Articles
Practical illustrated articles for African students settling in China — first days, apps, money, housing and daily life.
These are general tips based on common student experience. Rules, prices and procedures can change by city and university — always confirm with your school’s international office and official sources. This is not legal or medical advice.
Life in China
Browse our illustrated articles. Each one includes related readings and trusted external links.
Life in ChinaYour first days after landing
Passport, JW202, campus contact and police registration — what to do in the first 48 hours.
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Life in ChinaVPN: set it up before you leave
Install and test a reliable VPN on phone and laptop before departure so family and study tools stay reachable.
Read article →Life in ChinaMoney: CNY, cash and mobile pay
Yuan cash for day one, then Alipay and WeChat Pay for almost everything else.
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Life in ChinaSIM card and mobile internet
A local Chinese number makes WeChat, deliveries and campus life much easier.
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Life in ChinaWeChat and essential apps
WeChat, Alipay, maps, translation and Didi — the stack most students use every day.
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Life in ChinaGetting around: metro, train, Didi
Metro QR tickets in big cities, high-speed trains for longer trips, Didi for short rides.
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Life in ChinaCampus and off-campus housing
Dorm check-in, roommate rules, and what to verify before signing an off-campus lease.
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Life in ChinaHealth and insurance (general tips)
Know your insurance card, campus clinic and nearest hospital listed by your university.
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Life in ChinaCulture, etiquette and basic safety
Politeness, a few Chinese phrases, document safety — and relying on your student network.
Read article →Useful links
Official sites and apps for studying, travel and payments in China.
Campus China (CSC)
Official Chinese Government Scholarship portal.
Open →Study in China
Official information about studying in China.
Open →CSC application system
Online system to submit CSC applications.
Open →China Railway 12306
Book high-speed and regular train tickets.
Open →Messaging, campus groups and daily payments.
Open →Alipay
Mobile payments and everyday services.
Open →DiDi
Ride-hailing across Chinese cities.
Open →Amap (Gaode Maps)
Maps and navigation in China.
Open →Pre-departure checklist
Tick these off before you fly — they make the first week much calmer.
- Valid passport, X1 visa and printed JW202 / admission letter
- VPN installed and tested on phone + laptop
- Copies (paper + cloud) of passport, offer letter and insurance
- Some CNY cash or a plan to exchange on arrival
- University emergency contact and campus address in Chinese
- WeChat installed; family contacts saved
- Adapters (China uses Type A/C/I plugs) and basic medicines
- Season-appropriate clothes and a light jacket for AC indoors