Study abroad in Shanghai
Housing, transport, universities, language expectations and daily life for exchange students in Shanghai.
Country
ChinaStudent Budget
USD 600 – 1,500/month
Transport Card
Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPTC) en Apple Wallet/Alipay
Population
24,870,000
City Vibe
China's most international, fast-paced commercial hub. A glittering skyline, deep colonial history, and a much softer entry point for foreigners.
Who loves this city?
Business/finance students, nightlife enthusiasts, and those who want an easier introduction to China without entirely losing Western comforts.
What makes it special
It’s a truly global metropolis. The Former French Concession (FFC) feels like a blend of Paris and Tokyo with its plane trees and cafes, while the Bund offers a view straight out of Blade Runner. It lacks the gritty 'traditional' feel of Beijing but makes up for it in convenience and internationalism.
Newcomer shocks
- The sheer wealth, high-end luxury, and futuristic vibe of Lujiazui (Pudong).
- The humidity: winters pierce your bones because there is no central heating, and summers make you sweat instantly.
- The abundance of Western food, artisanal coffee shops, and international communities compared to the rest of China.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 2°C | Cold, damp | No central heating in most southern buildings. It feels colder inside than outside. |
| February | 10°C / 3°C | Damp, chilly | Humid bone-chilling cold. |
| March | 14°C / 6°C | Warming up | Spring starts showing. |
| April | 20°C / 12°C | Spring showers | Very pleasant. |
| May | 25°C / 17°C | Warm | Great patio weather. |
| June | 28°C / 21°C | Plum Rain Season (Meiyu) | It will rain constantly for weeks. Very humid. |
| July | 32°C / 26°C | Hot, extreme humidity | Typhoon season begins. |
| August | 32°C / 26°C | Hot, typhoons | AC is mandatory 24/7. |
| September | 28°C / 22°C | Warm, wet | Typhoons still possible. |
| October | 23°C / 16°C | Cooling down | Excellent autumn weather. |
| November | 17°C / 10°C | Crisp | Sweater weather. |
| December | 11°C / 4°C | Cold, damp | Prepare for the indoor chill. |
Otoños lluviosos, inviernos fríos pero sin calefacción central por decreto (al estar al sur del río Huai), los edificios son fríos por dentro. Veranos extremadamente húmedos.
Packing checklist
- A dehumidifier is highly recommended once you rent a room.
- Waterproof shoes and an umbrella for the Plum Rain season (Meiyu).
- A premium VPN (Astrill or LetsVPN).
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
39.1 / 100
Affordable · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | USD 500 – 900/month | Vivir en la Concesión Francesa (FFC) es muy caro; vivir cerca de Fudan (Yangpu) o Jiao Tong (Minhang) reduce el precio drásticamente. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Wujiaochang
Varies by street, room type, and season.Fudan & Tongji students.. Commute: Walking/biking distance to northern campuses.
Former French Concession (FFC)
Varies by street, room type, and season.Expats, interns, socialites.. Commute: Subway Line 1 or 10.
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Red flags
Never transfer money or deposits before signing a written rental contract and verifying the landlord's identity.
Always request a live video tour or physical viewing of the property to confirm it exists and matches the description.
Be extremely suspicious of listings priced significantly lower than the local market average for that neighborhood.
Safety
Safety Index
73.6 / 100
Generally safe
Crime Index
26.4 / 100
Low crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Excepcionalmente segura. Puedes caminar por el centro a las 3 AM sin ningún tipo de problema de seguridad personal.
Top risks
- Accidentes de tráfico (los scooters eléctricos son silenciosos y a veces no respetan semáforos, mira a ambos lados siempre).
- Scams (fraudes) en la zona del Bund y Nanjing Road.
Las bicicletas compartidas bloquean las aceras, mantén el cuidado al caminar.
Transport
🚇 Shanghai Metro
Use the 'Metro DaDuhui' app or Alipay transport code to scan in and out. The network is massive and pristine.
Not available for short-term expats.
🚌 DiDi (Ride Hailing)
Extremely cheap compared to Western equivalents. Has a full English interface within WeChat or Alipay.
Events & Activities
Paseo por The Bund y Lujiazui
Todo el año (de noche)
Gratis (o pagar el ferry por USD 0.30)
La vista icónica de la ciudad, los edificios iluminados del Pudong.
Salir por Found 158 / JULU 758
Viernes y Sábado
Alto
Son complejos enteros de discotecas, restaurantes y bares subterráneos llenos de extranjeros y locales cosmopolitas.
medium
Shanghai International Film Festival
June
¥30–80 per screening
Asia's oldest and most prestigious film festival — 400+ films, many with English subtitles, industry panels
M50 Creative Park Gallery Hop
Tuesday–Sunday year-round
Free
Shanghai's main contemporary art hub in a converted textile factory — 100+ galleries, studios, coffee shops in Suzhou Creek area
Yu Garden and Old City
Year-round
¥40 (~€5) for Yu Garden; bazaar free
Ming Dynasty garden + surrounding bazaar with xiaolongbao dumplings at the original Nan Xiang — unmissable cultural contrast
medium
Xintiandi Bar & Culture District
Year-round (evenings)
¥50–80 per drink
Restored 1920s Shikumen stone-gate houses as bars and galleries — most atmospheric nightlife district in Shanghai
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
Food Savings
University Canteens (Mensa)
Check your local university campus for the student cafeteria which offers subsidized hot meals to students.
Get appVerify the student transit pass option for the Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPTC) en Apple Wallet/Alipay to save on daily commuting costs. Fares & passes
Universities
Fudan University
Shanghai's most prestigious comprehensive university. Strong in social sciences, journalism, and international programs, with a vibrant campus in Wujiaochang.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Local Section
Coordinates orientation events, social trips, and integration parties for incoming international students.
Central Student Union / Student Representation
The official university student representation providing support, sports clubs, and cultural activities.
Meeting Places 2
Public Groups 2
ESN & International Students Facebook Group
Search for the local group to find flatmates, events, and buy second-hand furniture.
Local ESN Instagram / Linktree
Follow the local section page to access current WhatsApp group chats and event sign-up forms.
Forums & Advice 2
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: r/shanghai
Vital resource for current events and housing tips.
SmartShanghai
The definitive English-language guide to events, restaurants, and classifieds in SH.