When you hear “IIT Madras,” your first thoughts are probably classes and work. But once you’re inside, the real charm of IITM begins to reveal itself in the most ordinary things: how you do your laundry, where you grab your evening chai, where you get your phone fixed after a drop on the hostel floor. This yearly guide is our lighthearted take on everything that keeps student life running behind the scenes.
Food: The Real Fuel for Late Nights and Long Days
Let’s start with the most essential topic of food. Your academic calendar might change, but hunger is the one constant.
- Zaitoon is the go-to for midnight biryanis and shawarma cravings. Open till late, it’s where your hunger meets luxury (student-style).
- HFC (Himalaya Food Court) offers the widest options from dosas to fried chicken to Chinese cuisine.
- CC (Campus Café) is a beloved spot for idlis, dosas, and post-class chill scenes. Situated near the academic zone, it becomes the best spot for a mid-class meal or snack.
- Ramu Tea Stall is legendary, and a little away from the hostel and academic zone. It’s the best tea break spot away with a very peaceful vibe.
- Usha Cafe and Cool Biz is the unofficial mess alternative for many, especially if you’re craving food outside of your mess timings. They are open till 1 PM!
- CCD (Café Coffee Day) is where many projects and assignments are discussed over Coffee.
- Apart from all these, we have amazing mess options with the option to select north indian, south indian, Jain, veg and non-veg options.
- You’ll also find vending machines and mini-snack stores scattered across hostels and academic blocks for late-night emergencies.
Pro tip: Carry cashless payment options — UPI works everywhere, and it’s much easier than scrambling for ₹10 coins at 1 a.m.
Laundry, Repairs & That One Day You Actually Get Stuff Done
Laundry day might not be the highlight of your week, but it is a ritual.
- Laundrybus, the official vendor. You can drop off your laundry and collect it washed and folded the next day for very cheap rates, hassle-free.
- If you prefer to do your laundry yourself, hostel washing machines are available; just remember to time it properly.
- Laptop and mobile repair services are available on the campus: whether it’s a cracked screen or a laptop that decided to die mid-assignment, they’ve got you.
- The shopping complex also houses general stores, salons, a stationery shop, and a printing/xerox shop.
- Xerox Shops are lifesavers during exam season. And there are 3 Xerox shops inside the campus.
Banking and ATMs: Cash, Cards, and OTP Confusion
Inside the campus, you’ll find:
- ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank branches, along with ATMs.
- Additional SBI and Axis ATMs are scattered around for convenience.
- New students usually open accounts here during orientation week itself.
- The Post Office on campus offers money orders and courier services, too. It is old-school but useful.
The Weekly Wind-Down: Movies, Worship, and More
- OAT (Open Air Theatre) screens movies every Saturday night. It’s very cheap for students and has shown everything from Tamil blockbusters to Hollywood classics.
- For quiet reflection, there are religious places of worship on campus. Including a Ganesh Temple, church services, and a mosque in and around the institute area. It’s all low-key but available for those who seek it.
The Little Things that Add Up
- Water coolers are on each floor of the hostel and in every Department and academic building.
- Food trucks and food stalls are open at odd hours. Some offer full meals, others just Maggi and Drinks.
- Mess food varies. Every mess has its fan base. Try them all during the initial swap period before you commit.
This guide changes slightly each year because IITM is a living, breathing place — new vendors arrive, policies shift, hostel renovations happen, and so on. But what doesn’t change is the beautiful chaos and the comfort that comes with being part of this forest-campus life.