Peking University offers limited on-campus and near-campus accommodation for international students and short-term program participants. The main facility for international participants is Zhongguanyuan Global Village, with Wanliu student apartments also available when needed. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about living at PKU, from room types and booking procedures to practical tips for making the most of your campus experience.
Why This Guide Matters
Accommodation at Peking University is highly sought after and limited in supply. Understanding the booking process, room options, and what to expect will help you secure the best possible housing arrangement for your time at one of China's most prestigious universities.
This guide combines official PKU information with practical insights to help you navigate the accommodation system successfully and prepare for your life on campus in Beijing.
Main Accommodation Facilities
🏛️ Zhongguanyuan Global Village
The primary accommodation facility for international students at Peking University. Often referred to simply as "Global Village," this integrated facility combines accommodation, dining, meeting, and study spaces.
- Location: On-campus, centrally located
- Target: International students and short-term program participants
- Style: Hotel-style and student apartment options
- Facilities: Comprehensive amenities and services
🏢 Wanliu Student Apartments
Additional accommodation option used when Global Village capacity is reached. These apartments provide alternative housing for international students.
- Location: Near-campus or on-campus
- Target: International students when Global Village is full
- Style: Traditional student apartment format
- Availability: Subject to capacity and program requirements
Room Types and Pricing
🏠 Available Room Types
- Single Rooms: Private accommodation with personal space
- Double Independent Bedrooms: Shared apartment with separate bedrooms
- Twin Rooms: Shared room with two beds
- Three-Bed Rooms: Shared accommodation for three students
- Four-Bed Rooms: Shared accommodation for four students
- Hotel-Style Suites: Premium accommodation with en-suite facilities
💰 Pricing Structure
Short-term Programs: RMB 180-220 per person per day (varies by room type)
Long-term/Semester Programs: Pricing handled differently and announced per program
⚠️ Important Note
Pricing varies significantly between short-term and long-term programs. Always check the specific rates for your program type and duration.
🏠 Room Features and Amenities
- Hotel-Style Rooms: Often include linens, towels, kettle, fridge, en-suite bathroom
- Student Apartments: Basic furniture, shared facilities, study spaces
- Study Areas: Dedicated study spaces and meeting rooms
- En-suite Options: Available in premium room types
Booking Process and Allocation
📋 Central Booking System
Short programs and international projects use the university's designated reservation portal (e.g., studyatpku.com for PKU summer programs).
- First-Come, First-Served: Reservations processed in order received
- Program Matching: Must match applicant's program and dates
- No Duplicates: Mismatched or duplicate requests may be cancelled
- Limited Supply: On-campus international beds are limited
💡 Booking Tips
- Book Immediately: Reserve as soon as the booking window opens
- Monitor Program Pages: Watch for reservation opening times
- Have Backup Plans: Prepare for off-campus options if needed
- Follow Instructions: Carefully follow program-specific booking requirements
⚠️ Limited Availability
Official notices repeatedly state that on-campus international beds are limited. If campus accommodation is full, students must arrange off-campus housing and follow local registration rules.
Check-in, Registration, and Legal Requirements
📅 Program Check-in
After booking confirmation, follow your program's arrival and check-in instructions. For degree or semester students, the international office will provide registration dates and on-campus move-in details.
🏛️ Off-Campus Registration Requirements
Students living off-campus must complete specific legal requirements:
- Public Security Registration: Register address with local police
- University Notification: Report detailed address and phone number to PKU
- Legal Compliance: This is a legal requirement in China
- Visa Implications: Failure to comply may affect visa status
📄 Required Documentation
- Passport and visa (original + copies)
- Admission/confirmation email
- Accommodation confirmation (print + digital copy)
- Program-specific documents
Facilities and Services
🏢 Global Village Facilities
Global Village is described as an integrated facility combining accommodation, dining, meeting, and study spaces.
