Whilst you are staying in China, you will have a variety of accommodation options available to you. Your choices will depend largely on whether your college or university allows students to stay off-campus or not, which city you are located in and your monthly budget.

When you enroll in a particular college or university, you will need to indicate that you will require accommodation (unless you have something pre-arranged). Do not assume that you will automatically be given accommodation, but generally as an international student, you will be given priority over other students.

One very important tip – once you have accepted your program, start looking and arranging accommodation. We will assist you to book your accommodation. Places fill up very quickly and demand generally exceeds supply.

Hostel

Hostels are a great way to meet new people. They are large buildings, divided into rooms where you will have either a single room or share with another student. The room itself may be basic, and mostly have an en-suite bathroom. Generally, hostels will provide basic furniture such as a bed, desk and chair and the rest you will have to supply.

Most hostels have a canteen where food is supplied (at a cost) to students. As an international student, the food may be unfamiliar, but a good way to immerse yourself in the culture of China. Hostels are normally mixed sex.

Apart from the rooms, there are also communal areas that could have a bar (it is legal to drink alcohol at 18 in China), TV, pool table, etc.

Self-Catered Hostels

A lot of international students prefer the self-catered option because it allows to cook their own food and on their own schedule. Self-catered hostels are very similar to standard hostels of residence, but there is also a communal kitchen available to all hostel residents.

Apartments

Typically students live in hostels during their first year, as it makes adjusting to campus life much simpler and helps in making friends. In their second and third years, some students opt to move into a flat, which is not part of the university.

If you do move into a flat, you will be required to sign a tenancy agreement, which is a legal document outlining the terms of the tenancy. The tenancy agreement is in Chinese characters so be very careful to make sure you fully understand the terms and issues of the contract, and if you do have any doubts talk to your international student coordinator who can assist you further.

A flat is generally more expensive than any other option, and you may find it hard to find accommodation that is close to your campus. However, apartment agencies are available to assist international students with this. However many students like the freedom to live where they choose, live with whom they like and choose the type of place they want to live in. With hostels, you don't have this flexibility.

Travel

Many students across the world consider about studying or traveling abroad at some point in their degree. However, unfortunately, money is a very important item - especially when you have to book accommodation, visa expenses and flight tickets into account. Many students, who plan on studying or traveling abroad, want to travel the world and see more of the country/continent where their host institution is located.

It can be relatively cheap flying from one city to the other in China, with low-cost airlines such as Southern China, Hainan and China Air. However, when trying to find affordable accommodation – especially at peak times- can be very difficult. Dormitories are usually the best bet here, however, staying in accommodation is also a good alternative choice to consider, if you are looking to save some money.