Experience in Shanghai, China by Fredrik

What is it like to live in Shanghai? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Amazing city. Very easy for Western people to live, but everybody will face things that Chinese do that is different from Western style. And some of it will annoy you, for sure.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Shanghai?

I don't know. I worked there.

How much does it cost to live in Shanghai?

If you have 1000-1200 euro a month and the rent is between 600-800 euro, than you can consume much more than you could as a student in any European country.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Shanghai? Is there any advice you can give?

I don't think so, but I was provided accommodation. Search on expat sites.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You will find amazing food. One of our favourite Shanghainese restaurant for lunch provided us five dishes, water and tea for 100 RMB and it was enough to share for five people. There are so many good restaurants in Shanghai and I love dim sum very much.

What places would you recommend visiting in Shanghai?

Tianzifang and the street Yongkang Lu in French Concession.

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Is it good to eat out in Shanghai? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

If I have to recommend one restaurant with cheap prize and popular among expats, it will be the hidden Southern Barbarian, a Yunnan kitchen restaurant.

Is the nightlife good in Shanghai? Where is good to go?

No need to mention it. It's crazy and you find everything on expat sites. And there is very good beer in Shanghai. There is a micro brewery trend in Europe and its in Shanghai aswell. Good pubs with there own micro brewed ales. As good as in Europe. And Belgian beer is big in Shanghai.

What advice would you give future students heading to Shanghai?

Be positive. Stay strong. It's a challenge sometimes, but you will have the best memories of your life.