What to Prepare Before Studying in China: A Complete Guide for International Students
So, you’ve finally received your admission letter, how exciting! But before you pack your bags and board that flight, you begin to wonder: What exactly should I prepare? How much money will I need? Do I need a visa? (Spoiler: Yes you do).
This guide covers everything you need to get ready for your stay in China, from documents and budgeting to packing tips, so you can start your adventure as an international student in China with confidence.
Administrative preparation: what are the documents you need?
- Admission and Visa Documents
- Admission letter: Make sure to have a physical copy of the admission letter (or a digital copy with verifiable barcodes). This will be needed for visa/resident permit application and registration.
- JW202/201 form: This form is issued by your university. Keep it safe and bring the original with you.
- Go to a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (or Chinese Embassy/Consulate) in your country and apply for a student visa (X1/X2). Read our application guide for student visas to learn about the process.
- Enrollment and Registration
- Know your dates: Check your university’s official notice for the registration schedule and make sure you arrive in China on time.
- Tuition payment: Be prepared to pay tuition before the deadline. Some universities allow online transfers in advance, while others require payment upon arrival. Check with your university for details.
Medical preparation: Do I need vaccinations for China?
One question you might ask is: “Do I need to get vaccinations for China?”
No, you don’t. China does not currently require you to get specific vaccines before arrival.
That said, it’s a good idea to be up-to-date on routine immunizations (such as tetanus or influenza). After all, you don’t wanna get sick during your studies! But to answer your question, they are not a visa or entry requirement.
Look for accommodation
After receiving your admission letter,the first step is to check your university’s official website or contact the international office by email to ask about the accommodation options they provide. There are many different types of rooms provided, but they are generally affordable. Tip: Book as early as possible because dorms can fill up quickly! Read our article on China University Dorms for more details!
If you plan to rent an apartment off-campus, be aware that the cost can increase quite significantly, depending on the location and facilities. Apartments close to universities or in popular downtown areas will usually be more expensive. To search for rentals, you can use apps like Ziroom (agent-based) or Welcee (non-agent), which are popular platforms for both local and international students.
Bank of China
After you arrive, your university will assist you in opening a local Chinese bank account so it’s easier to pay tuition and daily expenses. The most common options for international students are ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) and BOC (Bank of China). During registration, you can ask your university for guidance.
If you’d like to prepare in advance, you can also check with an ICBC branch in your home country to see if they offer international accounts. In some countries, your parents can send you money directly from your currency into your account, with automatic conversion into RMB.
Wondering Which Bank is the Best for Foreigners in China?
Budget your living expenses
China is a first-world country, but the cost of living is generally very reasonable, especially compared to Western countries. That said, expenses can vary depending on the city you study in, so try to do some research in advance. For example, big cities like Beijing and Shanghai have higher living costs, while cities like Chengdu or Harbin are a lot more affordable.
When planning your budget, make sure you set aside money for:
- Accommodation
This will be your biggest expense. As mentioned earlier, dormitories are usually very affordable, while private apartments can get quite expensive depending on the location. On-campus dorms are about 800–1500 RMB/month, while private apartments range from 2500–6000 RMB/month in major cities.
Wondering how apartments are in China?
- Food
Campus canteens and local restaurants are budget-friendly, you can get a full stomach by only spending 7-15 RMB per meal. Set aside more money if you like to dine at Western restaurants or cafes, as they can get quite costly (around 40 – 100 RMB per meal)
- Transportation
Public transport such as buses and metros are very affordable! They range from 2-6 RMB per trip. Taxi or DiDi (ride-hailing) rides are a little more expensive, typically 10-80 RMB per trip depending on the distance and the city.
- Entertainment and Social Life
Going out with friends is part of student life. The cost depends on what you like to do for leisure with your friends. For reference, the average ticket price for movies is 40-50 RMB in Shanghai, and entrance tickets for amusement parks range from 100-400 RMB.
- Travel
If you plan to explore other provinces or cities during holidays, plan for train or flight tickets and hotel stays. Costs vary widely depending on the destination, so make sure to do research in advance for the places you most want to visit. As a rough estimate, 4000-5000 RMB is usually enough to cover the cost of a 4-night trip to another city.
- Medical examination fee
After arriving in China, you’ll need to complete a medical exam at a designated hospital. Costs depend on the hospital, but typically range between 300-500 RMB.
- Residence permit application and renewal
If you are staying longer than a year, you’ll need to apply for or renew your residence permit annually. Fees differ by city, but in Shanghai it’s around 400 RMB.
- Insurance for international students
Chinese universities require all international students to purchase medical insurance. It usually costs around 800 RMB per year. You won’t need to worry about choosing an insurance provider on your own, as your university will provide the official payment link and step-by-step instructions.
- SIM card
Your university will most likely partner with providers to offer student packages. Expect to pay about 300-400 RMB per year.
- Other expenses
Don’t forget to account for daily essentials like toiletries, healthcare products, or study supplies.
To learn more about the cost of living in China, read our detailed guide for international students.
Learn essential Chinese phrases
If you can’t speak the language, start practicing months before your flight to China! Here are some of the most common phrases:
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello.
- 谢谢 (xiè xiè) – Thank you.
- 再见 (zài jiàn) – Goodbye.
- 请 (qǐng) – Please.
- 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) – Sorry.
- 没关系 (méi guān xi) – It’s okay / No problem.
- 好的 (hǎo de) – Okay / All right.
- 请问 (qǐng wèn) – Excuse me / May I ask.
If you already have the basics, you can listen to podcasts or watch movies to brush up on your speaking and listening skills!
Download VPN and essential apps
Here are some apps you can download for daily life usage in China:
- Alipay (for payments)
- WeChat (for messaging and WeChat Pay)
- DiDi (ride-hailing)
- Amap or Baidu Map (Google Maps’ alternative)
- Pleco (Chinese dictionary)
Also download a VPN before you go to China, as it can be much more difficult to get in China. Read our article on how to download a VPN to find out the best vpn for China.
Packing tips
Prepare your luggage wisely! This can make your arrival in China much smoother. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Suitcase and Baggage Allowance: When booking your flight, pay attention to your airline’s baggage allowance. Each airline has different limits for checked and carry-on luggage. To avoid extra fees, you can pack light, you’ll be able to get affordable clothing in China.
- Clothing and Weather Considerations: China’s climate varies by region. If you’re heading to northern cities, prepare for four distinct seasons, including a cold winter. In the south, the weather is generally hot and humid, with occasional monsoons.
- Documentation and Finances: Always carry copies of your passport, visa, admission letter, and other essential documents. Keep both digital copies (on your phone or email) and paper copies in case of emergencies. For immediate expenses such as food, transport, or China SIM card purchases, bring some cash in Chinese RMB. Alternatively, you can set up an Alipay account and preload it with RMB,
- Electronics and Adapters: China uses plug types A, C, and I (220V). If your home country uses a different standard, bring a universal adapter. If you want to bring a powerbank, make sure it is CCC certified or it will get confiscated at the airport.
Final Thoughts
Practical preparations like administrative documents, budgets, and packing lists are important, but don’t forget to prepare yourself mentally too! Moving to a new country means stepping outside of your comfort zone and adapting to a different surrounding and an ‘alien’ culture.
Read these articles to mentally prepare yourself:
Now that you have both your mind and your suitcase prepared, get ready to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in China. Good luck!
Start Your Journey to Study in China Today
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