🏠 Housing
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
220
Where was it located?
In Xuhui district
How can someone find this place?
cant if not student of the university
Would you recommend it?
Yes, I would recommend it. The place was nice and comfortable, the cleaning staff was reliable, and the rent was really affordable. Utilities like Wi-Fi and electricity were very cheap (around €10). If I had to choose again, I would pick the same student residence.
🍻 Social Life
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Shanghai has a very lively nightlife. There are famous international spots like the 7th Floor Bar on the Bund, which is popular with foreigners and has a great atmosphere. Besides that, many local Chinese bars focus less on dancing and more on sitting at tables to play dice or card games, and these places are usually more expensive. Overall, there are plenty of options depending on what kind of night out you want.
🎓 Uni life at SHNU
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I was affiliated with business and finance school, and overall the classes were good and useful. However, many Chinese students do not speak English very well, so teachers sometimes had to explain things in Chinese. Also, most classes had a lot of homework and group projects.
Do you have some tips?
Overall, SHNU has a nice and pleasant campus. Registration can be a bit confusing because there are many offices and documents, so it’s important to ask for help and be patient. One important tip: apply for the dorm as early as possible, because demand is very high and rooms fill up fast. If I had to choose again, I would still pick the same university.
✈️ Travel
Best trips to do?
Some of the best trips from Shanghai are Beijing, Hangzhou, Harbin, and Zhangjiajie. Traveling in China is very easy because trains are extremely efficient and comfortable. Tickets are also quite cheap — even long trips like Shanghai to Beijing usually cost only around €50–70. Flights are also relatively affordable, making weekend trips very doable.
🌆 Shanghai vibe
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
To live your best life in Shanghai, you should know a few key things: Use local apps: WeChat and Alipay are essential for payments, messaging, and daily life. Get a VPN early: Many international apps and websites are blocked. Public transport is amazing: The metro is cheap, clean, and very easy to use. Food is everywhere: Eat local for the best and cheapest meals. Nightlife is diverse: From international bars to local spots, there’s something for everyone. Learn basic Chinese: Even a few phrases will make life much easier. Travel often: Trains and flights are efficient and affordable, so explore China whenever you can.
