Your first days in China involve a set of registrations and practical set-up. Here is a checklist; your university’s international office will guide you through the formal steps.
First 24–48 hours
- Check in to your dorm or apartment.
- Complete accommodation registration with your landlord/hostel (they register you, or you register at the local police station).
- Contact the university’s international student office and confirm reporting/registration.
- Get a local SIM card (needs your passport).
- Set up payment apps if you can (often requires a bank account).
First week
- University enrolment/registration and health check (if required).
- Apply for the residence permit (X1 holders) — within the allowed window.
- Open a bank account (usually needs passport, student ID, phone number).
- Complete temporary residence registration if not done by your housing provider.
- Get a campus card / library access.
- Join the international students’ orientation.
Practical set-up
- Money: open a bank account; link it to payment apps; consider how family will send money.
- Phone: local number for apps and verification codes.
- Apps: payments, transport, delivery, maps, translation (see our essential apps guide).
- Transport: student discounts on metro/bus cards in many cities.
Keep organised
- Save scans of your passport, visa, admission notice and residence permit.
- Note every deadline: residence permit window, health check, course registration.
- Keep your university’s emergency contact and your embassy’s contact.
Procedures and deadlines vary by city and university. Follow your university’s instructions and confirm anything unclear with the international office.