宿舍还是校外租房？在华国际学生的住宿选项

What a dormitory is like

Standard international student dormitories offer double rooms with a shared bathroom and air conditioning, or single rooms at a premium. Costs run CNY 5,000–20,000 per year depending on the city, room type and whether the accommodation is the newer international building. Many universities now offer a range of standards, from basic shared rooms to studio-style rooms with private facilities.

Facilities usually include a shared kitchen or a canteen contract, laundry, internet and 24-hour security. Curfews and guest policies vary by university and are enforced with varying strictness.

When to rent privately

Renting makes sense if you are staying more than two years, if you are moving in with a partner or family, if your university is in a remote campus and you want a city location, or if you need quiet space for research. Expect to pay one month's rent as a deposit plus an agency fee of about half a month.

You need a passport, a study residence permit and a bank account. In some cities international tenants also need a temporary residence registration from the local police before the lease can be finalised.

Practical tips

Never sign a lease you cannot read; ask the international office to review it, and require the contract in Chinese as well as English. Check whether utilities and internet are included. Register your address at the police station within 24 hours of moving. And remember that if you move, your residence permit address should be updated.