After You Land in China: A Practical Survival Guide
Author: GoToPanda · About 8 min read
Choosing a school, applying, and getting an offer is only the first half of studying in China. What really catches people off guard is the second half — between "I'm going to China" and "I'm settled in China," there are countless small things no one tells you in advance.
This article helps you sort out these "small things" early: what to bring, what to do first on arrival, and what to watch in daily life. After reading, you'll find the source of anxiety isn't difficulty — it's "not knowing."
1. Before departure: packing list (don't bring wrong, don't forget)
Must-bring documents (keep in your carry-on, not checked luggage)
- Passport (confirm sufficient validity);
- Admission notice + JW202/201 visa form;
- Degree/diploma certificates and transcripts, originals + notarized copies;
- "Foreigner Physical Examination Form" original;
- ID photos (bring several; you'll need them for registrations).
Recommended daily items
- Common medicines (cold, stomach, etc. — avoid restricted ingredients);
- Power adapter (China uses two/three flat pins, 220V);
- A small amount of RMB cash (for arrival emergencies);
- A bank card that works internationally / set up mobile payment in advance.
Don't bother bringing
- Lots of clothes (easy and cheap to buy in China);
- Large toiletries (supermarkets have everything);
- Bedding (many dorms provide it, or buy after arrival).
2. Money: currency exchange & payment
- Before departure: learn the living costs of your school's city and exchange some RMB cash;
- After arriving: get a local bank card and link WeChat Pay / Alipay — essential for life in China; without mobile payment, it's hard to get by;
- Insurance: confirm whether the school provides comprehensive medical insurance; scholarship students are usually covered.
💡 Remember a key trend: China is a "cashless society." In your first week on campus, the top priority is "bank card + mobile payment."
3. First week after landing: things you must do
In order of priority:
- Register at the school: arrive on time per the admission notice and complete registration and housing;
- Do residence registration: within 24 hours of entry, complete "accommodation registration for foreigners" at the local police station (schools usually handle it for on-campus students);
- Physical exam / re-check: some schools require a health re-check at a designated hospital;
- Get a bank card + phone number: a Chinese phone number is the basis for registering all kinds of apps;
- Get to know campus and surroundings: canteen, library, hospital, supermarket, transportation.
⚠️ Most easily overlooked: residence registration and the physical re-check both have time limits — delays can affect later visa extensions.
4. Daily life: practical tips for food, housing, and transport
- Food: campus canteens are affordable with lots of choices; many cities have halal restaurants and international cuisine, so food is rarely a worry;
- Housing: dorms come in single/double rooms with big differences in price and conditions — find out in advance (AC or not, private bathroom or not, whether to bring your own bedding);
- Transport: metro, buses, and shared bikes are all convenient; get a transit card or just scan with your phone;
- Climate: China has a big north-south temperature gap — northern winters have heating, southern winters are cold and damp; pack for your school's location.
These seem trivial, but details like "do I need my own bedding" and "does the north have heating" are what really shape your arrival experience — and that's exactly what GoToPanda wants to think through for you in advance.
5. In-school notes: red lines not to cross
- Visa: watch the validity period and renew in time (apply early — don't wait until it expires);
- Academics: understand credit and attendance requirements; scholarship students usually have annual reviews, and falling short can affect scholarship renewal;
- Regulations: obey Chinese law and school rules, respect local customs;
- Part-time work / internships: international students face strict rules on part-time work — understand the policy first, don't work without permission.
6. Your "peace of mind" checklist
Print this before departure and check items off one by one:
- Passport, admission notice, JW form, and medical form originals are all ready
- Exchanged some RMB + prepared an international card
- Downloaded essential apps (translation, maps, payment)
- Noted the school's international student office contact
- Learned about the local climate and rough living costs
- Confirmed the registration time and housing arrangement
The hardest part of studying in China isn't the "exams" — it's the "unknown." When you've thought through every small thing for pre-departure, arrival, and in-school life, all that's left is to begin the journey with peace of mind.
This is Pandi's value: it doesn't just help you choose a school — it reminds you "what to do next" at every checkpoint, from "what should I pack" to "your visa is about to expire," all the way until you're settled.
This article is based on the "Pre-departure" and "Living in China" official content from Study in China (studyinchina.edu.cn). Specific housing, insurance, and visa policies are subject to each school and local regulations.