Before entering China, the students should make some preparations as below:
Admission Notice
The Chinese government scholarship students
Colleges and universities will send the Admission Notice to the CSC (China Scholarship Council) after enrolling the candidates. The CSC will send the Admission Notice and Visa Application for Foreigners Wishing to Study in China (JW201) to the embassy in China or the Chinese embassy in the dispatching country, relevant dispatching organization, or the applicants.
Self-supported Students
1. The self-supported students who are included in the bilateral exchange program or recommended by overseas academic institutions, educational organizations, or nongovernmental friendly associations will be arranged among the 83 institutions which are open to Chinese government scholarship students. The issuance of the Admission Notice and the Visa Application are the same as the scholarship students.
2. Individual applications for self-supported study will be processed by the 400 institutions that are open to foreign students. These institutions are in charge of the enrollment and are responsible for directly sending the Admission Notice and Visa Application for Foreigners Wishing to Study in China (JW202) to the appropriate place.
Visa Application
According to the regulations of the Ministry of Public Security, foreign students of governmental scholarships can, with the Admission Notice and the Visa Application Form for Studying in China (JW201 form) -- both delivered by the Chinese universities -- and the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner form, submit applications to Chinese embassies and consulates for an X visa within due terms.
Students of in-college exchanges projects and self-paid students chosen by the Chinese universities can, with the Admission Notice and the Visa Application Form for Foreigners to Study in China -- both delivered by the Chinese universities -- and the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner, submit applications to Chinese embassies and consulates for an X visas within due terms. Those who will stay in China for less than half a year may apply for an F visa.
All foreign students shall bring the original copies of Admission Notice, Visa Application for Foreigners Wishing to Study in China (JW201) and the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner to apply for the Visa to China and enter China with the above original documents. Those with other passports and visas or without the original forms of the abovementioned documents cannot register at the institution, and they cannot apply for a residence permit in China.
Enrollment Registration
1. All types of foreign students enrolled by Chinese universities need to register in person at the reception desks according to the dates by the Admission Notice. Those who fail to do so due to reasonable reasons should ask for permissions by the universities in advance, or otherwise the enrollment may be canceled.
2. All the registering foreign students need to participate in the procedures of accommodation, health quarantine, residence, and payment of registration fee.
Mental Preparations
First, it is necessary to dispel the unfavorable influence caused by the cultural shocks. Upon stepping your foot onto Chinese territory, you may find everything fresh and interesting. Some time later, you will feel the agony brought by the cultural differences, such as difficulties in communication, and differences in values and psychology. However, as your understanding of the surrounding environment deepens, you will become adapted to it and your feeling of loneliness will gradually disappear. So, just cherish the fun of living in China and the profound Chinese culture.
Secondly, one has to dispel the perplexities and inconvenience caused by a different lifestyle and living habits. It is natural to drop your accustomed lifestyle and living habits when coming to a completely different place like China. Only through furthering your understanding of Chinese culture and constantly adapting yourself to the living habits can you get rid of such perplexities and inconvenience.
Clothing Preparations
Located in the east of the Asian continent, on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, China features a marked continental monsoon climate characterized by great variety. Most parts of China are in the northern temperate zone while parts of the southern area are in the tropical or subtropical zone and parts of the northern area in the Frigid Zone.
In winter, there is a huge difference in temperature between North and South China, with a discrepancy of 35 ℃ in the average temperature of Guangdong and Harbin in January. The winter is usually cold, especially in the north along the Qinling Mountain - Huaihe line. Though, heating is available in dorm and classrooms, thick and warm clothes are still indispensable.
Temperature difference is slight in summer, with a discrepancy of 5 ℃in the average temperature of Guangzhou and Harbin. South China is hot and humid, while in North China, it is usually sweltering.
Most parts of China have a mild and warm climate in spring and autumn, with bright beautiful sunshine and charming scenery; therefore light casual clothes will do.
Other Preparations
1. Buy medical insurance and personal security insurance before coming to China.
2. If you would like your family members to accompany you in China, you have to get the approval of the university in advance, as accommodation for family members is not available, according to the usual practice in university management.
3. According to Chinese laws, foreign students cannot be employed in China while attending school in China. So self-supporting students must be well prepared financially.
