Accommodation in China

19 June 2020

Many Russian students choose China to study abroad. Chinese universities offer quality education. That is why more than 100 chinese higher education institutions are currently represented in world top ratings.

But how expensive is it to live and study in China? Below we will talk about average expenses including education, accommodation and meals. We want to give you a general idea of what budget you need for ypour study in the 3rd largest country in the world.

Accommodation

In any country in the world, student residences are often the cheapest and most convenient option for students; China is no exception. Many universities have student residences specifically designed for international students.

Most universities provide a choice of a separate room or a common room for two or more people. The rooms are equipped differently: they can have separate showers and toilets or a shared bathroom.

Prices vary from university to university, from the type of room and the amenities in it. At the same time, the average cost for 1 academic year will be about 7,000 yuan, which is equivalent to 72,000 rubles. At the same time, the student must get detailed information on the living conditions, as some students have to pay for water and electricity, while in other programs these costs are included in the price.

Wherever you study, you always have the opportunity to rent your own apartment. Since China is a large country, prices for private apartments vary by city and region. The average rent for a one-room apartment will be 7,100 yuan per month, which is equivalent to 72,500 rubles. Prices of individual apartments in China are high.

Student Housing Tips in China

Always contact your university if you have any questions about housing.
Be aware of all the costs that you may have to pay, including electricity, water (drinking and washing), internet and laundry.
Always ask for a housing contract so that you know about all the costs and rules of living.

If you still chose to stay in a student residence then this information will be useful to you.

At the very beginning of education you will have to pay for utilities (consumption of cold water and electricity), an advance of 500 yuan per person for the academic semester (5000 rubles). Electricity consumption is limited by meters. Payment for hot water is carried out separately. On the territory of the student residence there is a special kiosk in which you can put money on your card. When using hot water, you must put your card on the meter, from which money is charged for the hot water consumed.

Food expenses

In addition to being a great place to study abroad, China is also known for its varied, unique and very affordable cuisine.

Meals at the university cafeteria, a small local restaurant or a chain of fast food restaurants cost from 100 to 300 rubles.

If you buy food in local supermarkets, you will spend about 7 - 10 thousand rubles a month. In China, you can find international chain supermarkets such as Walmart, Carrefour, Auchan or Metro. It is better to buy fruits and vegetables in markets where prices are much lower.

And in China, students eat on a schedule. Breakfast at 7: 30–8 in the morning, lunch at 12, dinner at 17:30.

Transport

In China public transport is at very low prices and even taxi is quite cheap. Here is a general list of public transport prices:

Subway: 4–7 yuan (40–70 rubles)

City bus: 2.5 yuan (25 rubles)

A student ticket for all public transport costs about 1,500 rubles per month.

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Thus, we can conclude that foreign students can choose accommodation both in the student residence and beyond. In any case, do not forget that you must complete the registration procedure at the local police station within 24 hours and do it every time you change your place of residence.