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
Study abroad in Shanghai: student life
Study abroad in Shanghai works best when you choose by university fit, housing and daily routine, not just the city photo. China's most international, fast-paced commercial hub. Check neighbourhoods and campus routes before committing to housing.
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.
Weather in Shanghai & what to pack
Shanghai's weather changes commutes, clothing and social plans more than brochures suggest. Use the month table to plan daylight, rain, heat or cold before arrival.
| Month | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 8° / 2° | 🌤️ Cold, dampCold, damp, cool | No central heating in most southern buildings. It feels colder inside than outside. |
| February 10° / 3° | 🌤️ Damp, chillyDamp, chilly, cool | Humid bone-chilling cold. |
| March 14° / 6° | 🌤️ Warming upWarming up, mild | Spring starts showing. |
| April 20° / 12° | 🌤️ Spring showersSpring showers, warm | Very pleasant. |
| May 25° / 17° | 🌤️ WarmWarm, warm | Great patio weather. |
| June 28° / 21° | 🌧️ Plum Rain Season (Meiyu)Plum Rain Season (Meiyu), hot | It will rain constantly for weeks. Very humid. |
| July 32° / 26° | 💧 Hot, extreme humidityHot, extreme humidity, hot | Typhoon season begins. |
| August 32° / 26° | ☀️ Hot, typhoonsHot, typhoons, hot | AC is mandatory 24/7. |
| September 28° / 22° | 🌧️ Warm, wetWarm, wet, hot | Typhoons still possible. |
| October 23° / 16° | 🌤️ Cooling downCooling down, warm | Excellent autumn weather. |
| November 17° / 10° | 🌤️ CrispCrisp, mild | Sweater weather. |
| December 11° / 4° | 🌤️ Cold, dampCold, damp, cool | Prepare for the indoor chill. |
Wet autumns, cold indoor winters and humid summers make housing quality important.
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 for students in Shanghai
Cost of Living Index
39.1 / 100
Affordable · World avg ≈ 44
The budget to study abroad in Shanghai is mostly rent-led: use USD 500-1000/month for rooms and USD 600-1500/month as the wider monthly planning range. Keep a buffer for deposit, transport and first-week setup.
| Category | Range / mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room - private market | USD 500 – 900 | Central expat areas are expensive; university districts such as Yangpu can be better value. |
Private-market baseline
Use the standard student budget as a private-market planning range. Shared housing can cost less than a private apartment, especially outside the centre.
University and public housing
Campus halls, CROUS or an equivalent public option may cost substantially less. Prices, shared-room conditions and eligibility depend on the institution, and availability is never assumed in the standard range.
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Student housing in Shanghai
Housing in Shanghai should be solved before arrival: compare neighbourhood, campus route and contract terms, not just price. Use official contacts, verified platforms and student groups, and avoid rushed deposits.
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
Official contacts
Host university accommodation or international office
Start with your host university in Shanghai; they usually publish residence routes, partner platforms or scam warnings.
Student residences
University residences and student halls
Useful first landing if you apply early and accept less flexibility.
Private platforms
Student groups
ESN and international student groups
Useful for flatmates and scam warnings; still verify contract and identity.
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.
Deposit & contract notes
Do not pay a deposit without a written contract, landlord identity and proof the room exists.
Ask whether utilities, internet and agency fees are included.
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.
Is Shanghai safe for students?
Safety Index
73.6 / 100
Generally safe
Crime Index
26.4 / 100
Low crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Shanghai is usually manageable for students, but the real risks are practical: petty theft, late-night routes, housing scams or weak arrival planning. Save emergency numbers and test your commute before classes intensify.
Exceptionally safe for personal security, even late in central areas, but traffic and app/admin setup still matter.
Top risks
- Silent electric scooters and traffic habits are the main daily safety issue.
- Scams (fraudes) en la zona del Bund y Nanjing Road.
Las bicicletas compartidas bloquean las aceras, mantén el cuidado al caminar.
Getting around Shanghai
Transport in Shanghai works best once you pick the right pass or card in week one. A direct campus route often matters more than the most famous neighbourhood.
🚇 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.
Things to do in Shanghai as a student
Events in Shanghai help students build groups, understand the city and keep social life affordable. Mix seasonal festivals, local culture and low-cost repeatable plans.
Paseo por The Bund y Lujiazui
Year-round, especially at night
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 discounts & perks in Shanghai
Student perks in Shanghai can reduce transport, food, culture and activities if you carry proof of enrolment. Activate them early because small savings matter by the end of the month.
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 in Shanghai for exchange students
Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), Tongji University are the main reference points. Compare faculty fit, language, campus route and housing before choosing.
Fudan University
Shanghai's most prestigious comprehensive university. Strong in social sciences, journalism, and international programs, with a vibrant campus in Wujiaochang.
Student social life in Shanghai
Social life in Shanghai starts faster when you join ESN, student associations, sport or weekly routines. Do not rely only on nightlife; repeated groups usually build better friendships.
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.