One of the most common questions we get from prospective students isn't about scholarships or admissions — it's about what life will actually be like in China. This guide is our honest, unfiltered answer, drawing from the experiences of thousands of students we've placed at Chinese universities since 2018.
Safety
China is one of the safest countries in the world for international students. Street crime is extremely rare, campuses have security around the clock, and violent crime against foreigners is virtually unheard of. The main safety issue students encounter is traffic — Chinese cities have heavy scooter and bicycle traffic that takes getting used to.
Food
Chinese food is varied, delicious, and very affordable. University canteens serve hot meals for ¥5–¥15. Most campuses have a range of canteen options including halal sections, which is important for Muslim students. Finding familiar food from home can require more effort in smaller cities — but in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian restaurants are easy to find.
Language Barrier
- On campus: manageable. International offices have English-speaking staff, and fellow international students create a shared language environment.
- Off campus: harder, especially in smaller Tier-2 cities. Most shop staff, taxi drivers, and locals speak only Chinese.
- Translation apps (Google Translate, Microsoft Translator) have excellent Chinese-to-English features and work offline.
- Most universities provide free or low-cost Chinese language classes for international students — take them from Day 1.
- After 3–6 months, most students have enough functional Chinese to handle daily life independently.
Internet and Social Media
Important
Important: Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western platforms are blocked in China. You need a VPN to access them. VPNs are technically restricted but widely used by students. Invest in a reliable paid VPN before you arrive.
- WeChat is essential — it is how everyone in China communicates, pays for things, and organises events
- Alipay (Chinese digital payment) — get this set up as soon as possible, as cash usage is declining rapidly
- Campus Wi-Fi is generally good; 5G is widely available in Chinese cities
- Several paid VPN services work reliably in China — research and purchase before you travel
Racial Diversity and Inclusion
Most international students from Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East report positive experiences in Chinese universities. International student communities are large and active. Occasional staring or curiosity from local Chinese students and citizens is common — especially in smaller cities — but actual discrimination or hostility is rare. Chinese 985 universities actively recruit diverse international cohorts and take international student welfare seriously.
Making the Most of Your Time
- Join international student associations and clubs from Week 1 — this is where lasting friendships form
- Learn WeChat and Alipay as your first priority — they unlock everything from food delivery to event tickets
- Travel within China — high-speed rail makes it cheap and easy to visit multiple cities
- Take basic Chinese seriously — even HSK 2 proficiency transforms your daily life experience
- Connect with the local Chinese student buddy programs most universities offer
Ready to Apply?
Talk to a Globlearn Education Advisor
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