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 learn Chinese, 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
Most universities and colleges in Nanjing are located in Chang'an and Beilin District. So if you study in Nanjing,
you'd better rent a flat in these districts. 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 赶集网,
百姓网, 口碑网 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 China:
Dongfang Real Estate东同方房产中介
Add: No.76 Shangqin Road
Tel: (029)81908779
Hongyun Real Estate in Beilin District碑林区宏云房产中介
Add: No.339 Youyidong Road,Xi;an陕西省.西安市友谊东路339号
Yanxiang Real Estate雁翔房产中介
Add: Yanta District,Xi;an 陕西省西安市雁塔区
Tel: (029)83777724, (029)81055963
Xingsheng Real Estate兴盛房产中介
Add: Lianhu District 陕西省西安市莲湖区
Tel: (029)86227097
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 local 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.
