A summer internship in a metro can cost more than it pays. That does not always mean skip it — it means go in with a 2-month budget, not vibes. Cap rent, cook or mess, zero EMIs, and treat BNPL as banned.
Sample monthly budgets by stipend
Rough metro planning ranges — PG/shared stay · not luxury
| Stipend | Rent cap | Food + commute | Save / buffer |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹15,000 | ₹5–6k | ₹6–7k | ₹1–2k if possible |
| ₹20,000 | ₹6–7k | ₹7–8k | ₹2–3k |
| ₹25,000 | ₹7–8.5k | ₹8–9k | ₹3–4k |
Build a 60-day stack
- Stay: PG / hostel / company housing — get the number in writing.
- Food: mess + limited delivery cap.
- Commute: monthly pass beats daily autos.
- Buffer: one emergency auto + medicine fund.
- Fun: a fixed small cap or you will resent the city.
- Debt: no phone EMI, no BNPL, no instant loan apps for lifestyle.
Is it worth it if stipend < costs?
Yes if skills, conversion chance, or portfolio jump are real. No if you will return with high-interest debt and no offer path. Borrowing from parents with a repayment plan beats an instant loan app.
The takeaway
Ask HR about accommodation support, travel reimbursement, and stipend payout date before you book tickets. Budget on stipend after TDS — not the offer letter number.