The Visit Is Where the Truth Lives
Online listings can be carefully curated. Photos are taken at the right angle with good lighting. Descriptions use the right keywords. But a 30-minute visit to a PG tells you things that no listing can hide — the smell of the corridor, the attitude of the caretaker, whether the windows actually open, what the other residents look like.
Here's what to specifically look for when you visit a girls' PG in Delhi.
During the Walk-In
The building entrance and approach road. Is the approach road well-lit at 7pm? Is it a busy, populated road or a quiet internal lane? You will walk this road alone in the dark. Its character matters.
The building facade and common areas. Does the building look maintained? Peeling paint and broken stair edges aren't just aesthetic — they indicate a landlord who doesn't invest in the building, which means maintenance requests are unlikely to be handled promptly.
The floor you're on. Ground and first-floor rooms are often slightly cheaper but come with more noise from the street and less privacy. Third floor and above gets you away from street noise and street-level foot traffic but means more climbing of stairs (often without functioning lifts in older buildings).
The Room Itself
Window direction. A room facing East gets morning light and is usually cooler than a West-facing room in Delhi's afternoon heat. Ask which direction the windows face before committing.
Ventilation. Open the windows. Can you feel air moving through the room? In Delhi's climate, poor ventilation makes a room uncomfortable even with an AC. Good cross-ventilation reduces AC dependency and associated electricity costs.
The bathroom. Check: does the geyser work? Is the water pressure adequate? Is the drainage fast? A slow-draining bathroom floor that stays wet is a hygiene problem, not just a comfort one.
The cupboard and storage. Most PGs provide a cupboard. Check if it's lockable (you should have a padlock), whether it's shared or individual, and whether the space is sufficient for your things.
Cell phone signal. Sounds trivial. But some Delhi building interiors have very poor Jio or Airtel signal. Check your phone on all three major networks inside the room.
The PG-Specific Questions to Ask
"What time is curfew?" — Many girls' PGs have a defined curfew time, typically between 9pm and 10pm in winter, slightly later in summer. If your college schedule requires you to be out later (late library sessions, coaching classes), this matters.
"Can I have guests?" — Some PGs allow male visitors (friends, siblings) in the common area during specific hours. Others don't allow male visitors at all. Be clear on this before you commit.
"What happens during power cuts?" — Delhi has regular power cuts, particularly in summer. Does the PG have an inverter, UPS, or generator? How quickly does it come on? An inverter that takes 15 minutes to restore lights is manageable. Rooms that go completely dark are not.
"How does the food menu work?" — Can you see a sample weekly menu? Are there options if you don't eat what's being served that day? Is there flexibility for students who are ill?
The Intangible Things to Notice
The other residents. During your visit, notice the girls who live there. Do they look comfortable? Are they going about their routines normally, or does the visitor's presence create visible discomfort? The social dynamic of a PG matters enormously for your day-to-day quality of life.
The owner's attitude during the visit. Is the owner responsive to your questions, or do they deflect or dismiss? Do they make you feel comfortable, or does something about their manner feel off? You'll be dealing with this person for 10 months. If they're dismissive in the first conversation, they won't improve later.
