime, noise levels, and warden responsiveness.
- Confirm Inclusions: Get a list of all amenities in writing—meals, utilities, cleaning, security.
- Review Rules & Lock‑in Period: Clarify guest policies, curfew times, and minimum stay requirements.
- Inspect Safety Measures: Ensure fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and first‑aid kits are in place.
- Compare Multiple PGs: Visit 3–5 options to gauge market rates and find your best fit.
8. Move‑In Process & Paperwork
- Booking Advance: Usually 1 month’s rent plus deposit to secure the room.
- Agreement Signing: A simple PG contract outlining rent, deposit, inclusions, and house rules.
- ID & Reference Check: Most PGs require a copy of your university ID and a local reference.
- Handover Checklist: Document room condition (walls, fixtures) to avoid disputes on move‑out.
9. Tips for a Smooth PG Living Experience
- Pack Light & Smart: Room space is limited; bring only essentials.
- Respect Shared Spaces: Clean up after yourself in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Follow House Timings: Adhere to mealtimes and quiet‑hours for harmonious living.
- Build Friendships: A supportive roommate network makes hostel life enjoyable and safer.
- Stay Organized: Keep rent receipts and PG agreements safely filed for future reference.
10. Beyond PGs: University Hostels & Alternatives
- University Hostels: Limited seats and long waiting lists mean most new students turn to PGs.
- Co‑living Spaces: A few organized co‑living brands are entering Kolkata, offering professional management and fixed‑term leases—though rents start around ₹8,000 for multi‑sharing.
- Short‑Stay Guesthouses: For first weeks in the city, stay in a guesthouse (₹700–1,500/night) as you hunt for a long‑term PG.
Conclusion
Finding an affordable PG near University of Calcutta is entirely possible with rents starting as low as ₹3,000 per bed for multi‑sharing and ₹4,600 for basic single rooms. By exploring key localities—College Street, Jorasanko, Vivekananda Road—and shortlisting top PGs like Anu’s PG, Debasish Best PG, and Mira Ladies PG, you can balance cost, convenience, and comfort. Remember to visit in person, compare amenities, and budget for deposits and utilities. With the right preparation, your Kolkata student journey will begin in a home that feels safe, supportive, and just a stone’s throw from your lecture halls.
Source : fulinspace.com