Living on Campus
If you study in China, living on campus could be your frist choice. Frist, it's very safe and will set your
relatives' mind at rest. Secondly, it's relative economical. The cost of living on campus is lower than
other ways. Thirdly, it gives you more chance to make friends and get to know more about China.
Because most Chinese students choose living in the dormitories on campus. Meanwhile Chinese
universities will provide special dormitories for international students.
These special dormitories are usually equipped with completed facilities including internet access,
TV, basic furniture, toilet, telephone or even kitchens. Universities in the north also provide heaters
in winter. Usually there are single-room, double-room and three-room dormitories for foreign
students. The students can choose what they like. And the prices vary greatly from 20 RMB/day to
100 RMB/day determined by different universities and different types of dormitories.
SICAS Reminder:
1. You can email to service@sicas.cn to reserve your room on campus if you have received the
admission letter of a Chinese university through SICAS and have got your visa.
2. You can find out specific costs for each university's on campus accommodation on the university's
SICAS page (click on the 'Accommodation' button on the left navigation bar).
Besides, you can get all kinds of services such as shopping, dining, laundries, entertainment, ATM
etc while living on campus.
Living off Campus
If you want a more independent life, you can also choose living off campus. It can make you easier to
integrate to Chinese life and culture. Renting a flat or joining in a local homestay family depends on
you.
Where to find a flat
Almost all the universities and colleges in Changsha are located in Yuelu District. So if you study in
Changsha, you'd better rent a flat in Yuelu District. If you rent a single room, 300~500CNY per month
will be enough; as to a flat with 2 rooms needs 700~1200CNY per month; and a flat with 3 rooms
needs 1200~1800CNY per month.
How to find a flat
You can search online,and it's will save your time and gets you the latest news. The popular websites
are 口碑网, sina, 百姓网ect..If you are not good at Chinese, ask your Chinese classmates or
teacher for help. Both of them will help you with pleasure. Or you can email service@sicas.cn,
SICAS will provide professional guide for you.
You can also find real estate agencies to help you find a suitable flat. It save a lot of trouble for you,
but they will charge you half of one month’s rent each, or more! Here are some creditworthy real
estate agencies in Changsha:
Hunan Jian'an House Investment Co., Ltd. 湖南建安房屋投资有限公司
Address:F8, 80 Second Section, Furong Zhonglu, Changsha
长沙市芙蓉中路二段80号8层
Contact:0731 225 5007, 488 1991, 488 1992 (Tel)
Website: http://www.moufang.cn/
Changsha Wangfu Real Estate Co., Ltd. 旺府地产
Address:Rm1101A-1, Minghuida Building, 591 Wuyi Dadao, Changsha
长沙市五一大道591号名汇达大厦1101A-1室
Contact:0731 223 5828, 223 5918 (Tel)
Homestay/Au pair
It might be a little difficult for a foreign student to live in a total new environment all by himself or herself,
and it is not easy to find a perfect house or apartment either. As a matter of fact, SICAS offers homestay/
Au pair arrangement service for foreign students. The Chinese meaning of Homestay is “Living in a loca
l family”; means foreigners live in typical Chinese families when they are studying, working or traveling in
China. In this way, international students are able to know more about Chinese culture, custom and life
style. Besides, if you come to China to study Mandarin, to know about the real Chinese Culture, or to do
kinds of internship in China, SICAS homestay/Au pair program is the best choice.
All the host families are well-chosen by SICAS thus they all have nice house/apartment and are very kind-hearted. For SICAS conducts a thorough interview and security check, our hosts are particularly excited
and welcoming toward foreigners. Students can have their private room with all the necessary appliances
like Internet access, telephone, iron, etc. in a host family. As a fully integrated family member you will
participate in the daily ins and outs of Chinese living including eating meals together, watching TV, and
bargain shopping. Should you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask your family! They
welcome questions from curious students and travelers. Our staff will also be available at all times to
assist you if necessary.
The prices of living in a host family vary based on the house/apartment condition and relevant services
and the type of your homestay/au pair. Generally speaking, it costs a foreign student RMB 50—150 per day
living with a local family.
The following are the general steps to apply for a homestay in China through SICAS:
1. fill out the homestay/au pair application form (click to download 下载表格) and send it to service@sicas.cn
2. SICAS will reply you within 10 working days on arranging a homestay family depends on applicants’
requirement
3. Applicants will make payment and sign a contract with host family through SICAS within 20 days if both of
the two sides agree.
