Your First 30 Days in China: The Ultimate Survival Checklist

Day 1–3: Arrival & Registration

At the Airport

• Collect your luggage and clear customs (keep your Admission Notice handy)
• Get a SIM card — Airport vendors sell tourist SIMs, but buy a proper student SIM from China Mobile or China Unicom later (¥30–50/month for 30GB+)
• Exchange currency — Get ¥2,000–3,000 in cash for initial expenses. ATMs in the airport accept Visa/Mastercard

At Your University

• Check in at the international student office — Get your dorm assignment, campus map, and orientation schedule
• Register at the local police station within 24 hours — This is a legal requirement. Your university's international office usually arranges a group visit
• Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay — Link your foreign bank card immediately. Read our complete Alipay & WeChat guide

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Day 3–7: Essential Setup

Banking

• Open a Chinese bank account — Bring your passport, student ID, and enrollment letter. Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank are popular choices
• Link your new Chinese card to Alipay and WeChat Pay for full functionality

Phone & Internet

• Buy a proper student SIM — Visit a China Mobile (中国移动) or China Unicom (中国联通) store near campus
• Download essential apps:
  • Alipay (支付宝) — Payments, transit, food delivery, utilities
  • WeChat (微信) — Messaging, payments, mini-programs
  • DiDi (滴滴) — Ride-hailing (China's Uber)
  • Meituan (美团) or Ele.me (饿了么) — Food delivery
  • Baidu Maps (百度地图) — Navigation (Google Maps does not work well in China)
  • Taobao (淘宝) — Online shopping
  • Pleco — Best Chinese dictionary app (offline capable)
• Set up a VPN — You will need one to access Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.

Accommodation

• Purchase bedding — Most dorms provide a bed frame only. Buy a mattress pad, sheets, pillow, and duvet from the campus store or Taobao
• Get a basic rice cooker and electric kettle — Two essential items for every student room
• Stock up on toiletries — The campus convenience store or a nearby supermarket will have everything

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Day 7–14: Administrative Tasks

Visa & Residence Permit (X1 Visa Holders)

• Get your physical examination at a designated Chinese hospital — Even if you completed one at home, China requires their own exam (cost: ¥400–700)
• Collect all documents for your Residence Permit application:
  • Passport + visa
  • Admission Notice
  • JW201/JW202 form
  • Physical exam results
  • University enrollment certificate
  • 4 passport photos (white background)
• Visit the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau — Submit your application, pay the fee (~¥400–800), and wait ~15 working days

Read our full China Student Visa Guide for complete details.

University Registration

• Complete academic registration — Enroll in your courses, meet your advisor/supervisor
• Get your student ID card — This unlocks subsidized canteen prices and library access
• Attend orientation — Usually includes campus tour, safety briefing, and introduction to university resources

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Day 14–30: Settling In

Campus Life

• Explore the canteens — Most universities have 3–5 canteens with different cuisines. Find your favorites early
• Join student clubs — Great way to make friends, learn Chinese, and build a social network
• Find the gym — Many campuses have free or very cheap gym facilities
• Visit the library — Get familiar with study spaces, printing services, and book borrowing

Exploring Your City

• Take the metro/bus — Get a transit card and practice navigating
• Visit a local market — Fresh produce, street food, and a true cultural experience
• Try a local restaurant — Ask Chinese classmates for recommendations
• Find your nearest hospital and pharmacy — Hopefully you will not need them, but know where they are

Social & Language

• Join WeChat groups — Your class, your dorm floor, international student community, and city expat groups
• Download a Chinese learning app — HelloChinese, Du Chinese, or use Pleco daily
• Find a language exchange partner — Many Chinese students want to practice English. It is a win-win
• Memorize survival phrases:
  • 你好 (nǐ hǎo) — Hello
  • 谢谢 (xiè xie) — Thank you
  • 多少钱 (duō shao qián) — How much?
  • 我不会中文 (wǒ bù huì zhōng wén) — I don't speak Chinese
  • 帮帮忙 (bāng bāng máng) — Help me, please

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Common First-Month Mistakes

1. Not registering with the police within 24 hours — This is legally required and universities take it seriously
2. Carrying only cash — Set up mobile payments immediately. Most places do not accept cash-only anymore
3. Not buying a VPN before arrival — Once you are in China, it is harder to download and set up a VPN. Do it before your flight
4. Ignoring the residence permit deadline — X1 holders must apply within 30 days. Missing this creates legal complications
5. Not opening a Chinese bank account — Without one, you cannot receive your scholarship stipend, use full Alipay features, or pay rent easily
6. Eating out every meal — Your budget will drain fast. The canteen is your best friend

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First-Month Budget Recap

Item	Estimated Cost (RMB)
Arrival cash cushion	2,000–3,000
Bedding & room setup	500–1,000
SIM card + phone plan	50–200
Physical examination	400–700
Residence permit fee	400–800
First month rent/dorm	800–3,000
Food (30 days)	900–2,000
Transport	100–300
Misc essentials	300–500
TOTAL	5,450–11,500

Budget tip: Have at least ¥10,000 (~$1,400 USD) accessible when you arrive. It seems like a lot, but between deposits, medical exams, and setup costs, it goes quickly.

Congratulations on taking the leap! 🐼 The first month is the hardest, but once you are set up, life in China is incredibly rewarding. Use PandaOffer's resources and community on Discord to connect with other students who have been through the same journey.