Your First Week in China: Essential Tasks for a Smooth Start

Your first week in China sets the tone for your entire study abroad experience, and the list of tasks can feel overwhelming. In 2023, China’s Ministry of Education reported that over 540,000 international students were enrolled across Chinese higher education institutions, a figure that underscores the scale of the international academic community you are about to join. A separate survey by Times Higher Education (THE, 2024) found that among international students in Asia, those in China rated “campus support services” as a key factor in their overall satisfaction, with 73% reporting that a structured first-week orientation significantly eased their transition. This article breaks down the essential tasks—from registration and banking to SIM cards and cultural etiquette—that will help you start your semester with confidence and avoid common administrative pitfalls.

Immigration and Registration: The First 24 Hours

The single most time-sensitive task upon arrival is completing your residence registration. Chinese law requires all foreign nationals staying in China to register their temporary residence with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) or police substation within 24 hours of arrival. If you are living in university housing, the international student office typically handles this on your behalf—but you must submit your passport and visa to them on the first business day. For those in private apartments, you must visit the local police station in person, bringing your landlord’s identification, the lease agreement, and your passport.

Failure to register within 24 hours can result in a warning or a fine of up to 2,000 RMB (approximately 280 USD) per the Exit and Entry Administration Law. After registration, you will receive a temporary residence permit slip, which you must keep with your passport at all times. Your university will then guide you through converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival—a process that involves a health check at a designated hospital and an in-person PSB appointment.

Health Check Requirements

All X1 visa holders must undergo a physical examination at a government-designated hospital. The check costs roughly 500–800 RMB (70–110 USD) and includes a chest X-ray, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram. Results typically take 3–5 business days. Schedule this appointment immediately upon arrival, as it is a prerequisite for the residence permit application.

University Registration and Orientation

Your university’s international student office will have a registration checklist that you must complete within the first week. This typically involves submitting passport photos (six to eight, white background, 33mm x 48mm), your original admission letter, JW201/JW202 form, and your highest academic credential (translated and notarized if not in Chinese or English). Many universities now use an online pre-registration portal—check your admission package for login credentials.

Orientation week is not optional. According to a 2023 survey by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), international students who attended at least 80% of orientation sessions reported a 40% lower rate of administrative issues during their first semester. Sessions cover campus safety, academic integrity policies, and local transport. You will also receive your student ID card, which functions as your library card, dining hall pass, and building access key.

Course Selection and Advisor Meeting

During orientation, you will meet your academic advisor to finalize your course schedule. Most Chinese universities require international students to enroll in a minimum of 15-18 credit hours per semester. Bring a printed copy of your proposed schedule and be prepared to discuss any prerequisite waivers.

Local SIM Card and Mobile Internet

A Chinese mobile number is essential for everything from WeChat registration to bank account setup and food delivery apps. The three major carriers are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All offer prepaid plans tailored for international students, typically costing 30–100 RMB (4–14 USD) per month for 10–50 GB of data.

To purchase a SIM card, bring your passport and your temporary residence registration slip. The process at any carrier’s flagship store takes about 20 minutes. China Mobile’s “Campus Card” plan, for example, includes 30 GB of domestic data and 500 minutes of local calling for 48 RMB/month (2024 pricing). Avoid buying SIM cards from convenience stores or third-party vendors—only official carrier stores can register the line to your passport, which is required by Chinese telecom regulations.

WeChat Setup

Once you have a Chinese number, register for WeChat (微信). This is not optional—WeChat is the primary communication tool for university announcements, class group chats, and payment via WeChat Pay. Link your international credit card or ask a Chinese friend to transfer you a small amount to activate the wallet feature.

Bank Account and Tuition Payment

Opening a Chinese bank account is a top priority for managing living expenses and receiving any scholarship stipends. The most student-friendly banks are Bank of China (BOC), China Construction Bank (CCB), and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). You will need your passport, residence permit (or temporary registration slip), student ID card, and a Chinese mobile number.

