A frank and honest account of Shanghai by an English student at ECNU

Why did you choose to go to Shanghái, China?

Shanghai is very international, and as it was my first time in China I thought I would choose a slightly more westernised city.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I'm in Shanghai for 1 academic year, I'm getting student finance from the U. K. and also a bursary for my year abroad. If you think you will struggle financially you can just pick up a job. Trust me, getting work in Shanghai teaching English (or doing something more interesting) is as easy as getting ill from street food. You'll also be paid so much you might actually go home in the positive. (£20-£30 an hour is normal)

What is the student lifestyle like in Shanghái?

Amazing. So much fun and cheap, Westerners get into bars for free and sometimes get drinks free as well. Lots of things to do and places to shop, loads of old real Chinese stuff as well. It's very fun.

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

100% yes, but I would recommend not just spending your time with other people from your country as so many people do. I've noticed people who do this always come out saying it was good, but not great. As an English person I found that the best people to spend time with in Shanghai are Koreans and Japanese people. They are also there to learn Chinese and might not have amazing English (plus they are really kind/fun/welcoming) so you will be forced to use Chinese on a day to day basis.

What is the food like?

Food in Shanghai is amazing and terrible, its so cheap that when you do find a new dish you want to try and it's grim then you've only wasted £1. 50 so no biggy. When it's nice, well, you've hit the jackpot. I've discovered so many amazing dishes from all over China which are now a staple in my diet.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Shanghái?

I had mine arranged through the university so no.

How much does it cost to live in Shanghái?

My room next semester is a single room with ensuite, a fridge and a double bed. It's about £80 a week. You can go much cheaper if you share, which is what I did in first semester.

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

If you spend time with Chinese speakers, be that Koreans or Japanese people (or even better Chinese people) then it's very easy.

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

By plane, Virgin Airlines.

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

Ellens bar is a must, the clubs aren't great so just go find bars.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Shanghái?

I recommend going on Youtube and watching Foodrangers' shanghai adventure, it's what I did and it was great for giving you places to eat.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Tianzifang and Qibao are great fun. Shanghai is right next to other old and frankly more beautiful cities ie Suzhou. Get a train ticket, they're really cheap, and just go on a day trip you won't regret it.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Shanghái in the future?

Don't just spend time with other English speakers it's so cliche. You're in Asia so make the most of it. You will never have this much free time again. Buy a ticket to random SE Asian countries and make a long weekend holiday of it. I'm going to/been to Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Burma and all over China. Don't miss out because you will regret it when you have a 9-5 job and crippling student debt.

Another thing is, Chinese people outside the uni aren't actually very nice. Such a large generalisation you might be thinking, frankly I've had to put up with so much sh*t over the last year I can say what I want. Young people and people at the uni are by and large nice, welcoming and happy to help. Just about everyone else is not like that, don't expect help from anyone in the street, don't expect queues, don't expect manners or doors being held open, expect a lot of spitting, coughing, barging, pushing, strange looks, being ripped off, unfair prices, dishonest advice aimed at getting you to spend more, annoying sales people and horrific dental health.

Don't let it get to you and force you into a shell, if anything the whole experience will make you a stronger more able person. Despite those issues mentioned above, I have had an amazingly fun semester in Shanghai and look forward to another after the winter exams.

I hope this was of some help and if you disagree then please write to anyone but me.