Pune's Housing Dilemma: Female Students Juggle Safety and Affordability
Female students in Pune face significant challenges in finding safe and affordable accommodation, often having to compromise on either safety or budget.
HousingSafetyAffordabilityFemale StudentsPuneReal Estate NewsJul 06, 2025
“I searched for a flat for two months before settling in Pune. Most cheaper options were either in congested areas, male-dominated neighborhoods, or had landlords with intrusive rules,” says Shraddha Mhatre, a student at Savitribai Phule Pune University. “The affordable ones were often in areas like Karvenagar or Vishrantwadi, but they felt unsafe after dark,” she adds.
Sakshi Deshmukh, a student from Garware College, finds that Gokhale Nagar is not safe for women. “I wanted a flat in Gokhale Nagar as the costs there are very reasonable and I even found one, at a comparatively cheap rate. But the area is not considered that safe for females, so I had to leave the option. Now I am paying more for a flat of the same size,” she explains.
For female students, the first checkbox is not rent, but safety. However, the safer areas come at a premium, often beyond a student’s limited budget. “My parents insisted I stay somewhere with 24×7 security. But those hostels cost almost ₹15,000 per month, without food. For students like me who are managing expenses with scholarships or limited parental income, that’s not feasible,” explains another student.
Even if a compromise is reached on cost, social restrictions and moral policing often creep in. Many PGs for women enforce early curfews and restrict male visitors. “I had to sign an undertaking that I wouldn’t bring male friends even during daytime. But the same PG lets male students come and go freely in the boys’ wing,” says a student from a private college in Viman Nagar.
However, local authorities claim to be taking active steps to address safety concerns. “Our teams conduct regular patrolling in and around areas like Gokhale Nagar to ensure the safety of female students living independently. Their security remains a top priority,” said police officer Rohan Javir of the Chaturshringi station.
Despite the odds, female students continue to find ways for their accommodation through shared rentals, community WhatsApp groups, and strong peer networks. “I live with three other girls now. We split the rent, keep pepper sprays in our bags, and never walk alone after 8 pm. It’s not ideal, but we’ve made it our own,” says Priyanka, a psychology student.
As more women pursue education far from home, the question remains: Is the city truly ready to host them? Until the real estate market balances safety and affordability, female students will continue to pay a price higher, not just on rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do female students face more challenges in finding accommodation compared to male students?
Female students often face stricter safety and social restrictions, which can limit their options and increase the cost of suitable accommodation.
What are the main concerns for female students when looking for a place to stay in Pune?
The main concerns are safety, affordability, and the presence of intrusive rules by landlords or PG owners.
How do female students manage to find safe and affordable accommodation in Pune?
Many female students rely on shared rentals, community WhatsApp groups, and strong peer networks to find suitable accommodation.
What steps are local authorities taking to improve the safety of female students in Pune?
Local authorities conduct regular patrolling in areas where female students live independently and prioritize their security.
What are some practical tips for female students looking for accommodation in Pune?
Female students can look for shared accommodations, use community resources, and ensure they have safety measures like pepper sprays and trusted travel companions.
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