✅ Available Facilities
- Study Spaces: Shared study rooms and quiet areas
- Laundry Services: Laundry facilities and services
- Activity Rooms: Common areas for social activities
- Fitness: Small gym facilities
- Shopping: Convenience shops and basic supplies
- Management: Staffed management desks for repairs and check-in/out
- Dining: On-site dining options
🌐 Internet and Connectivity
Campus Wi-Fi is usually available, but connectivity may vary:
- Standard Access: Basic campus Wi-Fi coverage
- Variable Speeds: Different buildings may have different speeds
- Hotel-Style Rooms: May have different connectivity rules
- Heavy Usage: Confirm bandwidth availability if needed
Practical Tips and Recommendations
📅 Booking Strategy
- Immediate Action: Book as soon as reservations open
- Monitor Closely: Watch program pages for opening times
- First-Come Basis: Many programs use strict allocation windows
- Backup Plans: Have off-campus options ready
🏠 Room Type Selection
Hotel-Style vs. Student Apartments:
- Hotel-Style Suites: Pricier, more private, daily rates
- Student Apartments: Cheaper per day/semester, closer to campus life
- Consider Priorities: Privacy vs. cost vs. social experience
🏠 Off-Campus Living Tips
- Complete Registration: Finish public security registration promptly
- Notify University: Inform ISD to avoid complications
- Legal Compliance: Follow all local registration requirements
- Documentation: Keep all registration documents safe
📋 Pre-Arrival Preparation
- Confirm Inclusions: Check what the room includes (linens, towels, etc.)
- Furnished Items: Hotel-style rooms often include more amenities
- Contact Management: Reach out with specific questions
- Plan Arrival: Coordinate check-in times and procedures
Essential Arrival and Packing Checklist
📄 Essential Documents
🛏️ Bedding and Personal Items
🔌 Electronics and Study Materials
💰 Financial and Safety
Important Contacts and Resources
🏫 Primary Contacts
- PKU International Students Division (ISD): Main contact for accommodation and international student services
- Global Village Management: Operational and hotel-style accommodation inquiries
- Program Coordinators: Specific program-related accommodation questions
📱 Authoritative Sources
- ISD Accommodation Pages: Primary source for availability, pricing, and booking windows
- Program Notices: Official announcements and updates
- Global Village Website: Operational and booking information
- Program Announcements: Current year instructions and requirements
🌐 Online Resources
- studyatpku.com: PKU summer programs and short-term accommodation
- Official PKU Website: Latest accommodation policies and procedures
- Program-Specific Portals: Designated reservation systems
Quick FAQ
Q: How early should I book accommodation?
A: Book immediately when reservations open. Many programs use strict "first come, first served" allocation, and on-campus beds are limited.
Q: What's the difference between hotel-style and student apartments?
A: Hotel-style suites are pricier and more private with daily rates, while student apartments are cheaper and offer more campus life integration.
Q: What if I can't get on-campus accommodation?
A: You'll need to arrange off-campus housing and complete public security registration with local police, plus notify the university of your address.
Q: Are linens and towels provided?
A: Hotel-style rooms often include more furnished items like linens and towels, while standard student dorms may require you to bring your own.
Q: How reliable is the internet in Global Village?
A: Campus Wi-Fi is usually available, but speeds and connectivity rules may vary by building. Confirm bandwidth availability if you have heavy usage needs.
Q: Can I change my room after booking?
A: Room changes are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. Contact the accommodation office for specific policies.
Final Recommendations
Living at Peking University offers an exceptional opportunity to experience campus life at one of China's most prestigious institutions. While accommodation is limited and competitive, proper planning and early booking can secure you a comfortable place to live during your studies.
Remember to always follow the official ISD and program instructions for the current year, as policies and procedures may change. Keep in touch with the International Students Division for the most up-to-date information, and don't hesitate to reach out to program coordinators with specific questions about your accommodation needs.
If you're still exploring university options and want to find institutions that match your preferences for accommodation, location, and academic programs, use our university selector to discover the best fit for your educational goals.