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
Most universities and colleges in Harbin are located in Xian fang and Nan gang District. So if you study in Harbin,
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
Real estate agencies in Harbin are the safest way if you want to rent a flat. Please make sure they are a licensed
agent in Harbin and very familiar with the Harbin property market. Local newspapers in Harbin also advertise
apartments and houses for rent, but word of mouth is the best way in Harbin. Additionally, you could check bulletins
on campus, where apartments or rooms for rent are commonly posted.
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.
Home stay/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
availableat 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.
