Tips for living at South China Normal University

[Yaoshuya]

I recently received a CSC scholarship to study Mandarin for one year at SCNU in Guangzhou. However, I have not received any information from the university other than what I can gather online. I should also note that I am just starting to learn Mandarin, so I will be quite lost when I first arrive. If anyone has any general tips for life at SCNU I would really appreciate it as I feel like I am running blind at the moment. My most pressing questions are when to arrive (paperwork says I must register on 2nd or 3rd of Sep.) how to get to the school from the airport, how/where to register, and what to expect for housing and classes. Any information is better than none though, so if you have any experiences at SCNU to share, please post.

[Achell A]

Generally students in china register on 1st, Sept. since the school asks you to register on 2nd, Sept. or 3rd Sept., you can come at the end of August. I suggest you to come a few days earlier to settle down( for finding where to live, or ask someone to show you around the school so that you wont get lost etc.) .

From the airport to the school, if you take a texi, just tell the driver where you wann go, then sleep:tong after you wake up, you will be outside of the gate SCNU:lol: Considering you are not familiar to China, i dont suggest you to take bus or subway for saving money:)

you can live in the school dorm, it is the cheapest, i think, and safe.

btw, SCNU has two campuses: one is located in Tianhe district, another is located in Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu district. HEMC is a GOOD place for study!

[leeyah]

My most pressing questions are when to arrive (paperwork says I must register on 2nd or 3rd of Sep.) how to get to the school from the airport, how/where to register, and what to expect for housing and classes.

I've never been at SCNU, so I can't tell you about the accommodation there, but I suppose you will be in the international students dorms and that's as good as it gets at any other university in Guangzhou, which is good enough. The fact that you don't speak Chinese and that you're going to China for the first time may seem a little frightening, but universities do have staff who speak English, so, hopefully, you should be able to manage somehow, just don't be too shy to ask about anything you need to know. One thing is certain: since you're on CSC scholarship you should arrive in time for the registration. This is done at the registration office in the administration section of the university.

Attending Elementary Chinese class on a scholarship means you'd better not be lazy and it's just about the same everywhere: language classes are held in the mornings & you can also choose a couple of afternoon electives like HSK training class, arts & in some universities even tai chi & martial arts, which is definitely good for meeting new people.

About getting to uni from the airport, well, have you read SCNU's information page? It says they provide pick-up service for new students during registration days & free of charge, too. You should get in touch with them (email them or phone them) a couple of days before departure to let them know when you will arrive. Usually they will ask for date/time and the number of your flight. Anyway, just take it easy & don't worry too much. People in GZ are very nice.

[Yaoshuya]

Thanks for the posts I did notice that the university offers airport pickup which I will definately try to use. The only thing concerning me is whether they will offer the pickup service earlier than registration days. I emailed the university and asked whether they would suggest arriving before or during registration and they said it was "up to me." Not exactly what I wanted for advice, but it sounded like arriving early would be alright. Also, my scholarship states that I will be staying at the Shipai campus, I hope that's the good one.

[Achell A]

Shipai campus is its old campus. The new one is in HEMC. Well, i cant say the old one is not good. They both have their merit and demerit. The old one is located in the central of this city, and there are lots of shopping areas, so it is convenient for life; the new one is located in an island, where there are 10 universities. It has good environment and study atmosphere, but not very convenient concerning the traffic and shopping etc.

Still i suggest you to come earlier than registerred day. Because go to a totally new place, you need time to prepare. If you dont mind that texi costs much more, you had better take a texi, in case the school wont provide pick-up before registration:)

Or, i have another idea, try to find someone has been in SCNU, to make friends with him or her, then ask him or her to pick you up, then show you around, that will be perfect:) people are usually friendly and helpful here:) You really need a guide:)

wish you luck!