Dear students,

While studying in China, renting an apartment off-campus can be a great way to experience local life and improve your language skills. However, many students wonder where to find rentals, how the process works, and what key factors to consider when looking for a place to live.

Here are some practical tips to help you find a comfortable home.

Step 1: Choose the right rental channels

Many students turn to senior peers for housing advice, but everyone's needs differ. The first and most important step is to choose a reliable rental platform.

1. Types of listings

Rental housing in China generally falls into three main categories:

• Regular residential apartments

These are the most common types of housing for Chinese families and reflect authentic local living. Given the large number of listings, it is important to verify their authenticity.

• Centralized long-term rental apartments

These apartments are managed in a hotel-style system, offering independent suites with dedicated staff for property management, security, and cleaning.

• Decentralized long-term rental apartments

These apartments are managed by companies that lease from individual landlords, furnish them, and then rent them out. Some also provide cleaning and property maintenance services.

2. Rental platforms

There are three main ways to find rentals in China: Individual landlords, real estate agencies, and dedicated rental platforms.

• Individual landlords

You can find listings from individual landlords on social platforms such as Red Note. While this method avoids agency fees, it requires more effort to communicate directly with landlords and verify the accuracy of listings.

• Real estate agencies

These include both major chains and local community agents. They offer professional and systematic services but usually charge a service fee.

• Dedicated rental platforms

Platforms such as Ziroom and Boyu Apartment operate through official apps and websites. Ziroom, in particular, offers an English-language interface that can be helpful for international students. Since available listings vary by city, it is best to check whether your area is covered before using the platform.

3. Matching listing types with platforms

Regular apartments: Individual landlords or real estate agencies

Centralized apartments: Official apps, websites, or agencies

Decentralized apartments: Official apps, websites, or agencies

Step 2: Use keywords to search

No matter which platform you choose, using clear search keywords will help you narrow down your options efficiently. Here are some common requirements and their corresponding keywords:

• For private space: Entire apartment (整租)
• For easy commute: Location names such as "People's Square, Shanghai" (上海人民广场), "Fudan University Handan Campus" (复旦大学邯郸校区)
• For specific amenities: Air conditioning (有空调), washing machine (有洗衣机), cooking facilities available (可做饭)

Step 3: Understand the rental process

Once you find a listing that suits your needs, you can begin the rental process. The general steps include searching, viewing the property, signing the contract, and paying the rent and deposit.

After completing these steps, you'll be ready to settle into your new home in China.

Tips for a smooth experience

1.If mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay or Alipay are required, verify in advance whether your bank card can be linked to these services.

2.On move-in day, take photos of the apartment and its appliances to document their condition, which can help prevent future disputes.

3.Clearly agree on liability for any breaches and outline dispute resolution methods in the contract.

Special notes for international students

1. Registration: If you arrange off-campus accommodation before arrival, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours after moving in.

2. Address change: If you change your residential address, update your residence permit with the required documents at the local exit-entry administration bureau within 10 days of the change.

3. Contract review: Standard rental contracts are often in Chinese. If needed, have a trusted individual help translate the contract to ensure you fully understand terms related to lease duration, rent, deposit, repairs, early termination, renewal, and restrictions.

4. Emergency contacts: Save your landlord or management company's contact for quick resolution of urgent issues like leaks or power outages.

We hope this guide helps you settle in smoothly and make the most of your time in China!

Source: Official WeChat account of China Scholarship Council at "gh_afaa09c3e5f3"