Study in Changchun: Universities & Student Guide

Compare 2 universities in Changchun for international students, plus city costs, transport, food and practical student-life guidance.

2 universities

Studying in Changchun

Changchun is the capital of Jilin province in north-east China, and our directory lists two universities here. It is a large, orderly city known for its automotive and education sectors, with a student population spread across several campuses. Winters are long and cold, which shapes daily life, but indoor heating is standard. Living costs are among the lowest of any major Chinese city, making it a practical choice for longer degree programmes.

Living costs

Changchun is one of the more affordable large cities in China. Dormitory accommodation is cheap, and even private shared housing costs noticeably less than in coastal cities. Campus food, local transport and phone plans are inexpensive, and entertainment spending is easy to control. Treat all figures as indicative: they shift with campus, housing type and personal habits, so verify current prices once you arrive.

Getting around

Changchun has a metro system, buses, trams and shared bikes, and it is well connected by high-speed rail to other north-eastern cities and to Beijing. Fares are low and a transit card or phone code covers most trips. In winter, many students rely on the metro and buses rather than cycling.

Climate

Winters are long, dry and very cold, often well below freezing, with snow from late autumn into early spring. Summers are warm and relatively short, and spring and autumn are brief. Bring serious winter clothing, thermal layers and boots, plus lighter clothes for the summer months.

Food

North-eastern cooking features hearty stews, dumplings, pickled vegetables and grilled skewers. Students eat cheaply in campus canteens and neighbourhood restaurants, and hotpot is popular in winter. Portions tend to be generous, and street food around universities is affordable.

Practical tips

Do your residence registration soon after arriving, and keep your passport and campus card with you where required. Set up a Chinese SIM and bank account early. Buy winter clothing locally if you arrive in autumn, since prices are better. Learn basic Mandarin phrases and note your city's emergency numbers.