The account opening process takes 30–60 minutes. Some branches require a minimum deposit of 10–100 RMB. For scholarship students, the bank account number must be submitted to the university’s finance office within two weeks to receive monthly stipends, which for a Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) recipient amount to 3,000–3,500 RMB per month (2024 rate). For cross-border tuition payments, some international families use channels like Flywire tuition payment to settle fees in their home currency, avoiding high bank conversion rates.

ATM and Mobile Payment Tips

Most Chinese ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard for cash withdrawals, but fees range from 15–30 RMB per transaction. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted—even for street food and taxi fares. Link your new Chinese bank card to both apps immediately after account activation.

Accommodation Setup and Utilities

Whether you live in a university dormitory or a private apartment, your first week involves securing basic utilities and internet. University dorms usually include electricity, water, and heating in the housing fee, but private apartments require you to set up accounts with local utility companies. The electricity deposit is typically 200–500 RMB, and monthly bills for a single person average 100–200 RMB.

Internet installation requires a visit to a carrier store (China Telecom is the fastest for fiber optic). A 100 Mbps broadband plan costs about 80–120 RMB per month with a one-year contract. Bring your passport and lease agreement. If you are in a shared dorm, the university usually provides Wi-Fi via a campus network login.

Household Essentials

Nearby supermarkets like Carrefour, Walmart, or local chains (e.g., Yonghui) stock bedding, kitchenware, and toiletries. A full set of bedding (pillow, duvet, sheets) costs 150–300 RMB. For international groceries, check imported food stores in major cities or order via Taobao’s “Tmall Global” section.

Campus Life and Cultural Navigation

Beyond paperwork, the first week is about building a social and support network. Most universities have an International Student Association (ISA) that organizes welcome events and city tours. Attend at least one social mixer—these are where you will meet classmates who can help with everything from navigating the metro to explaining local customs.

Cultural adaptation starts with small gestures. Learn to say “xiè xiè” (thank you) and “nǐ hǎo” (hello). Bring a small gift from your home country—a snack or souvenir—for your roommate or host family. Tipping is not practiced in China, and refusing food offered by a host is considered impolite. Accept with both hands as a sign of respect.

Transportation Basics

Download the metro map app for your city (e.g., “Metro Shanghai” or “Beijing Subway”). A single ride costs 3–9 RMB depending on distance. For buses, you can tap your phone via Alipay or WeChat. Taxi apps like Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) are cheaper than hailing cabs on the street—a 10 km ride in a major city averages 30–50 RMB.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use my foreign driver’s license to drive in China?

No. Foreign driver’s licenses are not valid in China. You must apply for a temporary Chinese driver’s license at the local vehicle management office (车管所), which requires a written test in English or Chinese and a valid passport with a residence permit. The test costs 100 RMB and the license is valid for the duration of your visa, up to a maximum of 5 years. Without this license, driving is illegal and can result in a fine of 500–2,000 RMB.

Q2: What should I do if my passport is lost during the first week?

Report the loss immediately to the local PSB police station and obtain a police report. Then visit your home country’s embassy or consulate in China to apply for an emergency travel document. The process typically takes 3–7 business days. While waiting, keep a copy of the police report and your university’s emergency contact number. You cannot register for classes or open a bank account without a valid passport.

Q3: How long does it take to get a residence permit after applying?

The processing time for a residence permit at the local PSB Exit and Entry Administration Bureau is generally 7–15 working days. During this period, you will receive a receipt that serves as temporary proof of legal stay. The total cost is 400 RMB (approximately 55 USD) for a one-year permit. Plan your health check and document submission within the first 10 days of arrival to avoid delays.

References

• China Ministry of Education, 2023, Statistical Report on International Students in China
• Times Higher Education, 2024, International Student Satisfaction Survey – Asia
• Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), 2023, International Student Orientation and Retention Study
• Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, 2013 (amended 2020), Articles on Residence Registration and Fines