Studying in Quetta: Top Universities and Student Life
so, you're thinking about studying in quetta? let me spill the tea. first off, quetta's not your typical study abroad destination. it's rough around the edges, but that's what makes it interesting. the weather? it's like mother nature can't make up her mind. one day it's sunny, the next it's snowing. yeah, you heard it right, snow. check out the map below to get a sense of where we're talking about.
*top universities
1. balochistan university - it's the big dog in quetta. lots of courses, decent faculty. but be prepared for some bureaucratic red tape. it's pakistan, after all.
2. sardar bahadur khan women's university - if you're a lady, this is your spot. it's got a good rep for arts and sciences.
3. bolan medical college - for all you future docs out there. it's affiliated with quetta's main hospital, so you get hands-on experience.
student life
quetta's not exactly a party town, but it's got its moments. the student union at balochistan university is pretty active. they organize events, sports, the works. just don't expect any wild ragers.
cost of living
let's talk money. quetta's not cheap, but it's not crazy expensive either. here's a quick breakdown:Item Cost Rent (1-bed) 15,000 - 25,000 PKR Food (monthly) 10,000 - 15,000 PKR Transport 2,000 - 5,000 PKR Utilities 5,000 - 10,000 PKR
safety
quetta's got a bit of a rep for being unsafe. and yeah, there are issues. but most students i talked to said they feel safe on campus. just use common sense. don't go wandering off into dodgy areas alone. check out the quetta subreddit for real-talk from locals.
job market
if you're looking to work part-time, your best bet is tutoring or working at one of the many cafes. quetta's not exactly a tech hub, but there are opportunities if you look hard enough. just don't expect to make bank.
neighbors
so, who are your neighbors? well, afghanistan's just a short drive away. and iran's not far off either. it's a melting pot of cultures, which is cool, but it can also be a bit overwhelming.
drunk advice
"don't mess with the locals. they're friendly, but they've got a short fuse. and for the love of god, don't try the street food without checking it out on yelp first. trust me, i learned the hard way."
overheard rumors
"they say the hazara town market is the place to be for cheap clothes and snacks. but watch out for pickpockets."
"someone told me the kandahari bazar is where it's at for spices. but i dunno, i'm more of a coffee snob."
something a local warned me about
"don't go to the surkhab river* at night. it's beautiful during the day, but at night, it's like something out of a horror movie. trust me, i've seen things."
so, that's quetta. it's not perfect, but it's got character. if you're up for an adventure, give it a shot. just don't say i didn't warn you.
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