The Ultimate Pre-Departure Checklist for Studying in China

From student visas and scholarships to packing lists and essential apps, we've got you covered for your China Studies journey.

So, you did it. The acceptance letter is in your hand, and you’re officially headed to China for your studies! 🎓 First off, congratulations! An incredible adventure awaits you.

But after the initial excitement wears off, a wave of questions (and maybe a little panic) can set in. What visa do I need? What should I pack? How do I even pay for things there?

Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. This guide breaks down the entire process into a simple, timeline-based checklist. We'll turn your pre-departure anxiety into pure excitement. Let's get you ready for China!

Part 1: The Paperwork Gauntlet (3-4 Weeks Before Departure)

This is THE MOST CRITICAL PHASE. Be organized and give yourself plenty of time.

✅ University Application & Official Documents

• Secure Your Admission Letter: This is your official acceptance from the university. Usually university email you directly. Check your spam folder or contact us if dont find it.
• Get Your JW201/JW202 Form: For studies longer than 180 days. This is a crucial document issued by the Chinese authorities that is required for your student visa application. Your university will send this to you along with your admission letter. Print it and Make copies of it!
• Get Your DQ Form: For studies shorter than 180 days. This is a crucial document issued by the Chinese authorities that is required for your student visa application. Your university will send this to you along with your admission letter. Print it and Make copies of it!

✅ Apply for Your Student Visa (X Visa)

This is the big one. Start this process as soon as you have your admission letter and JW202 form.

• X1 Visa: For studies longer than 180 days. You'll enter China with this and then have 30 days to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit.
• X2 Visa: For studies shorter than 180 days.

It usually takes about a week to process your visa application. You'll receive an email once your visa application is approved.

Pro Tip: Check the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for the exact requirements, book an appointment early, and double-check all your documents before you go.

Part 2: Getting Practical (2-3 Weeks Before Departure)

With the paperwork out of the way, it’s time to handle the real-world logistics.

✅ Book Your Flight ✈️

• Book your flight as soon as your visa is approved. Booking in advance usually saves you money. For Guangzhou you can entry directly or from neighboor hongkong
• Pay attention to the luggage allowance! International flights have strict limits.

Pro Tip: There are two main ways to get to Guangzhou: you can fly directly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), or you can fly into Hong Kong and then travel to Guangzhou by high-speed train or Ferry.

✅ Arrange Your Accommodation

• On-Campus Dormitory: For most students, this is the easiest choice, but be warned: spots are in high demand! To secure a room, you need to apply the moment you can. Since the university is in charge of housing, we can't guarantee anything, so acting fast is your best bet.
• Off-Campus Apartment: For students who prefer greater independence, we recommend arranging private, off-campus accommodation. To assist you, we can provide a list of suggested apartments and local housing resources. However, it's often easier to do this after you arrive and can see places in person. Consider booking a hotel for your first week.

Pro Tip: To ensure your dormitory meets your expectations, consider booking a hotel for your first night or two. This will give you time to inspect the room in person before moving in. If it's not suitable, you'll have a comfortable place to stay while you arrange for a different room or explore other housing options

✅ Money Matters

• Bank Account: Consider opening an account at a Chinese bank branch in your home country before you leave. The most recommended banks are the Bank of China (BOC) and Industrial and Comercial Bank of China (ICBC), as they have many international branches. This will allow you to use their debit card to easily withdraw money once you arrive in China. Be sure to ask the bank staff for detailed information about accounts for international students.
• Cash: Exchange some of your local currency into Chinese Yuan (RMB) to cover your first few days (taxi, food, etc.). While cash still can be used, but daily life in china use mobile payment.
• Cards: Notify your bank that you'll be traveling to China to ensure your cards work. While you can link international credit cards to payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay, be aware that many local merchants can only accept payments from a pre-loaded RMB balance in your app's wallet, not directly from a foreign card.

Part 3: The Final Countdown (The Last Week)

It’s almost time! These are the final touches that will make your arrival smooth.

✅ Packing: The Smart Way 🎒

• Documents (Carry-On ONLY): Passport, visa, flight tickets, admission letter, JW202 form, and copies of everything. Please bring some copies of your pass photo passport style.
• Electronics: Laptop, phone, chargers, a good power bank, and a universal travel adapter. Please ensure your power bank is CEE Cerfified.
• Clothing: Pack for the season you'll arrive in, but don't overdo it. You can buy clothes for other seasons very affordably in China.
• Personal Items: A small amount of your favorite toiletries to get you started, any specific prescription medication (with a doctor's note), and a small first-aid kit.

✅ Tech Prep: The Non-Negotiables 📱

IMPORTANT: Do this BEFORE you leave your home country!

• Download a VPN: Services like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for accessing them. Install it on your phone and laptop before you fly.
• Essential Apps: Download WeChat (微信) and Alipay (支付宝). These are super-apps used for everything from messaging to paying for a bottle of water. You can link your international credit card to them. Also, grab Baidu Maps (百度地图) for navigation and Didi (滴滴出行) for ride-hailing.
  • For Android: The Google Play Store is blocked in China. Instead, you'll need a local alternative. A popular and safe option is the Tencent Appstore (应用宝), where you can download all the essential Chinese apps.
  • For iPhone: Your App Store will work, but some apps are only available in the Chinese store. To access them, you may need to change your App Store's region to "Mainland China" in your settings. (Just remember to switch it back later to update your apps from home!)

✅ Health Check

• Prioritizing your health is essential when preparing for your trip to China, as its diverse climate can be a significant change from your home environment. To maintain your well-being, ensure you get adequate sleep, eat healthy and regular exercise.

You're Ready

Preparation is the key to a stress-free transition. By following this checklist, you can handle the logistics with confidence and focus on what really matters: the incredible educational and cultural journey that awaits you.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help.

Good luck, and See you in China!

欢迎来到中国！ (Welcome to China!)