“The situation is very difficult for us. Our landlord said he wants the rent on time and we’ve been facing a tough time arranging the money (Rs 6,500). Since we are outstation students with no bank account in Delhi, we’ll have to stand in queue for three days to collect all the money. Even if we manage that, we will have little left for our day-to-day needs,” said Sadaf, who hails from Bihar and is pursuing English (Hons).

“We don’t have online banking either… I’m also doing a diploma in Italian, classes for which are held in the evening. When will I find time to stand in queues? I’ve had to bunk classes sometimes,” she added.

For many outstation students like Sadaf, the beginning of December has brought similar worries, with the exam season clashing with the rent deadline. Most landlords, they said, accept rent only in cash and no later than the 10th of the month.

Elvis Hokit, a BSc (Life Sciences) student of Ramjas College, escaped the problem in November by paying the rent for his PG before November 8. This month, though, he wasn’t as lucky. “I have to pay Rs 8,000 in cash by the 10th of this month and I don’t know how to arrange so much money. I have to withdraw cash four times… My exams have started so I can’t even go and stand in queue every day,” said the Manipur resident.

Mohammad Abdullah, a B.Tech Electrical Engineering student of Jamia, who stays at Batla House, said thoughts of rent have been giving him sleepless nights. “My end semester exams begin from December 8. As a result, my days are spent attending classes and studying for exams and nights are spent standing in queues,” he said.

However, some said their landlords have been considerate. “We have talked to our landlord and he has allowed us to pay him a little later. Some other people I know are also paying by cheque,” said Sheenam, a BA student of Miranda House. With inputs from Indian Express)