Moving to China as an international student is an exciting opportunity to experience a new culture while earning a globally recognized degree. Beyond gaining admission to a university, preparing for everyday life is essential to ensuring a smooth and successful study abroad experience. Understanding where to live, how to manage your finances, navigate public transportation, access healthcare, and adapt to the local lifestyle will help you settle in quickly and make the most of your time in China.
Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program, knowing what to expect before you arrive can reduce stress and help you adjust with confidence. This comprehensive guide explores the key aspects of living and studying in China, including student accommodation, banking, mobile payment systems, transportation, healthcare, health insurance, food and culture, internet access, working while studying, internships, and campus life. It also provides practical tips on managing your cost of living, staying safe, and embracing the unique opportunities that come with studying in one of Asia’s leading education destinations. By understanding these essential aspects of daily life, you will be well prepared to enjoy a rewarding academic and cultural experience in China.
Life in China for International Students (Part 1 – 4)
If you have missed the previous guides, be sure to read about the Part 1: Introduction & Planning for your Study in China, Part 2: Scholarships & Admission Requirements, and Part 3: Applying to Chinese Universities. It will help you have a better knowledge of what this part 4 will talk about. Simply by understanding each stage of the process, you can apply with confidence and significantly improve your chances of gaining admission to your preferred university in China.
This Part 5: Living and Studying in China for Your Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD Course has the following subheadings;
- Student accommodation
- Banking
- SIM cards
- WeChat Pay and Alipay
- Transportation
- Food and culture
- Health insurance
- Healthcare
- Safety
- Internet access
- Working while studying
- Internships
- Student life
Daily Life and Convenience
- Cashless Payments: Mobile apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay handle nearly all transactions, and foreign credit cards can now be linked directly.
- Transportation: High-speed trains and clean urban subways make travel fast and cheap.
- Safety and Cleanliness: Cities feature modern infrastructure, low crime, and a high standard of public maintenance.
Challenges for Foreigners
- Digital Firewall: Popular Western sites and social media apps are blocked unless accessed via a VPN.
- Language Barrier: Mandarin is essential for deep integration outside major expat hubs.
- Bureaucracy: Securing a work visa requires extensive background checks, legalizations, and medical exams.
Student Accommodation
Finding suitable accommodation is one of the first priorities for international students arriving in China. Most universities offer on-campus housing, while others allow students to rent apartments off campus. Your choice will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and your university’s policies.
On-Campus Accommodation
University dormitories are the most popular option for international students because they are convenient, affordable, and located close to classrooms and campus facilities.
Typical features include:
- Furnished single or shared rooms
- Bed, wardrobe, desk, and chair
- Private or shared bathroom
- Air conditioning or heating
- Internet access
- Shared kitchen or cafeteria
- Laundry facilities
- 24-hour security
- Utilities (included at some universities)
Advantages
- Lower cost than private apartments
- Easy access to classes
- Opportunity to meet students from different countries
- Greater security
- University support nearby
Disadvantages
- Limited privacy
- Curfews at some universities
- Visitor restrictions
- Limited cooking facilities in certain dormitories
Off-Campus Accommodation
Students who prefer greater independence may choose to rent apartments.
Popular options include:
- Studio apartments
- Shared apartments
- Private apartments
- Serviced apartments
When renting privately, students should consider:
- Monthly rent
- Security deposit
- Utility bills
- Internet costs
- Distance from campus
- Public transportation access
Some universities require students to obtain approval before moving off campus.
Banking
Opening a Chinese bank account makes it easier to receive scholarship stipends, pay rent, shop online, and use mobile payment services.
Popular banks include:
- Bank of China
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
- China Construction Bank
- Agricultural Bank of China
- China Merchants Bank
Documents Usually Required
- Passport
- Residence Permit (or valid visa where accepted)
- University enrollment certificate
- Registration Form of Temporary Residence
- Chinese mobile phone number
Benefits of a Local Bank Account
- Receive scholarship payments
- Withdraw cash easily
- Link your account to WeChat Pay and Alipay
- Pay tuition and accommodation fees
- Transfer money within China
Many universities assist new international students with opening bank accounts during orientation.
SIM Cards
Purchasing a Chinese SIM card is one of the first things international students should do after arrival.
Major mobile network providers include:
- China Mobile
- China Unicom
- China Telecom
Documents Required
Typically, students need:
- Passport
- Valid visa or residence permit
- Sometimes a passport photo
Choosing a Plan
Most providers offer prepaid and monthly packages that include:
- Mobile data
- Local calls
- Text messages
- International calling options
Compare coverage, pricing, and data allowances before choosing a provider.
WeChat Pay and Alipay
China is one of the world’s leading cashless societies, with WeChat Pay and Alipay used for nearly every type of payment.
Students can use these apps to pay for:
- Food
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Utility bills
- University services
- Online purchases
- Entertainment
Setting Up Mobile Payments
To activate these services, students generally need:
- Chinese mobile number
- Bank account (recommended for full functionality)
- Passport for identity verification
Some international bank cards may also be supported, although features and acceptance can vary.
Using digital payment platforms makes daily life significantly more convenient.
Transportation
China has one of the world’s most advanced transportation systems, making travel convenient and relatively affordable.
Public Transportation
Most cities have:
- Metro systems
- Public buses
- Taxis
- Ride-hailing services
- High-speed rail
- Bicycle-sharing services
High-Speed Rail
China’s high-speed railway network connects hundreds of cities and is an efficient way to travel between provinces.
Benefits include:
- Fast travel times
- Comfortable seating
- Affordable ticket options
- Frequent departures
Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing services are widely available and are commonly used for short-distance travel in urban areas.
Student Discounts
Some transportation services may offer discounted fares for eligible students. Policies vary by city and service provider.
