Printing, Eating & Shopping: A Guide To Life Around Xavier's

For all your Xeroxing needs, your go-to person is Jain uncle. Sitting just across the road from the back gate, his store is always full. You can either wait for your photocopies to be completed or leave the papers with him for a couple of hours {he’s very trustworthy and has never lost anyone’s notes!} and ask him to get it done while you’re in class.

The back of the store also has computers where you can access the internet, upload files from your pen drive and get them printed.

Quick lunches during break means you need to head straight to Yummiez {let’s not start a war on how to spell the name of this joint!}.

A little kiosk-type stall opposite the back gate, you go from ordering to eating in a couple of minutes. A small box of Chilli Garlic Schezuan Chow {and when they say chilli, they mean chilli} will keep you going through the day at under INR 50.The chicken rolls are another hot seller. If you’re squeamish about hygiene, this may not be your go-to.

Open your account at Delights as soon as you get your admission papers. This place will become your saviour in the summer when you’re desperate for a cold coffee, ice cream, cold drink or juice. They also do a couple of snacks – dosas, fries and sandwhiches – which will keep you going through the day.

The Camac Street area is littered with places to do some serious student budget shopping. For casual clothes, both Pantaloons and Westside stock a wide range of mens and womenswear. Also check out the Benetton factory outlet nearby {close to Whats In D Name} for affordable branded clothes. Need a phone case or junk jewelry – Vardaan is where you need to go.

If you’re broke and scouting a filling hearty meal, head to this little stand opposite Vardaan market. Mostly frequented by office go-ers, the stall has rumali roti, tandoori roti, naan, kulcha and different kinds of vegetables {there’s a different selection everyday} for the princely sum of INR 30. Kaali daal, paalak paneer, paneer butter masala and other veggie delights are available.

Vardaan market is not just a great placed to stop if you want to grab a couple of minutes of air conditioning between classes but the food stalls and hawkers outside the main gate are extremely popular for quick snacks. Besides the famous Victoria Vada, you can also get pav bhaaji, sandwiches, cold coffee, Bombay-style vada pav, fries and more. It’s very hot to stand around there in summer but in the winter months it’s a chill place to hang out.

Cut your finger and need a band-aid? Need a painkiller for your splitting headache? The chemist shop before Lifeline {they share a wall} stocks it all. If you leave from the back gate, take a right and the store will be on your left at the crossing of the road. The chemist also stocks condoms and sanitary napkins and if you’re in an emergency.

Pizza lovers, there are a couple of places to grab a slice in the lunch break. If you have a long break, Brickwood Pizza is where you can go. Keep a lookout for their offers and deals {and sometimes even student discounts if you flash your ID card!}. Newly opened Konetto Pizza {pizza in a cone!} is a pocket-friendly alternative.

Dosas, idlis, vadas – Karthik does it all. Exit the back gate and walk straight down the road, you’ll find him at the crossing of Theatre Road. He serves all dishes with unlimited sambar and chutney. If youre feeling indulgent, the cheese dosa {which oodles of melty Amul cheese} is a must-try. You can also request for extra butter or cheese on your dish. He usually runs out of food by 2 pm, so go early if you want to grab a bite. You’ll fill your tummy in under INR 30.

Every Xavierians go-to place for early morning tea or late evening samosas, ATS is where you go for cheap snacks. Located at the Theatre Road crossing, ATS promises prompt service, crispy golden fresh samosas and heavenly cups of piping hot kesar chai. The jalebis are a hit in the evenings. Scoff a snack down for INR 30 or less.

You can also cross the road to Tewari sweets for their iconic samosas and chaat.

Looking for the closest ATMs? You’ll find a row of ATMs back to back on Park Street {if you walk from the college main gate, it’ll be just before Mamagoto}. There’s also an ATM on the ground floor of Vardaan market although it often doesn’t work. There are a few ATMs on Middleton Street {the Sikkim House lane} which operate from inside the banks.

Had a long day at college and craving a beer? TFO has some of the best Happy Hours in the city {1 for 1 on cocktails and other drinks}. You can also pop in to Whats In D Name – since it works on a stcok-market system, on a weekday the prices for drinks tend to be low.