1.Passport and visa
2.Ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in China.
3.Apply for an ‘X1’ (long-term study, exceeding 180 days) or ‘X2’ (short-term study, not exceeding 180 days) student visa.
4.Required basic documents: the ‘Letter of Acceptance’ issued by the university and the ‘Visa Application Form for Foreign Students Coming to China’ (Form JW201 or JW202), medical examination certificate, proof of financial means, etc.
5.Admission and Enrolment Documents
6.Letter of Acceptance (original).
7.Form JW201/JW202 (original, issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education).
8.Proof of highest academic qualification and academic transcripts (must be notarised and authenticated).
9.Proof of Chinese language proficiency (e.g. HSK certificate, if applying for a course taught in Chinese).
1.Undergo an overseas medical examination at a medical institution designated by the host country, obtain a ‘Medical Examination Record for Foreign Nationals’ and have it notarised.
2.Take out international medical insurance that meets the university’s requirements, or take out Chinese medical insurance upon arrival at the university.
1.Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. You may bring:
2.An international credit card (Visa/Mastercard; please note that China generally accepts UnionPay, and foreign cards may not be accepted in some places).
3.A small amount of cash in Chinese yuan (we recommend no more than 5,000 yuan, to cover your initial expenses upon arrival).
1.Accommodation Arrangements
2.Apply for university halls of residence in advance, or find off-campus accommodation through a reliable platform.
3.Confirm your address, rent, contract details and payment method.
4.Packing List
Electronic devices: Laptop, universal power adapter (China uses 220V; two-pin flat or three-pin plugs).
Clothing: Pack according to the climate of your host city (as there are significant differences between the north and south); you may need one formal outfit. Everyday clothing is readily available in China.
Medicines: Bring any prescription medication you regularly take (accompanied by a doctor’s certificate and an English prescription), as well as basic over-the-counter medicines.
Study materials: An electronic dictionary, specialist books, etc.
Small gifts: Bring a few small gifts typical of your home country to facilitate socialising.
5.Communication
Check whether your mobile phone supports Chinese network bands, or plan to purchase a Chinese SIM card upon arrival.
Download and register for WeChat in advance, as it is one of the most important social media and payment platforms in China.
Find out how to use a VPN in China to access certain international websites (such as Google and Instagram), but please comply with Chinese laws and regulations.
6.Cultural and Practical Preparation
Learning basic everyday Chinese phrases (greetings, asking for directions, ordering food, shopping) will make your daily life much easier.
Familiarise yourself with basic Chinese cultural customs, social norms, and safety guidelines.
Contact current international students or the Students’ Union via the university’s official website or social media to obtain firsthand advice.
1.Accommodation Registration: Within 24 hours of arrival, you must visit the local police station, accompanied by yourself or your landlord, to complete the ‘Temporary Accommodation Registration Form for Foreign Nationals’. This is essential for completing subsequent procedures.
2.University Registration: Bring all original documents to the School of International Education to register, complete your student enrolment, and collect your student ID card, campus card, etc.
3.Applying for a residence permit (for X1 visa holders): Within 30 days of arrival, present your passport, accommodation registration, medical examination certificate (or proof of a follow-up examination in China), and documents issued by your educational institution to the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau of the local Public Security Bureau to apply for a residence permit.
4.Opening a bank account and obtaining a mobile phone SIM card: Take your passport and accommodation registration to a bank (such as Bank of China or Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) to open a local savings account, and link it to WeChat Pay and Alipay. Obtain a local mobile phone number (China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom) and immediately link it to all your payment and social media accounts. Familiarise yourself with the local area and attend the orientation: Take part in the orientation activities organised by the university to familiarise yourself with key locations such as the campus, supermarkets, canteens and hospitals.
1.Course selection and academic tutor: Meet with your academic tutor to confirm your study plan. Familiarise yourself with the assessment methods for your courses (exams, essays, attendance, etc.).
2.Academic standards: Familiarise yourself with China’s academic requirements and integrity policies.
3.Making use of resources: Make active use of services such as the library, the Language Centre and academic writing support.
1.Getting to grips with ‘digital life’:
2.Mobile payments: Become proficient in using WeChat Pay and Alipay, as these are essential for living in China.
3.Lifestyle apps: Download Amap/Baidu Maps (for navigation), Didi Chuxing (for hailing taxis), Meituan/Ele.me (for food delivery), Taobao/JD.com (for shopping), etc.
4.Staying healthy:
Familiarise yourself with the procedures at the university clinic and nearby public hospitals.
Be mindful of food and water safety, and get used to Chinese cuisine.
Take part in sports and make friends.
5.Being sociable:
Join international and Chinese student societies.
Take part in language exchange activities to practise your Chinese and make Chinese friends.
Respect Chinese culture and keep an open mind, but also learn to set personal boundaries politely.
1.Comply with the law: Carry a copy of your passport or residence permit with you at all times. Do not engage in activities that are not permitted under your visa (such as working illegally).
2.Stay safe: Keep your personal belongings secure and be wary of common scams (such as telephone fraud). Remember the emergency numbers in China: 110 (police),
120(ambulance), 119(fire).
3.Embassy/Consulate Registration: Register with your country’s embassy or consulate in China to ensure you can receive assistance in an emergency.