Erasmus Experience in Nanjing Jiangsu, China by Ana

Why did you choose to go to Nanjing Jiangsu, China?

I chose Nanjing because it has one of the best universities in China. Moreover, Nanjing University has a MBA programme thought in English, in which I'm enrolled. The MBA classes are during the weekends, leaving you all week to do whatever you want to do. However, I would suggest that you also enroll in Chinese Language classes (4 hours a day, 5 days a week).

What is the student lifestyle like in Nanjing Jiangsu?

The student lifestyle in Nanjing is whatever you want it to be. It can be amazing if you go out to meet new people, or less interesting if you never leave campus. I personally invite you to leave the Uni Campus. Anywhere you go you will be well received. Since we are foreigners, we can identify each other easily and because of that everyone will talk to you and invite you to join them. Do it!

A lot of places in Nanjing offer you free drinks because you're foreigner, which is very interesting. One of this bars is Ellen's n.º 3.

If you want to go out and dance just go to the 1912 NightLife District.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Nanjing Jiangsu to other students?

I love this City so far, so... yes!

What is the food like?

Try everything! Personally, I find the street food much better than the restaurants. Even though some places look disgusting for European/American standards, they are usually awesome. I've been here for a while, I never meet anyone yet that had food poisoning.

You should try to learn some basic chinese characters for food, since most of the places don't translate their menus.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Nanjing Jiangsu?

It can be a painful process... you can try to find one on your own if you already speak chinese, but usually you just hire a real state agente.

To rent na apartment in Nanjing you have to pay a deposit, and 3 to 6 months rent up front in cash! It is not as cheap as you would think it is. The prices for a bedroom/month are around 190/200 euros/month.

A lot of Nanjing University students have schollarships and their accommodation is already included. Those students will stay at the Nanjing University Hotel (2 person/bedroom). The conditions are not the best (dirty bedrooms, etc), but most students don't complain, since it's free.

Another solution is to rent a bedroom in Nanjing University Dorm for non-schollarship students. I find this solution convenient, but expensive. If I'm not mistaken, you will have to pay around 300 euros/month. The rooms are nice and clean.

How much does it cost to live in Nanjing Jiangsu?

The food is incredibly cheap and the public transports too.

Do not buy cosmetic or electronics here, usually it's the same price ou higher than in Europe/America.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

It is very easy to enroll in chinese language courses, even if you're not here for that purpose. In my case, I'm a MBA student in Nanjing University.

You can take a test to evaluate your chinese level and than you can chose which level you want to enroll.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Nanjing Jiangsu from your city?

- Subway: 2 yuan
- Taxi: (average) 11 yuan - if it is a lot more than this, be careful. You're probably being ripped off.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Nanjing Jiangsu?

NightLife District 1912.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Nanjing Jiangsu?

Everywhere! Try everything! Chinese food is awesome!