La vie étudiante en Chine : clubs, cantines, fêtes et amitiés

The academic year

The main intake is September, with a second intake in February or March at many universities. Autumn semester runs from September to January with a National Day break in the first week of October, and spring semester from February or March to July. Examinations are held at the end of each semester.

Spring Festival falls in January or February and empties the campus as Chinese students go home. Some international students travel then; others find it a quiet, productive month.

Food and daily rhythm

Campus canteens serve three meals from around 6:30am, and a full meal costs CNY 10–25. Most have separate sections for halal food, and larger universities have several canteens with different regional cuisines. Vegetarian options exist but are less developed than in Europe — learn to say "我吃素" (wǒ chī sù).

The campus rhythm is early: classes often begin at 8am, and canteens empty quickly at midday. Libraries fill in the evening, especially in the exam period.

Clubs and social life

Large Chinese universities run hundreds of student clubs, from martial arts and calligraphy to robotics, debate and photography. Joining two or three in the first month is the single most effective way to meet Chinese students, because classroom interaction is limited.

International student associations organise trips, festivals and language exchange. Chinese students are often eager in principle to practise English and hesitant in practice to initiate; being the one who says hello first works.

Travel

High-speed rail makes weekend travel practical across most of eastern China, and student discounts apply on trains. Domestic flights are inexpensive on low-cost carriers. Public holidays are the busiest travel periods of the year — book well ahead or travel outside them.