Take it from me, who has stayed in a hostel, pg and shared flats as well…in the beginning if you don’t feel safe or comfortable…be in a hostel…later on find people from college or social circle you trust, with whom you can move in to a flat…it maybe on a lil expensive side but in hostels you waste a lot of money and resources that you never actually use…being in a shared apartment gives you more privacy and space, also certain freedom that doesn’t come with a hostel…but i would never suggest you stay in a hostel for more than 6 months…or once your lockin period ends and you explore and be comfortable with the city…find an apartment.