What are the Best & Cheapest Markets for Students in Delhi?

The high standards of academia along with the affordability make Delhi stand out for students. So, whether you are on a tight budget or have overflowing pockets, the cheap markets for Delhi students are always there to the rescue.

Thousands of students move to Delhi every year to join some of the finest educational institutions in the country.  And, where there are students, there are affordable markets to cater to their needs. 

In this blog, I share with you the details of some of the best and cheapest markets for Delhi students. So, right from buying books to affordable clothing, and accessories, this blog is going to be your guide

A Handy Guide to the Cheap Markets for Delhi Students

The markets in Delhi provide ample choices to buy anything and everything and the best part, at your price. These cheap markets are spread all over the city and they cater to the most basic needs of students.

The Delhi University Campus is divided into two parts – the North and the South. Along with it, there are quite a number of affiliated colleges spread all over the city. I will elaborate all about these markets but before I go into the details, here is an overview of them area-wise.

Cheap Markets for Delhi Students in the North Campus

The North Campus of Delhi University is said to have some of the best and most well-known colleges in Delhi. Some of the top colleges here are – St. Stephen’s, Shri Ram College of Commerce., Hindu College. Miranda House, etc.

There are plenty of markets in and around the North Campus. Below I explore some of the cheapest ones for students.

Kamala Nagar Market is hands down the best market in North Campus for all your needs.

1. Kamla Nagar Market: A lively Market and a Great Hang-out Spot

Kamla Nagar Market lies at the heart of the north campus. Many colleges are located just a few meters away from this market. The reason for its numero uno position is the affordability and quality of the products. If you are a good bargainer, you would end up having a profitable deal.

This market is specifically popular for all kinds of economical shoes and sandals. Bags are another famous item found here at a variety and cost-effective rates. There are also ample shops for clothes and accessories.

By the way, if you are shopping here, Om Di Hatti is the best place to grab a plate of the famous Delhi Chole Bhature.

Looking for books in Delhi? Head over to Daryaganj in Delhi

2. Daryaganj Market: A Place For All Your Book Needs

Daryaganj Market is heaven for all bibliophiles. It’s full of books, books, and more books. There are many big and small shops that sell course books of all streams.

Its Sunday market is a big hit among students. On this day, you can get the books at the lowest rates. The books available are both original and second-hand.

These books start from just 100 rupees or even less in cases of good bargaining. 

3. Other Markets:  Slightly Away But Totally Worth It!

Apart from these major markets above, there are several other choices for Delhi students residing around the North Campus. The students can also visit other markets even though they are not as cheap but still not very expensive either. 

Karol Bagh- It is one of the posh markets in this area. Though it’s slightly higher in price, yet it can surprise you with the latest trends, especially in Western wear. Its street markets are full of clothes, bags, jewellery, footwear, etc. that are available at somewhat reasonable prices. Karol Bagh Metro Station on Blue Line is the easiest way to reach here.

Chandini Chowk –This market is famous for its old-world charm. It is one of the famous markets of old Delhi. It’s probably one of the best places to buy fabric or the latest Kurtis. Its wedding collection is world-famous. The streets here offer quite a range of jewellery and bags. Chandini Chowk Metro Station on the Yellow Line is the cheapest commute.

Rani Bagh Market  –This market is quite famous for different types of clothes at very reasonable prices. Although the market is congested,  it is full of options. Shakarpur Metro Station on the Pink Line or Kohat Enclave Metro Station on the Red Line are the cheapest.

 Avantika Market-  It has a good display of footwear, bags, jewellery and other accessories. Prices are economical. Girls, if you are looking to buy Indian Wear, especially suits, this is the place. Rohini West Metro Station on Redline is the best option to reach here.

Sadar Bazaar – The famous wholesale market of Delhi caters to multiple needs. It has clothes, suitcases, footwear, stationery items, cosmetics, jewellery, kitchen items, etc. all at wholesale prices. Tis Hazari Metro Station on Red Line gets you here easily.

Cheap Markets for Delhi Students in the South Campus

Let’s talk about the South Campus now. Some of the famous colleges on this Campus are Lady Shri Ram College,  Gargi College,  Jesus and Mary College,  Sri Venkateswara College, etc.

When it comes to shopping, there is no dearth of cheap markets for Delhi students in the South Campus. I am providing the details about some of the best ones below.

Before you go shop in Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar, make sure you perfect your bargaining skills.

