Can you stay off campus at Manipal Institute of Technology, and if yes, how much money will I save?

Yes, students are allowed to stay off-campus from the second year onwards. Let’s compare the expenses of staying on and off-campus at MIT Manipal. 

The on-campus hostel fee is about INR 8–10k monthly including mess charges. The mess takes care of all meals throughout the day from breakfast, lunch, and snacks to dinner. The hostel has excellent facilities for water, electricity, internet, etc. Hygiene is ensured by cleaning rooms every 2-3 days.

Now if you stay outside then your rent would be around INR 6-10k depending on the location and size of your apartment. This amount includes your water and electricity expenses too. However, it does not include food so you will have to get it arranged and that would cost you extra money. 

So even if you get the best place, you will be saving around 2k per month by staying off-campus. Moreover, you won’t be restricted from following the hostel rules and can do whatever you want. I will therefore recommend you to go for an off-campus stay if you are able to find a good place!