Moving to China is exciting—and housing is your first big decision. Start with our Payment Guide for setup, compare Universities by city, and explore scholarships in Scholarships. Below is a complete, practical path to renting.
On‑Campus Dorm vs. Off‑Campus Apartment
Most universities (e.g., PKU, ZJU) have dedicated dorms. Private apartments provide more flexibility.
| Feature | On‑Campus Dormitory | Off‑Campus Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheaper; utilities often included | Higher; rent + utilities + internet |
| Convenience | On campus | Commute required |
| Community | Peer network | Local immersion |
| Rules | Curfews/guests/cooking limits | More freedom |
| Setup | Furnished | Varies from unfurnished to fully furnished |
Where to Find Apartments
1) Online Platforms & Apps
- Lianjia / Beike: large platforms; some listings act as agent lead‑ins; expect follow‑up viewings
- Ziroom: standardized furnished rooms, English contracts, app services (cleaning/maintenance)
2) Real Estate Agents (房产中介)
Walk into neighborhood agencies (e.g., green Lianjia). Typical agent fee: 35%–50% of one month’s rent (split or negotiable).
3) University Resources & Word of Mouth
- International office bulletin boards
- WeChat groups where graduates pass leases to newcomers
Renting Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Viewing (看房)
Check water pressure, damp/mold, seals, noise, mobile signal. Record photos/videos to compare units.
Step 2: Negotiation (协商)
Try negotiating rent for longer prepayment; request appliances/furnishings you need.
Step 3: Bilingual Contract (签合同)
Insist on bilingual. Include parties’ IDs, term, rent/schedule, deposit, utilities responsibility, maintenance, and termination clauses.
Step 4: Payment (押一付三)
Common structure is Deposit 1 + Pay 3 months up front. Pay via bank/Alipay/WeChat and always get a receipt.
Documents & Key Vocabulary
- Passport + valid visa
- Admission letter or student ID
- Landlord’s ID (身份证) and property ownership certificate (房产证) to verify ownership
| Chinese (Pinyin) | English |
|---|---|
| 租房 (zūfáng) | Rent a house/apartment |
| 合同 (hétong) | Contract |
| 房东 (fángdōng) | Landlord |
| 押金 (yājīn) | Deposit |
| 租金 (zūjīn) | Rent |
| 中介费 (zhōngjiè fèi) | Agent fee |
| 水电费 (shuǐdiàn fèi) | Utilities |
| 派出所 (pàichūsuǒ) | Local police station |
Mandatory Police Registration (24 hours)
Foreigners must register residence at the PSB (派出所) within 24 hours. Bring passport, contract, landlord’s ID and property ownership docs. The PSB issues the Temporary Residence Registration Form—required for visa renewals.
Conclusion
Renting off‑campus delivers independence and immersion. With clear contracts, proper documents, and PSB registration, you’ll be set for a great start. Next, review Payment in China and browse Universities by city to plan commute and lifestyle.