Dear CSC Alumni, as the new academic year approaches, are you ready for an exciting study abroad journey? As you prepare to cross vast distances from your homeland to China, you surely want everything to go smoothly.
To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive pre-departure checklist. Let’s take a look at the key things you need to keep in mind.
1. Documents
Before gathering your documents, make sure to carefully review your admission letter and any other materials provided by the university. Confirm important details such as registration dates and the required documents for enrollment.Passport: Check that your passport has blank pages and is valid for at least six more months.Study Visa: You’ll need to apply for a study visa to study in China. Make sure your visa is ready. For a detailed application process, refer to our previous article: “Beginner’s Guide for Studying in China | Comprehensive Study Visa Application Guide.”Academic certificates, transcripts, original physical exam report and other required documents of the university: These might be needed during registration, so prepare them in advance.Passport Photos: Bring a few 1-inch and 2-inch color passport photos with a plain background.Tips:We recommend making copies and digital versions of these documents. Keep them in a secure, easy-to-find place, like a clearly labeled folder, so you don’t misplace them while packing.
2. Accommodation
Where will I live once I arrive in China?Choosing the right accommodation is a crucial step in preparing for your study abroad journey in China.It’s recommended that new international students prioritize on-campus housing as their first choice. After receiving your admission letter, review the materials carefully and promptly contact your school to confirm the details for reserving a dormitory. You must complete the on-campus housing application within the specified timeframe.Keep in mind that most universities do not allow early check-in to dormitories. Plan your travel according to the official move-in date provided by the school. If you need to arrive early, it’s wise to book a hotel or hostel near the campus to ensure you have a place to stay during the transition.For those who prefer off-campus living, it’s especially important to plan and research ahead of time. When renting, always chose reputable, well-established real estate agencies, as they typically offer better quality housing and reliable services. When signing a lease, read the contract carefully to ensure your rights are fully protected, and to avoid any potential misunderstandings or disputes in the future.Tips:1.If you choose to rent off-campus, be sure to register your residence at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Some cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, offer online registration options.2. For more details on renting in China, check out our previous article: “Living Guide | Off-Campus Rental in China.”
3. Flights First
First, check your university’s registration and dormitory opening dates to choose an appropriate flight date for your arrival in China.
When selecting an airline, pay close attention to their baggage policies, including the weight and size limits for both checked and carry-on luggage. This will help you pack more efficiently and avoid extra fees for overweight or oversized bags.If your journey involves a layover, make sure you have enough time to transfer between flights, and confirm whether you need a transit visa.After booking your flight, double-check all the details, including the departure and arrival times. Set reminders or alarms to ensure you don’t miss your flight.Tips:Keep an eye on your flight status, as departure times may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
4. Payment
Mobile payment is extremely common in China. You can bring an international bank card and link it to popular payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay to cover your dining, transportation, and other expenses once you arrive in China.It’s also wise to carry a small amount of cash in Chinese yuan (RMB) as a backup (the limit for bringing cash into or out of China is 20,000 RMB per person). Additionally, you can use a credit card that supports RMB transactions in case of emergencies.
Tips:Alipay supports linking Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards. WeChat Pay also supports Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards.
5. Other Preparations
Have you thought about how you’ll get from the airport to your university once you arrive in China? Some university offer airport pickup services, so you just need to provide your flight information to arrange this.
If your university doesn’t offer a pickup service, download a map app on your phone ahead of time. Use it to navigate your way to the university using the subway, bus, or a taxi. Information on how to reach the campus is usually included in your admission materials or available on the university’s website.
After arriving in China, make sure to contact your family and teachers to let them know you’ve arrived safely. Additionally, stay mindful of safety precautions while in China. In case of emergencies, you can dial 110 to reach the police. For more details, check our previous article: “Living Guide | Essential Safety Tips for Studying in China.”
If you currently have, or have ever encountered, questions or difficulties related to studying in China, feel free to leave a message on our WeChat platform or click “Contact Us” at the bottom of our official account. Let’s work together to help more students smoothly embark on this journey of dreams.
It’s also wise to carry a small amount of cash in Chinese yuan (RMB) as a backup (the limit for bringing cash into or out of China is 20,000 RMB per person). Additionally, you can use a credit card that supports RMB transactions in case of emergencies.
