Nanjing University is located in Nanjing, one of China four great ancient capitals. The city has over 3,000 years of history and is home to many historical sites including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao), and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
Campus
NJU has two main campuses. The Gulou campus is in the city center, with historic buildings and tree-lined avenues. The Xianlin campus is newer and larger, located in the northeast of Nanjing. Most international students study at the Xianlin campus, which has modern facilities including libraries, laboratories, sports centers, and student dormitories.
Student Life
NJU has an active international student community with students from over 100 countries. The International Student Association organizes cultural events, sports competitions, and trips to nearby attractions throughout the year. The NJU International Culture Festival is a major annual event.
The campus has multiple dining halls serving Chinese and international cuisine. Meals cost 8 to 20 CNY. There are also cafes, convenience stores, and a post office on campus.
Accommodation
International student dormitories on the Xianlin campus offer single rooms for 600 to 1,000 CNY per month. Rooms have air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, and basic furniture. Shared kitchens and laundry facilities are available. Living on campus is affordable and convenient.
Living in Nanjing
Nanjing offers a high quality of life at a moderate cost. The city has an extensive metro system, good food scene, and a safe environment. Monthly expenses including housing run about 1,800 to 2,800 CNY. The city is well-connected by high-speed rail, with trains to Shanghai (1.5 hours), Beijing (3.5 hours), and Hangzhou (1 hour).
FAQ
Q: Is Nanjing safe for international students?
Nanjing is one of the safest cities in China. The NJU campus is secure, and the city has a low crime rate.
NJU Clubs and Activities
NJU has a wide range of student clubs and organizations. Sports clubs include basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, swimming, and martial arts. Cultural clubs include Chinese calligraphy, traditional painting, Peking opera, and Chinese chess. Academic clubs cover subjects like debating, Model United Nations, and entrepreneurship. International students can also join the NJU International Student Association, which organizes events specifically for the international community. The annual International Culture Festival is a highlight, where students from different countries showcase their culture through food, music, dance, and traditional costumes. Throughout the year, the university organizes trips to nearby attractions, language exchange programs, and social events. Getting involved in clubs and activities is the best way to make friends and build a social network at NJU.
Healthcare and Insurance at NJU
All international students at NJU are required to have health insurance. The university offers a basic insurance plan for approximately 800 CNY per year. This plan covers basic outpatient services, hospitalization, and emergency care. It does not cover pre-existing conditions, dental care, or optical services. Many students choose to purchase additional international health insurance for more comprehensive coverage. The NJU campus has a medical clinic that provides basic healthcare services. For more serious medical needs, Nanjing has excellent hospitals including the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital. These hospitals have international departments with English-speaking doctors. For emergency services, call 120. The emergency number works throughout China. It is a good idea to save this number in your phone and know your address in Chinese in case you need to call an ambulance. Pharmacies are widely available in Nanjing and sell both Western and Chinese medicines. Common medications like cold medicine, pain relievers, and allergy medicine can be purchased without a prescription. Always carry your health insurance card and passport with you in case of medical emergencies.
NJU Dining and Food Options
NJU has multiple dining halls across its campuses that serve a variety of Chinese and international cuisine. The main dining halls on the Xianlin campus offer a wide selection of dishes at very affordable prices. A typical meal costs 8 to 20 CNY. The dining halls are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast hours are 7:00 to 9:00 AM. Lunch hours are 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Dinner hours are 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The dining halls serve a mix of Chinese regional cuisines including Jiangsu, Sichuan, Cantonese, and Shandong dishes. There are also options for halal food and vegetarian meals. In addition to the main dining halls, there are smaller cafes and food stalls on campus that serve snacks, coffee, and light meals. Off campus, the area around NJU has numerous restaurants offering Chinese and international cuisine. Nanjing is famous for its local specialties, including Nanjing salted duck, duck blood vermicelli soup, and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Exploring the local food scene is one of the pleasures of studying at NJU. Many students also cook in their dormitory shared kitchens to save money and enjoy home-style meals. Groceries are available at supermarkets and local markets near the campus.
NJU Transportation Guide
Getting around Nanjing as an NJU student is convenient and affordable. The Nanjing metro system has over 10 lines covering most parts of the city. The NJU Xianlin campus is served by Metro Line 2, which connects to the city center in about 30 minutes. Metro fares range from 2 to 7 CNY per ride depending on distance. Students can purchase a Yangtze River Delta Transportation Card for discounted fares. The card can also be used on buses and taxis. Buses are even cheaper than the metro, with fares of 1 to 2 CNY per ride. However, buses can be slower due to traffic. Didi (Chinese Uber) is widely available in Nanjing. A ride from campus to the city center costs about 30 to 50 CNY. Didi is convenient for late-night travel or when carrying heavy luggage. Shared bicycles are available throughout Nanjing. You can rent a bike using the HelloBike or Meituan apps. Bike rentals cost about 1 to 2 CNY per ride. Cycling is a popular way to get around campus and the surrounding area. The NJU campus is bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes and parking areas. For longer trips, the Nanjing South Railway Station offers high-speed rail connections to major cities across China. Trains to Shanghai take 1.5 hours. Trains to Beijing take 3.5 hours. The Nanjing Lukou International Airport serves domestic and international flights.