Studying in China: Student Experiences and Feedback

Interesting Questions About China: Answers From Our Students Based on Real Experience!
For those planning to study in China or simply curious about it, we asked 3 of our students to share their personal experiences. Their honest answers will help you make the right decision.

Our interviewees:

Ulugbek: Beijing Jiaotong University
Hojiakbar: Communication University of Zhejiang
Ruxshona Xaliknazarova: China Jiliang University

1. What is your overall impression after arriving at the university?

Ulugbek: When I first arrived, I struggled a little because I didn't know what to do. But by asking around, I adapted quickly.

Hojiakbar: Good, not bad overall. There are some acquaintances from Uzbekistan here, and the rest are new friends.

Ruxshona: The university is good, with all the amenities in place. It's a bit far from the center, but it has everything you need.

2. Do the university and the educational process match your expectations?

Ulugbek: The educational process is better than I expected. Comfortable classrooms and qualified professors make you want to study even more.

Hojiakbar: Classes apparently start on the 29th, which is a bit late. But so far there are no problems with the teachers.

Ruxshona: Yes, even better than I expected.

3. How are the classes: difficult, or is it easy to adapt?

Ulugbek: Adapting to the classes is very easy and everything is clear.

Ruxshona: It depends on each person's knowledge, but every student adapts quickly.

4. How do teachers treat international students?

Ulugbek: International students are treated with more care and kindness than Chinese students.

Hojiakbar: Very well. Even if you don't know English, they try to help.

Ruxshona: The attitude is very good, and they explain everything patiently, step by step.

5. How did the registration process at the university go?

Ulugbek: Registration was completed in one day without any problems.

Hojiakbar: There were no difficulties, and the assistant teachers themselves helped.

Ruxshona: It went well and quickly. Volunteers showed the way and helped out.

6. What do you think students should know about the university before leaving?

Ulugbek: I think they should find out the university's location and conditions in advance.

Hojiakbar: The exact start date, what kinds of payments there are, and of course the money question.

Ruxshona: The main thing is that education plays a big role. It's also important to look over the campus buildings beforehand.

7. What is the hardest thing about daily life in China?

Ulugbek: The food. As an Uzbek, I didn't like Chinese national cuisine.

Hojiakbar: I have Alipay, but for now I'm using cash.

Ruxshona: There's nothing very difficult. The only issues might be adjusting to the weather (hot and humid) and problems with groceries.

8. What was your impression of safety in China?

Ulugbek: China is very safe. People are friendly, and I haven't seen any violence.

Hojiakbar: Very good. There are safety rules, and they are announced separately at the meeting before classes start.

Ruxshona: Very good so far. You can walk around the dormitory freely until 10 p.m.

9. What can you say about dormitory, transport, and food costs?

Ulugbek: Transport in China is very well developed, so there won't be any problems. Prices aren't much different from Uzbekistan. And the dormitory conditions are great!

Hojiakbar: The university has a canteen, but we aren't allowed to cook ourselves. There is halal food too, and it isn't hard to find.

Ruxshona: Both transport and prices are very convenient. I was not satisfied with the dormitory: the rooms are in bad condition and there is little attention to cleanliness. Halal food can be found, but for students who want to cook on their own, meat and dairy products are somewhat harder to find.

10. Which apps became the most useful after you came to China?

Ulugbek: Alipay, WeChat, Meituan, Taobao, and Didi.

Hojiakbar: Alipay mainly for payments, WeChat for messaging and payments, and DingDing for groups.

Ruxshona: Alipay, WeChat, DingDing, and a VPN (to stay in touch with family back home).

11. How hard is it to come without knowing Chinese? Is English enough in daily life?

Ulugbek: I only know English and have no knowledge of Chinese at all. Even so, I didn't run into problems. It might be a bit awkward when entering shops and cafes, but translation apps solve it.

Hojiakbar: No, English is not enough. In some places they don't understand English at all. It's better to learn Chinese here or before coming.

Ruxshona: Sometimes it's enough, because most Chinese people understand a little English or show things on their phones.

12. If you could go back to before you left for China, what would you do differently?

Ulugbek: I would do the same thing I did before.

Hojiakbar: I would only download the DingDing app in advance.

Ruxshona: I think nothing. I would only bring Chinese textbooks with me, because they are very expensive here.

13. What do you like most about studying in China?

Ulugbek: There are so many things I like: the education system, the security systems, and the high-tech equipment in the classrooms. In short, compared to our country, China is more developed in every way.

Hojiakbar: Very good, and the people are good too. If there's a problem, they help.

Ruxshona: The atmosphere, the teachers' attitude, and feeling safe. Even if you get lost on the street, people will gladly help if you ask.

Extra tip: About VPNs!

Hojiakbar: You will need a VPN in China. Apps like Top VPN (free) and Let's VPN (paid) should be downloaded before coming to China, because downloading them inside China is very difficult.

Conclusion

All three students spoke positively about safety, the teachers' warm attitude, and quick registration. Their shared advice:

• Download Alipay, WeChat, DingDing, and a VPN in advance
• English is enough in most situations, but knowing Chinese gives a big advantage
• Find out the payments and the study start date in advance