East China Normal University

Chinese city life is very centralized so if the campus is located within the city or closer to the main sections of the city, the easier it is for transportation. Shanghai has everything anyone can ask for. Shopping streets, sightseeing, museums, and shows. Nightlife tends to end around 3 or 4 in the morning, but there are many pockets of bars/clubs around the city. You just have to pick your destination. Because the city is changing so fast, bars and clubs (as with shops and restaurants too) sometimes apprears and disappears without notice. But the ones that are quite big is most likely going to stay in one place.

Host university separates the international students from the local students. International dorm quality is much better than for the local students.

Be prepared for A LOT of people (and bikes), they are everywhere. (nearly) Everyone wants to go to Shanghai or anyother large cities. Country is changing fast and you can see it everywhere. Treat everything as an experience and you will not be disapointed.

For me, chinese was not a problem since I grew up with it as my second language. Although I wasn't too focused on my studies, my language abilities did significantly improve towards the end of my duration, mainly from the constant usage.

Taxis are very convient and easy, but the expenses adds up very quickly. Department store prices are set to almost match the prices at home. Alcohol prices are very high as well.