Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Dam Quan
From: ESILV
To: SHNU
2025 • Fall
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…..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arni
From: WU Vienna
To: Tongji
2025 • Fall
It is nice because you meet other internationals who almost all go to Tongji and its close to the university and it has great subway connections and there are…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
500
Where was it located?
10 min from Tongji University by bike
How can someone find this place?
Link, Wechat
Would you recommend it?
It is nice because you meet other internationals who almost all go to Tongji and its close to the university and it has great subway connections and there are a lot of restaurants in the area. Not good if you want to have a kitchen and cook for yourself, there are usually a lot of noises around the building
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
La Barra, La Social, Fan9, ALL THE ROOFTOP PARTIES, INS, Plan B, Commune X
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Chinese definitely take, its easy and really fun.
Do you have some tips?
Yes i would definitely choose the same university. The people are really nice, the campus is fun, lots of canteens, sport centers etc
Best trips to do?
If you are coming for one semester you are limited to only travel within Chine with the X2 Visa, however there is so much to see there. Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Zhangjiaje, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Xian, Suzhou, Lujiajao, hidden gem Yangshuo Guling was my fav place in China.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
Cost of living is cheap, transport is cheap, local food super cheap, security good
Louis
From: Emlyon
To: ECNU
2025 • Fall
Top social life, invited in all the major event in club, hotel bar etc. In a group chat with a lot of exchange student to do some parties. Not very expensive…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
750€/months
Where was it located?
Jing’an
How can someone find this place?
Here real estate
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Top social life, invited in all the major event in club, hotel bar etc. In a group chat with a lot of exchange student to do some parties. Not very expensive because a lot of things or with a guest list so perfect
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Mandatory class so can’t really recommand.
Do you have some tips?
Campus is amazing, really big and with a lot of things (canteen, football, running etc) A bit old
Best trips to do?
40 min from the local airport and at in average 1-2h from all the best destination.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
Transport is good, metro everywhere and cheap. Food is okay but really different. In general prices are much lower
Fabian
From: Iéseg school of management
To: Tongji SEM
2025 • Full year
Hangzhou, nanjing or suzhou by train, lots of things to do nearby..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
Around 900/month
Where was it located?
Near north xizang road
How can someone find this place?
lindali0124 (insta)
Would you recommend it?
Place is very nice but quite expensive
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Not really a party Guy 😂
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Statistics, finance courses are nice
Do you have some tips?
Campus is perfect and registration is quite easy
Best trips to do?
Hangzhou, nanjing or suzhou by train, lots of things to do nearby
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
Only expensive thing is rent, the rest is quite affordable here
Alix
From: ESPOL
To: ECNU
2025 • Fall
In terms of GCP program classes, I recommend "china and world economy" and "urbanization"..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 400 euros
Where was it located?
ISSC (ECNU) (international student service center)
How can someone find this place?
On the website of the ECNU university
Would you recommend it?
.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
If you want to enjoy clubs, the INS building is a good recommendation
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
In terms of GCP program classes, I recommend "china and world economy" and "urbanization"
Do you have some tips?
It's a good choice to improve in Chinese language.
Best trips to do?
.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
If you live in China, you will need to use Alipay and WeChat, it's convenient
.
Sophie
From: IESEG
To: SJTU
2025 • Fall
Campus is quite cool, very close to the city center, you have a Starbucks & KFC inside which is quite funny. You have students who will help you on the…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
161
Where was it located?
In campus
How can someone find this place?
Uni site
Would you recommend it?
Shanghai is a really nice city, also very convenient if you want to travel around China. I definitely recommend it
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Events every week, lot of bars, clubs, pop up stores, coffee and so on
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Classes are not so hard honestly, whatever classes
Do you have some tips?
Campus is quite cool, very close to the city center, you have a Starbucks & KFC inside which is quite funny. You have students who will help you on the registration day, it was easy. I would def pick the same uni again and again
Best trips to do?
By train, you can reach many smaller cities around (Hangzhou, Suzhou, etc), do not hesitate to do some research on Red Notes
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
One word: Perfect
Alix
From: ESPOL
To: ECNU
2025 • Fall
The class of urbanisation and globalization with the class of global china economics..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 400
Where was it located?
1 minute from the school, Putuo
How can someone find this place?
on the site of the school ECNU
Would you recommend it?
.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
In terms of club, the INS club is really complete in terms of atmosphere
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The class of urbanisation and globalization with the class of global china economics
Do you have some tips?
Yes, it's a nice place
Best trips to do?
.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
Have a good battery on your phone, WeChat and Alipay are omnipresent
The train is cheap for cities around, you have plenty of occasion to visit cities near Shanghai
Charlotte
From: IESEG
To: TONGJI
2025 • Full year
Big data analytics (but scary by the name but really easy) Applied statistics, financial management and accounting, global supply chains management. No final…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
800 €
Where was it located?
Jing’an 40min from Tongji University
How can someone find this place?
Remoters
Would you recommend it?
Yes it is really convenient as this is a freelance that looks for an apartment directly from local sites and adds. He visited apartments for me and established the rental contract.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Goose bar, INS, revo
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Big data analytics (but scary by the name but really easy) Applied statistics, financial management and accounting, global supply chains management. No final exam so really convenient and easy to pass
Do you have some tips?
Campus is great with lots canteens in. Administration is not that invested and I am sometimes lost.
Best trips to do?
Beijing, Guilin- Yangshuo, Xi’an, Sanya - Hainan, Tokyo and Japan
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
Use metro and bikes Look for discounts they are everywhere. Always bargain with small vendors
Nobody speaks English outside the university so get Chinese basis it will be easier
Thibaut
From: ESILV
To: SHNU
2024 • Fall
-Follow nightlife accounts -Unight (best one) — contact Bradley for tips -Rooftop clubs everywhere are amazing -INS, a massive building with 6 floors of…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
2,150 € total for 3 people
Where was it located?
Jing’an, best district to live in by far.
How can someone find this place?
https://www.hererealestateagency.com/
Would you recommend it?
Yes, 100%. It's run by Mathias and Alex. They don’t just handle housing, they also help students and expats settle in, live, and meet people in Shanghai. Concierge service, super helpful.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
-Follow nightlife accounts -Unight (best one) — contact Bradley for tips -Rooftop clubs everywhere are amazing -INS, a massive building with 6 floors of clubs -If you go through Here Agency, they give all the best recs
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
No specific courses
Do you have some tips?
-Almost only Chinese students, but integration is great -Teachers and students are welcoming -Lots of group projects, working with Chinese students is great, their methods are -very different -Went to class every day
Best trips to do?
-Zhangjiajie -Guilin -Southeast Asian countries -To avoid: 18h seated/standing trains
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
- Get a scooter best and cheapest way to explore the city - Cost of living is very low apart from housing - Try the street food it’s amazing
Shanghai is insane, enjoy it as much as we did!
Fairouz
From: Kedge business school
To: Suzhou renmin
2024 • Fall
Pulp fiction and jack bars in the city..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
400
Where was it located?
In suzhou
How can someone find this place?
Online
Would you recommend it?
Time to share expérience
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Pulp fiction and jack bars in the city
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Try activity of culture
Do you have some tips?
Call the university
Best trips to do?
In china : sanya and fuillin
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Shanghai?
You can go everywhere
