So you’re thinking of studying in China. You’ve looked at the universities, checked the scholarships—but now you’re wondering:
What’s daily life actually like for an international student in China?
From morning classes to late-night street food, here’s a real look at life on and off campus.
1. Campus Life: Busy, Safe, and Full of Surprises
Chinese university campuses are like mini-cities: self-contained, secure, and full of activity.
A typical day might look like:
Morning: Chinese class or major-related lecture (in English or Chinese)
Lunch: Grab a $2 meal at the canteen
Afternoon: Join a language exchange or yoga club
Evening: Study in the library, then explore the night market with friends
Bonus: Most campuses are gated and monitored 24/7, so safety is never a concern.
2. Where You’ll Live
International students usually stay in on-campus dormitories or nearby apartments.
Dorms: Shared rooms or private rooms, furnished, Wi-Fi included
Cost: Around $400–$800 USD per year
Amenities: Laundry rooms, kitchen access, student lounges
Pro Tip: Want help picking the best dorm? We offer housing consultation too.
3. The Food Scene: Affordable & Addictive
Forget what you think you know about “Chinese food.” It’s way better here.
Campus canteens: Affordable, fast, and full of variety
Street food: Late-night skewers, bubble tea, dumplings, spicy noodles
Restaurants: From Sichuan spice to vegan-friendly dishes, there’s something for every taste
Average meal cost? Just $1–3 USD!
4. Making Friends (Chinese & International)
You won’t be alone—China is full of international students, and Chinese students are often excited to meet people from around the world.
Ways to meet people:
Join language exchange clubs
Go on school-organized trips
Use WeChat student groups
Attend cultural festivals and sports events
Don’t speak Chinese? Don’t worry—many Chinese students want to practice English, and you’ll learn fast once you’re immersed.
5. Exploring Cities on Weekends
Want to get off campus? China’s high-speed rail and metro systems make weekend adventures easy and cheap.
Popular student trips include:
Hiking the Great Wall
Visiting panda sanctuaries
Exploring ancient towns
Shopping and nightlife in Shanghai or Chengdu
We organize student group tours on weekends and holidays!
6. Culture Shock? It Happens—but You’ll Adapt Fast
Yes, there will be some surprises at first:
You might not understand all the signs 🈳
You’ll hear lots of slurping (it’s polite!)
Some tech is different (like using WeChat for everything)
But soon you’ll:
Order coffee on your phone
Pay with a QR code
Bargain at the market like a local
We also offer pre-arrival orientations and 24/7 support once you land.
7. What Students Say
“I came to study business, but ended up falling in love with Chinese calligraphy.” — Nia, South Africa
“I was nervous at first, but my roommates became my best friends. China feels like home now.” — Lukas, Germany
“The campus is like a city—you can live, learn, eat, and party all in one place.” — Mariam, Egypt
Being an international student in China is more than just studying. It’s about culture, connection, and personal growth.
Want to experience it for yourself? Let us help you start your Study in China journey.