1. Sarojini Nagar Market: It’s Hard To Leave This Place Empty-Handed

This place is loved by people from all over Delhi and not just the students of Delhi Campus. People of all ages and genders enjoy shopping here.

Its most popular product is clothes. Be it variety, price, size, or fabric everything is just bang-on. One never leaves empty-handed from here. But one thing to be careful about is Bargaining- the more skilled you are, the better deal you go away with.

There is a huge difference between what the vendor quotes and what a customer ends up paying if the latter is aware and skilled.

Apart from being a hangout spot, CP also offers several budget shopping options.

2. Connaught Place Markets: Offering A Wide Range Of Products for Students

Connaught Place or CP, as it is popularly called, is one of the most happening places in Delhi. The fact that it’s located centrally, makes it even more lucrative.

Students from both campuses are often found enjoying and relaxing in pubs and restaurants. This place has three markets at a distance of a few meters from each other. There is CP Market, Janpath Market and Palika Bazaar.

Palika Bazaar is one of the best when it comes to affordable shopping. It provides all things ranging from clothes to shoes to bags and belts to jewellery and other stuff. You have to be a good bargainer to get the best deal here

3. Nehru Place: Visit The Market For All Your Electronic Needs

Nehru Place is one of the largest electronic markets in India. This place is the best spot for electronic gadget lovers. You can also find service centres of big brands like Dell, HP, etc. in this area.

Students can find the most economical deals here. Also, all the latest gadgets are easily available here even when there is a shortage in other places.

Lajpat Nagar Market is the one-stop shop for all your needs- clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.

4. Lajpat Nagar Market: There is Much More Here Than Just Expensive Stores

It’s undoubtedly one of the costliest and brand-dominated markets in Delhi. However, students can still find their way around here.

There is a whole market at the back of these big showrooms. This market caters to all the things a student wants – clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery, etc. The prices are a bit high but still much cheaper than the posh markets.

Weekly Markets – Something Every Student Should Check Out in Delhi

One thing which is pretty much unique about Delhi markets is the weekly street markets in every corner of the city. If you are residing in Delhi, a street market is just a few meters away from your residence.

When you enter these markets, it’s like you are attending a fair. It’s so lit and bright. It provides you with clothes, footwear, kitchen items, cosmetics, jewellery, furnishing items, fresh vegetables and fruits, stationery, snacks, and whatnot.

If you forget something or need something urgently, you just need to step out, walk a few meters and have it at the cheapest price possible. Doesn’t it sound like heaven to all the shopaholics like me? And that too every week! Just imagine the fun!

The cheapest, easiest and fastest way to commute in Delhi for students is definitely the Metro

Skilful Tips for Students Shopping in the Markets of Delhi

When you are shopping in the markets of Delhi, these tips will really come in handy:

Sharpen Your Bargaining Skills – The more you are skilled and adept, the better it is for you. Many vendors quote two to three times the value. So the better you are at bargaining, the cheaper your shopping will be. It implies that you can buy maximum things at a minimum price.

Head Out to Shop in Groups –This one is in continuation of the previous point. While shopping in the streets make sure you are along with your gang or at least there are the two of you. It provides you support while bargaining. It acts as a good pressure on the vendor to scale down his prices. Also, it’s fun to shop with friends.

Commute to the Markets the Cheapest Way– The vast network of Delhi Metro makes travel easy and cheap for students. The Yellow line is most commuted by students of both the north and south campuses. It covers most colleges in the city. Redline and Pink lines are also used by students frequently. The bus is another cheap option for students. A monthly pass of about 100 INR or so is all that is needed. For women, bus travel is completely FREE.  For congested markets, opt for. E-rickshaw and hand rickshaw rides.

Stay Aware During Your Metro Ride – Though Delhi has one of the largest metro networks in the country it’s better to be safe than sorry. One needs to be careful of pick-pocketing and snatching in and around metro stations. My friend has personally lost her belongings to theft while in a metro station.

Be Mindful of the Time – Though all markets in Delhi are shut by nine o’clock, street markets, however, tend to go on till eleven. Try to avoid such late shopping.

Always carry an Identity Card – Carry it wherever you go, you might just need it while giving proof to the authorities.

This old city with modern vibes gives you ample choices to shop. Don’t just waste in ignorance or arrogance. It welcomes all with open arms to come and enjoy its vastness. Be its cultural heritage its food or its ever-shining markets. You just cannot resist the urge to go shopping while you are in our fascinating and thrilling Delhi.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