Moving to China is exciting—and friendship makes it unforgettable. Chinese campuses are welcoming, diverse and vibrant. This guide shares practical strategies to build meaningful connections with Chinese and international students so you can thrive socially while studying in China.
First time here? Start with our Comprehensive Application Guide, plan finances with Payment in China, and browse cities in Chinese Cities & Universities. For study planning, see CSC Scholarship and Application Tips.
Understanding the social environment
Chinese universities host students from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas—creating a multicultural environment for friendships and future opportunities. Orientation periods and campus events are designed to help undergraduates, postgraduates and exchange students connect and share stories.
Leverage Chinese social media
WeChat: the essential tool
- Sign up with a mobile number and complete friend verification
- Join university WeChat groups for your college/major/dorm
- Use People Nearby to discover students around you
- Post Moments to stay connected and share campus life
Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)
- Find hangout spots, halal/vegan options, and student discounts
- Discover activities and clubs through authentic posts
- Connect with peers who share your interests
- Follow university and student‑org accounts for event news
- Join public conversations on trending campus topics
Language exchange: friendships through learning
Apps to try
HelloTalk and Tandem connect you to Chinese speakers with translation, voice/video and Moments features. Treat it as a cultural exchange, not just grammar practice.
University programs
Most universities run tandem or buddy schemes pairing international and Chinese students for regular meetings—structured, low‑pressure and effective.
Campus activities and student organizations
International student associations
- Meet peers navigating the same challenges
- Join cultural festivals and weekend trips
- Access support networks for academics and life admin
Interest‑based clubs
- Sports: basketball, badminton, table tennis
- Cultural: calligraphy, traditional music, martial arts
- Academic societies, volunteering, photography, hiking
University events
- Orientation parties and club fairs
- Cultural festivals, food fairs and international days
- Seminars, competitions and tournaments
Build friendships with Chinese students
Overcoming cultural barriers
- Show genuine interest in Chinese language and culture
- Be patient with language differences; use translation apps
- Join group activities first; move to one‑on‑one later
- Share your own culture—food, music, holidays
Popular social activities
- Hot pot dinners
- KTV (Karaoke)
- Study groups for shared classes
- Basketball or badminton in the evenings
- Weekend markets and short trips
Practical tips for social success
Language
Basic Mandarin unlocks daily life and deeper friendships. See our Chinese Phrases Guide for quick wins.
Digital payment
Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay early for splitting bills, group bookings and food delivery.
Be proactive
- Host small dinners or study sessions; don’t wait for invites
- Follow up after first meetings and remember important dates
- Be reliable—consistency builds trust fast
Navigating challenges
Homesickness
Build a support net with compatriots, other internationals, university counseling, and expat communities.
Cultural misunderstandings
Stay curious, ask questions, be patient, and adapt. Relationships deepen over time.
Long‑term benefits
Friendships in China create career networks, boost cross‑cultural skills, and often become lifelong connections that enrich personal and professional life.
City‑by‑city tips (quick notes)
- Beijing: dense student areas (Wudaokou/五道口、海淀) with international meetups; many museum/culture events.
- Shanghai: abundant expat socials; join interest clubs (running, tech, design) on WeChat/Xiaohongshu.
- Shenzhen: tech/startup scene; hackathons, product meetups, English Corners in Nanshan/福田.
- Xi’an & Chengdu: affordable cities with strong campus life; language exchange cafés and food‑based socials.
Conversation starters (examples)
- “Hi, I’m new at [university]. Any tips for good study spots or clubs?”
- “I’m learning Chinese—any recommendations for language corners or WeChat groups?”
- “We’re going for hot pot on Friday—would you like to join?”
- “I saw your post about badminton—is there a beginners’ session I could try?”
In WeChat, keep first messages concise and friendly. Suggest a group activity for lower pressure.
Find events fast
- WeChat: university/college/department groups; international office channels; club QR codes at fairs.
- Xiaohongshu: search “城市名 + 英语角/读书会/桌游/羽毛球/摄影/徒步”.
- Ticketing: Damai/Maoyan for concerts/festivals; campus posters for talks and competitions.
- Sports & fitness: campus courts, public badminton tables, weekend hiking groups.
Culture & etiquette cheat‑sheet
- Holidays: Mid‑Autumn (mooncakes), Spring Festival (red envelopes not expected for students), Dragon Boat (zongzi).
- Gifts: small souvenirs/snacks from your country are appreciated; avoid overly expensive gifts.
- Group dining: sharing dishes is normal; rotating who pays or splitting via QR is common—use Alipay/WeChat.
- KTV: encourage others to sing; choose a few easy songs; be supportive and have fun.
Safety & privacy notes
- First meets in public places on or near campus; share your plan with a friend and keep it short.
- Do not share passport numbers, bank details, or verification codes in chats.
- Avoid large upfront “group‑buy” transfers with strangers; use platforms with protections.
- Join verified university groups (QRs from official channels) to reduce spam.
FAQ
How do I grow beyond my home‑country circle?
Pick two mixed clubs (e.g., sports + volunteering), attend consistently for 4–6 weeks, and initiate small group activities weekly.
What if my schedule is tight?
Use study groups + meal invites. Combine academics with social time to maintain momentum.
Any tips for non‑drinkers/faith/vegan/halal?
Suggest cafés/hot pot with clear menus; Xiaohongshu搜索“清真/素食 + 城市名”可快速定位餐厅。多数同学会乐于配合。
Quick‑start checklist
- Join 3 WeChat groups (major/dorm/international) and say hello
- Attend 1 club fair + 1 language exchange this week
- Post one campus Moment; comment on two classmates’ posts
- Host a small hot‑pot/board‑game night; split via QR
- Set a weekly routine: sports + study group + café chat