Living in China as an International Student: What to Expect
Published: August 2026 · 5 min read
Moving to China for your studies is exciting — but it helps to know what to expect. Here's everything you need to know about daily life as an international student.
Cost of Living
China is surprisingly affordable compared to Western countries. Monthly expenses for a student:
- Accommodation: ¥800–2,500/month (dormitory) or ¥2,000–5,000/month (private apartment)
- Food: ¥1,000–2,000/month (canteen meals are ¥10–25 each)
- Transportation: ¥100–300/month (metro starts at ¥3, buses ¥1–2)
- Mobile + Internet: ¥50–100/month
- Entertainment: ¥300–800/month
Dormitory Life
Most international students live in on-campus international dormitories. Rooms are typically shared (2 students) with private bathroom, air conditioning, and WiFi. Some universities offer single rooms at a premium. Dormitories are safe, convenient, and the best way to make friends.
Food & Dining
University canteens serve affordable Chinese meals (¥10–25). Most cities have international restaurants and food delivery apps (Meituan, Ele.me) with English interfaces. Vegetarian options are available but may require some searching. Pro tip: learn 5–10 food-related Chinese phrases — it makes ordering much easier.
Transportation
China's public transport is world-class. Metro systems in major cities are extensive, clean, and English-signed. Didi (Chinese Uber) is cheap and has an English app. High-speed trains connect cities at 300+ km/h — Shanghai to Beijing in 4.5 hours.
Essential Apps
- WeChat: Everything app — messaging, payments, mini-programs
- Alipay: Payments + utility bills + transportation cards
- Didi: Ride-hailing (English version available)
- Meituan / Ele.me: Food delivery
- Baidu Maps: Better than Google Maps in China
- Pleco: Best Chinese-English dictionary
Cultural Tips
- Bring a small gift when invited to someone's home
- Use both hands when giving/receiving business cards or gifts
- Don't be alarmed by direct questions — "Where are you from?" and "How much do you earn?" are common
- Learn basic Mandarin — even "nǐ hǎo" and "xiè xiè" go a long way
- Chinese New Year (January/February) is the biggest holiday — plan travel early