Food and Culture
China offers an incredibly diverse culinary and cultural experience.
Chinese Cuisine
Each region has its own distinctive cooking style.
Popular regional cuisines include:
- Sichuan (spicy)
- Cantonese (light and fresh)
- Shandong
- Jiangsu
- Hunan
- Zhejiang
- Fujian
- Anhui
Students can also find:
- Halal restaurants
- Vegetarian options
- International restaurants
- African restaurants (in some cities)
- Western fast-food chains
- International supermarkets
Cultural Experience
Studying in China provides opportunities to experience:
- Chinese New Year
- Mid-Autumn Festival
- Dragon Boat Festival
- Lantern Festival
- Traditional tea culture
- Calligraphy
- Martial arts
- Opera and performing arts
Respecting local customs and learning basic Mandarin phrases can greatly enhance your experience.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for most international students studying in China.
Students receiving Chinese Government Scholarships are typically provided with comprehensive medical insurance as part of their scholarship package.
Self-funded students are generally required to purchase an approved health insurance policy before or shortly after registration.
Health insurance commonly covers:
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency medical care
- Accidental injury
- Basic outpatient services
- Certain prescription medications
Students should read their policy carefully to understand any exclusions or coverage limits.
Healthcare
China has a modern healthcare system with public and private hospitals available in most cities.
Many universities operate campus clinics that provide:
- Basic medical treatment
- First aid
- Health consultations
- Referrals to hospitals
Types of Hospitals
Students may choose between:
- Public hospitals
- Private hospitals
- International hospitals (available in many major cities)
International hospitals often have English-speaking staff but usually charge higher fees than public hospitals.
Medical Emergencies
Students should know:
- The location of the nearest hospital.
- Emergency contact numbers.
- How to contact the university’s international student office.
- How to use their health insurance.
Keeping copies of medical records and insurance documents can be helpful during treatment.
Safety
China is generally regarded as a safe destination for international students, particularly on university campuses. Nevertheless, students should take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Personal Safety Tips
- Keep your passport in a secure location.
- Carry a copy of your passport and residence permit.
- Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Follow university safety guidelines.
- Save emergency contact numbers in your phone.
Emergency Contacts
Students should know how to contact:
- Local police
- Ambulance services
- Fire services
- University security office
- International student office
Being familiar with emergency procedures can help you respond effectively if unexpected situations arise.
Internet Access
China has widespread internet coverage, and students can access the internet through university networks, home broadband, and mobile data services.
Internet on Campus
Most universities provide internet access in:
- Dormitories
- Libraries
- Classrooms
- Computer laboratories
- Student centers
Some institutions may require students to register before using campus Wi-Fi.
Internet Restrictions
Certain international websites, apps, and online services may not be accessible in mainland China due to local internet regulations. Students should familiarize themselves with these restrictions before traveling and identify any academic or communication tools they may need that are available within local regulations.
Working While Studying
Many international students wish to gain work experience while studying in China. However, employment is subject to Chinese immigration regulations.
International students cannot automatically work simply because they hold a student visa or residence permit.
Permission Requirements
Students who wish to work part-time or undertake off-campus employment generally need:
- Approval from their university.
- Authorization from the local immigration authorities, where required.
- Appropriate endorsement or permission on their residence documents, if applicable.
Working without the necessary authorization may result in penalties, including fines or immigration consequences.
Common Part-Time Opportunities
Where permitted, students may find opportunities such as:
- Research assistance
- Campus administrative work
- Language tutoring
- Translation
- Cultural exchange activities
- University-approved projects
Always verify the latest regulations with your university’s international student office before accepting any employment.
Internships
Internships provide valuable professional experience and help students develop practical skills before graduation.
Many Chinese universities cooperate with:
- Technology companies
- Manufacturing firms
- Hospitals
- Financial institutions
- Engineering companies
- Research institutes
- International organizations
Benefits of Internships
Students can:
- Gain work experience
- Build professional networks
- Improve language skills
- Develop industry knowledge
- Strengthen their résumé
As with part-time work, off-campus internships generally require approval from the university and compliance with applicable immigration regulations.
Student Life
Studying in China is about much more than attending lectures. Universities offer a vibrant campus environment that encourages personal growth, cultural exchange, and community involvement.
Student Activities
International students can participate in:
- Student clubs and societies
- Sports teams
- Cultural festivals
- Volunteer programs
- Academic competitions
- Entrepreneurship events
- Language exchange programs
- Music and performing arts groups
Building Friendships
Chinese universities host students from around the world, creating excellent opportunities to make international friends, exchange ideas, and learn about different cultures.
Learning Mandarin
Even if your degree is taught in English, learning basic Mandarin can make everyday life easier. It can help you:
- Communicate with local residents.
- Navigate transportation and shopping.
- Build stronger relationships.
- Enhance future career opportunities.
Many universities offer free or low-cost Mandarin classes specifically for international students.
Adapting to Life in China
Adjusting to a new country takes time. To make the transition smoother:
- Attend orientation programs.
- Participate in campus events.
- Respect local customs and laws.
- Stay connected with family and friends.
- Seek support from your university’s international student office whenever needed.
Simply by embracing new experiences and actively engaging in campus life, international students can enjoy a rewarding educational journey while developing the academic, cultural, and personal skills that will benefit them long after graduation. While you are living in China, you can visit Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) for Information on Chinese language education and scholarship opportunities.
Part 6: Graduation, Career Opportunities & FAQs
This section contains the following:
- Finding jobs in China
- Post-study work opportunities
- Entrepreneurship
- Returning home with a Chinese degree
- Common mistakes to avoid
- 50+ frequently asked questions
- Final travel checklist
- Useful official websites and resources