Why Accommodation Choice Matters for Recruitment and Admissions

• First impressions shape yield: Pre-arrival housing clarity increases confirmed enrolments and reduces drop-outs.
• Risk management and compliance: Proper registration and vetted providers cut legal and safety risks.
• Student experience = retention: The right housing option for the right student improves wellbeing, academic focus, and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Operational efficiency: Centralized housing processes reduce administrative load on international offices.

Overview: The Three Main Accommodation Options

1. University Dormitories (On-campus Housing)

University dormitories are the most common and recommended option for new international arrivals, particularly during the first semester. Typical room types are single, double, and sometimes three-bed rooms. Facilities generally include basic furniture, internet, air conditioning, and occasionally TVs or telephones.

Key Advantages

• Cost-effective: Monthly fees vary by city and room type, making dorms the most affordable option for most students.
• Convenience: Proximity to classes reduces commuting time.
• Administrative support: University staff assist with registration and local orientation.
• Social integration: Dorms foster quick friendships and peer support.

Typical Considerations

• Limited availability at popular universities — early booking is essential.
• Privacy may be basic compared with private rentals.
• Dorm rules can include visitor policies and curfews.
• Room-sharing may not suit all students.

2. Off-campus Apartments

Off-campus apartments include individually rented flats and shared apartments, offering greater independence.

Key Advantages

• Privacy and space: Full apartments or private rooms provide comfort.
• Flexibility: Students choose location and lifestyle.
• Cultural integration: Sharing with locals accelerates language learning.

Typical Considerations

• Higher cost in large cities compared to dorms.
• Students manage utility bills and cleaning.
• Legal registration requirements must be completed.
• Some universities require notification of off-campus living.

3. Host Family / Homestay

Host family stays place students with Chinese families to promote deep cultural and language immersion.

Key Advantages

• Immersive experience: Daily life with a host family accelerates Mandarin ability.
• Meals and support: Many homestays include meals and family activities.
• Strong pastoral care: Host families provide supervision and guidance.

Typical Considerations

• Availability is limited in major cities.
• Students must adjust to family routines.
• Less independence compared to other options.

Practical Pricing Reference and Regional Context

Monthly averages for dormitory prices across major cities:

• Beijing: ¥1,200 – ¥3,500
• Shanghai: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000
• Nanjing: ¥1,000 – ¥1,500
• Chengdu: ¥1,000 – ¥1,200
• Xi’an: ¥800 – ¥1,200

Notes for recruiters and admissions teams:

• Include housing cost ranges in your financial estimates.
• Highlight dorm affordability for first-year students.
• Feature off-campus options for working professionals.

Compliance, Registration and Safety — A Checklist for Every Accommodation Option

Pre-arrival and Booking

• Publicize dorm booking windows and payment methods.
• Provide lease or tenancy templates in preferred languages.
• Require students to share accommodation details with the international office.

On Arrival

• Verify temporary residence registration for off-campus students.
• Confirm emergency contact details and services information.
• Provide orientation sessions covering campus rules.

Ongoing Management

• Monitor housing complaints with a triage protocol.
• Conduct periodic quality checks on partners and families.
• Maintain a rapid response plan for emergencies.

Documentation and Records

• Keep digital records of leases and agreements.
• Collect verification documents from landlords or host families.
• Track occupancy levels for future planning.

Actionable Strategies for Recruitment, HR and Placement Agencies

Student-facing Services

• Pre-arrival housing portal: Automate housing selection and payment.
• Accommodation match service: Use surveys to align student preferences with housing choices.
• Welcome logistics package: Include airport pickup and short-term housing options.

University Operations

• Centralized housing dashboards for real-time oversight.
• Establish service-level agreements with housing vendors.
• Automate notifications for registration and move-in checklists.

Agency and Partner Collaboration

• Standardized vetting for partner apartments and homestays.
• Define transparent commission structures for agencies.
• Co-branded pre-arrival communications for confirmed students.

How Study in China Supports Accommodation Strategy and Execution

• Accommodation partner management for consistent standards and compliance.
• Admissions and housing automation to reduce manual work.
• Pre-arrival and arrival support for a seamless transition.
• Compliance and registration assistance for local requirements.
• Co-branded partnerships and white-label portals for agencies.

Case Example

University A: Implemented prioritized on-campus housing and saw a 12% increase in confirmed enrollments.

Agency B: Partnered on off-campus apartment verification, improving placement times and student satisfaction.

Final Recommendations and Next Steps for Recruiters and Institutions

• Prioritize on-campus dorm allocation for first-term students.
• Build a verified off-campus vendor list.
• Scale homestay options selectively for language programs.
• Automate housing as part of the admissions workflow.
• Maintain clear escalation and emergency procedures for housing types.

Take the Next Step with Study in China

International students in China have a range of accommodation options to choose from. Explore how Study in China can help you find the perfect housing to enhance your academic journey.