Life at Peking University is a unique experience. The campus, located in Beijing Haidian district, is widely considered one of the most beautiful university campuses in China. Traditional Chinese gardens, ancient architecture, and modern facilities coexist on a campus that covers over 270 hectares.
The Campus
PKU campus is famous for several landmarks. Weiming Lake (Unnamed Lake) is the heart of the campus, surrounded by weeping willows and stone pathways. The Boya Pagoda stands on a nearby hill, visible from most parts of the campus. These two landmarks are the most photographed spots at PKU.
The campus has a mix of historic buildings from the 1920s and modern facilities built in recent decades. The PKU Library is one of the largest university libraries in the world, with a collection of nearly 10 million volumes. It is especially famous for its collection of ancient Chinese texts and rare books.
There are over 20 dining halls on campus serving a wide variety of food. The food is affordable, with a full meal costing 10 to 25 CNY. Most dining halls serve Chinese food, but there are also options for halal, vegetarian, and Western food. The campus also has several cafes, convenience stores, and a post office.
Accommodation for International Students
International students at PKU typically live in the international student dormitories on campus. There are several dormitory buildings, including the Sino-foreign Dormitory and the Shao Yuan International Student Dormitory.
Room options and costs:
- Double room: Approximately 40-60 CNY per day (about 1,200-1,800 CNY per month)
- Single room: Approximately 80-100 CNY per day (about 2,400-3,000 CNY per month)
- Apartment-style: Available for graduate students and families, 3,000-5,000 CNY per month
All dorms have basic furniture (bed, desk, chair, wardrobe), air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi internet, and shared bathroom facilities (or private bathrooms in higher-tier rooms). Laundry rooms with washing machines are available on each floor.
Living on campus is the most convenient option. Classes are a short walk away, you are close to dining halls and campus facilities, and you get to interact with other international students from around the world.
Student Clubs and Activities
PKU has over 300 student clubs covering every interest imaginable. There are sports clubs (basketball, soccer, badminton, martial arts), cultural clubs (Chinese calligraphy, traditional painting, Peking opera), academic clubs (debate, Model UN, entrepreneurship), and international clubs (language exchange, international food festival).
The International Cultural Festival is one of the biggest events at PKU each year. International students set up booths representing their home countries, with food, music, and cultural displays. It is a great way to share your culture and learn about others.
Living in Beijing
Beijing is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a student. The city has over 3,000 years of history and offers endless things to see and do. The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall are all accessible by public transport. The Beijing subway system is one of the best in the world — cheap, clean, and easy to navigate with English signs.
Near PKU, the Wudaokou area is the center of student life. It is full of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops catering to the international student community. This is where most PKU students go for a night out, to study at a coffee shop, or to meet friends from other universities.
The cost of living in Beijing varies depending on your lifestyle. A reasonable monthly budget for a student living on campus is about 2,500 to 4,000 CNY. This includes food, transportation, entertainment, and personal expenses.
Practical Tips for New Students
- Get a Chinese SIM card and WeChat as soon as you arrive. WeChat is essential for communication, payments, and daily life in China.
- Register your residence permit within 30 days of arrival at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) office.
- Open a Chinese bank account for receiving scholarship payments and managing your finances.
- Download Didi (Chinese Uber), Alipay, and WeChat Pay for convenient payments.
- Learn some basic Chinese phrases. Even if your program is in English, knowing some Chinese will make daily life much easier and more enjoyable.
FAQ
Q: Is Beijing safe for international students?
Beijing is one of the safest major cities in the world. PKU has 24-hour campus security with guards at all entrances. The surrounding area is well-policed. Most students feel comfortable walking around at any time of day or night. Petty theft can happen in crowded areas, but violent crime is extremely rare.
Q: Can I live off campus?
Yes, but most international students choose to live on campus, especially in their first year. Off-campus apartments in Haidian district cost 4,000-7,000 CNY per month. Living off campus gives you more space and independence but requires dealing with landlords, utility bills, and a longer commute.
Q: Is the air quality in Beijing a concern?
Air quality in Beijing has improved significantly in recent years. On most days, the air is clean. On days when pollution levels are high, wearing a mask is recommended. Many buildings have air purifiers. Most students adjust quickly and do not find it to be a major issue.
Healthcare on Campus
PKU has its own hospital on campus that provides basic medical services to students. The PKU Hospital (also called the Health Science Center clinic) can treat common illnesses, provide vaccinations, and handle minor injuries. For more serious medical issues, students are referred to the PKU Third Hospital or other major hospitals in Beijing. The quality of healthcare in Beijing is excellent, with many hospitals having international departments with English-speaking doctors. International health insurance is required for all students. The university offers a basic insurance plan at 800 CNY per year. Many students also purchase additional international health insurance for extra coverage, especially for evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Weather and Climate in Beijing
Beijing has four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) is mild and pleasant but can be dusty. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C. This is also the rainy season. Autumn (September to November) is the best season, with clear skies, cool temperatures, and beautiful fall foliage. Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, with temperatures dropping to -10°C. Snowfall is light but occasional. Indoor heating is excellent, so you will be comfortable indoors throughout the winter. Most students find the climate manageable with appropriate clothing. A good winter coat is essential. Summers are hot enough that you will want air conditioning, which all dorms and campus buildings have.