Overview of SJTU Student Life
Shanghai Jiao Tong University offers one of the most comprehensive student life experiences of any university in China. With two distinct campuses and a location in Shanghai, China most dynamic city, students gain access to world-class facilities, an active international community, and career opportunities that few other universities can match. This guide covers everything you need to know about living and studying at SJTU as an international student.
The Minhang Campus
The Minhang Campus is SJTU main campus and one of the largest university campuses in China. Covering 300 hectares in southwest Shanghai, this campus is essentially a self-contained city. It has seven dining halls, each specializing in different regional Chinese cuisines as well as Western and Muslim food options. Meals cost between 10 and 25 RMB, making it very affordable to eat on campus. The campus features two large libraries, the main library with over three million volumes and the Packard Library with extensive digital resources and 24-hour study spaces. Sports facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a sports center with basketball courts, badminton courts, table tennis rooms, a fitness center, outdoor football fields, running tracks, tennis courts, and dedicated spaces for martial arts, yoga, and dance. The campus also has its own hospital, post office, bank branches, convenience stores, and a shopping area. Free shuttle buses connect different parts of the campus, and Line 15 of the Shanghai metro has a station right at the campus entrance, providing direct access to downtown Shanghai in about 40 minutes.
The Xuhui Campus
The Xuhui Campus is the historic campus located in downtown Shanghai. This campus features century-old buildings with traditional Chinese architectural styles, tree-lined pathways, and a more intimate atmosphere. It is home to the Antai College of Economics and Management and several graduate programs. Students at Xuhui enjoy being within walking distance of Shanghai shopping, dining, and entertainment districts. The campus is smaller and more compact than Minhang, creating a close-knit community feel. Both campuses provide comfortable on-campus dormitories for international students.
On-Campus Housing Options
SJTU provides several on-campus dormitory options for international students. The International Student Dormitory offers affordable four-bed rooms at 700 RMB per year. The No.9 Apartment Building and Taoli Yuan offer popular double room options at about 6,600 RMB per year. Nanyang Bei Yuan and Fanyu Building offer single rooms with private bathrooms ranging from 10,080 to 14,900 RMB per year. All dormitories include air conditioning, internet access, basic furniture such as a bed, desk, and wardrobe, and shared kitchen and laundry facilities. On-campus housing is recommended for first-year international students as it makes it easier to make friends, access university services, and adjust to life in China.
Living in Shanghai
Shanghai is China most international city with a population of over 24 million people. It is a global financial center, a major transportation hub, and a cultural melting pot. The city offers an unrivaled quality of life for international students. The Shanghai metro system has 18 lines covering every corner of the city and is one of the best public transit systems in the world. A monthly transportation pass costs approximately 200 to 400 RMB. Monthly living expenses in Shanghai are higher than in other Chinese cities but still reasonable by global standards. On-campus housing costs between 60 and 1,250 RMB per month depending on room type. Food at campus canteens costs 800 to 1,500 RMB per month. Entertainment, shopping, and personal expenses range from 500 to 1,500 RMB per month. Health insurance costs 800 RMB per year. First-year students should also budget about 2,000 to 3,000 RMB for initial setup costs including bedding, kitchen supplies, and household items.
Things to Do in Shanghai
Shanghai offers endless activities for international students. Must-visit attractions include the Bund, the iconic waterfront promenade with colonial-era buildings and a stunning skyline view across the Huangpu River. The Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower offer observation decks with panoramic city views. Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden in the old city area. The French Concession features tree-lined streets with cafes, boutiques, and historic architecture. Nanjing Road is one of the world busiest shopping streets. Disneyland Shanghai is a popular weekend destination. The city also has world-class museums such as the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum, art galleries, concert halls, and theaters. During semester breaks, students can easily travel to other Chinese cities. Beijing is 4.5 hours away by high-speed rail, Hangzhou is 45 minutes, Suzhou is 30 minutes, and Nanjing is just over an hour. This makes weekend trips to other parts of China easy and affordable.
International Student Community
SJTU has a vibrant international student community with approximately 3,000 students from over 100 countries. The International Student Union organizes orientation programs at the beginning of each semester, helping new students navigate registration, banking, phone plans, and cultural adjustment. Regular events include the International Cultural Festival where students showcase their home countries food, music, and traditions, sports tournaments, city tours, and Chinese cultural workshops such as calligraphy, tai chi, and cooking classes. The university also offers a Conversation Partner program pairing international students with Chinese students for language exchange. There are over 200 student clubs covering sports, arts, culture, academics, and volunteer service. Popular clubs include the International Dance Club, the Photography Society, the Debate Team, and various sports clubs.
Sports and Recreation
SJTU has excellent sports facilities that are free for enrolled students. The main sports center at Minhang Campus includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, indoor basketball courts, badminton courts, table tennis rooms, a fitness center, and outdoor football fields and running tracks. The annual SJTU Sports Day is a major event where international and Chinese students compete in various sports. Many students also explore the riverside walking paths near the Minhang Campus. Yoga and tai chi classes are offered regularly and are popular among international students.
Libraries and Study Spaces
SJTU has two main campus libraries that provide extensive resources for students. The main library on Minhang Campus has over three million volumes, thousands of electronic journals, and quiet study areas. The Packard Library offers 24-hour study spaces, group study rooms, and a coffee shop. Both libraries have high-speed Wi-Fi, computer labs, and printing services. During exam periods, the libraries stay open longer to accommodate student needs. Study rooms can be reserved online through the library system.
Health and Wellness
The university health center on Minhang Campus provides basic medical services for students including consultations, prescriptions, and emergency first aid. For more serious medical needs, Shanghai has several international hospitals with English-speaking doctors such as Parkway Health and WorldPath Clinic International. All international students are required to have health insurance, which costs 800 RMB per year and covers most medical expenses including outpatient visits, hospitalization, and emergency care. The campus also has a psychological counseling center that offers free and confidential counseling services for students.
Getting Around
The campus shuttle bus connects different parts of the large Minhang Campus. The metro provides access to all parts of Shanghai. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are affordable, with a typical trip across the city costing 50 to 100 RMB. Many students also use shared bicycles such as Mobike and HelloBike for short trips around campus and the surrounding area. Having a bicycle is highly recommended for getting around the large Minhang Campus quickly.