Ola fam, 👋
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either packing your bags for a metro city, or you’ve just landed in Bangalore with dreams, a LinkedIn profile, and zero clue about what "adulting" actually means. Same, same.
This blog is my live documentation of figuring it all out: one scam call, one power cut, and one cooker dosa at a time.
A little backstory: I moved back to Bangalore recently after a four-month gap, post-MBA from IIM Bangalore. Before that? I worked remotely, and at IIMB, let’s be real...I was pampered like a hosteller who never had to worry about groceries or gas connections. So adulting? Never done it. Never even seen it up close.
Now, full disclosure: I do have an extra advantage....my mom moved in with me. But jokes on us, because she’s adulting for the first time too. So we’re two newbies, figuring it out together, and honestly? It’s chaos. The good kind. Mostly.
So here goes...my unfiltered, step-by-step guide to surviving your first few months in Bengaluru.
1. House Hunt: The Real Struggle
I spent over 20 days scrolling through NoBroker, 99acres, and a few other portals. And let me tell you...scammers are everywhere.
One guy almost got me. I only caught him because I checked Google Reviews (always, always do that). Turned out he had tried the same trick on a friend of mine too. Lucky for her, I randomly chatted with her just in time and stopped her from paying him. Close call.
Pro tip that I learned the hard way: Never pay an advance before visiting the property in person.Even if they pressure you with "sir, 10 people are coming today, it'll be gone in an hour" ignore it. Let it go. The house that’s meant for you will come back, or a better one will show up. Trust the process.
So how did I finally find a place?
A friend who lives near my office spotted a "To-Let" board, clicked a pic, and sent it to me. That’s it. Old-school, offline, and effective.
Other people I know moved into a PG temporarily and spent weekends walking around neighborhoods hunting for boards. That works too..if you can survive PG life. For me, the smell of shared kitchens and communal bathrooms was a dealbreaker, so I skipped that route.
And if you have the budget and zero patience? Go for a broker. They’ll do the legwork, but it costs.
2. Setting Up the House: Rent vs. Buy
This one depends entirely on how long you plan to stay.
Short-term (less than a year)? Rent your furniture.Apps like Furlenco and RentMojo let you get a fridge, bed, washing machine, etc., on a monthly subscription. Super handy.
Long-term? Buy gradually. It’s more cost-effective.
Order your rental stuff at least 4–5 days before your shifting date. And call their sales team beforehand, don’t just rely on the app. They’ll help you coordinate delivery better.
3. How to “Double Down” on a House Worth Staying In
Here’s the big question:Location or comfort?
Option A: Stay close to office, even if the house is small or the area isn’t buzzing.
Option B: Choose a vibrant, social neighborhood with cafes and parks, but endure a 1-hour commute.
Decide your non-negotiable early.And even after you finalize a place, don’t forget the micro-checks:
-Is there a grocery store nearby?
-Can you get milk, fruits, and veggies without relying on online delivery every single day?(Because honestly? Online grocery shopping is expensive...if you haven’t noticed yet, now you will.)
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind splurging on convenience, skip this. But if you’re budget-conscious like me, these little checks are gold.
4. Cooking Hacks: Because Hunger Doesn’t Wait
I’ll keep adding to this section as I discover more, but here’s what we’ve survived on so far.
Hack #1 – Cooker Dosa (Yes, really)
We got an induction stove because getting a gas cylinder in Bangalore right now is a nightmare (thanks, geopolitics 🙄). My mom thought she had an induction-compatible dosa tava. Turns out..nope. But she’d already made the batter.
So what did she do?
She made dosa in a pressure cooker.
I was skeptical. But it turned out surprisingly good. Crispy edges, soft center...legit dosa.
Attaching the instagram video here if you don't trust me : Video of Cooker Dosa
Hack #2 – No Gas, No Electricity, No Problem
One day, BESCOM decided to bless us with a power cut from 10 AM to 5 PM. No warning. No notification. Just darkness and a grumbling stomach.We hadn’t even had breakfast yet.
My mom, being the MVP she is, whipped up a survival meal:
-Avalakki / Poha / Flattened rice
-Mixed with the liquid from mango pickle (yes, that tangy red oil)
-Chopped onions
-A dollop of curd
That’s it. No gas, no heat, no electricity. Just mix, eat, and survive. And honestly? It was tasty.
This is just the beginning. I’ll keep updating this blog as I stumble upon more hacks, fails, and wins. Bookmark it. Share it with anyone who’s about to step into Bangalore with a suitcase and a dream.
And if you’ve got your own adulting hacks especially ones that saved you from hunger, scammers, or a breakdown..drop them in the comments. We’re all learning together.
Until next time,
SarvashreeKrishnarpanamasthu✨
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