The China Helper
Your practical guide to studying, living and learning in China.
How to register with a hospital, use your student insurance, see a doctor, fill a prescription and handle emergencies in China.
How to order, pay, handle dietary needs and eat well on a student budget in China — from canteen trays to hot pot and delivery apps.
A realistic monthly budget for international students in China — rent, food, transport, phone and insurance, compared across city tiers, plus practical ways to spend less.
A step-by-step guide to applying to Chinese universities: choosing a programme, finding scholarships, required documents, deadlines and what happens after you are accepted.
Temporary residence registration for foreigners: who must register, the 24-hour deadline, documents, the PSB process, fines, and student-specific notes.
Getting online in China: SIM data plans, campus and home Wi-Fi, what is actually blocked, lawful ways to stay connected, and local app replacements.
Set up WeChat Pay with a passport: real-name verification, adding a Chinese or foreign card, limits, fees, and fixes for common errors.
How to open a Chinese bank account as a foreigner: best banks, documents, the process, UnionPay card, and linking to WeChat Pay/Alipay.
Where and how to buy a Chinese SIM card as a foreigner: major carriers, documents, eSIM, plans, and top-ups.
What to expect in your first 24 hours in China: immigration, baggage, transport into the city, SIM, apps, and your first night.