Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( www.thebeijinger.com ) , have dedicated listings for homestays, and universities and private
language schools will often provide services to set you up with a family. Many Chinese
families want to rent a room out to a foreigner in exchange for the foreigner speaking to
their child in English. Don't expect that the rent is going to be cheaper, though. It's still
business.
UNIVERSITY DORMS
Dormitories vary widely from university to university in both price and quality. There are
more local-style dormitories and then there are international ones. While many students
prefer the immersion and convenience of campus life, many opt for off-campus lifestyles,
believing that prices can work out to be roughly the same. If you're unsure, it might be
worth trying a semester in a dorm. It's much easier to change your dorm situation than move
from an apartment that has your name on a lease, and it's a good way to get to know your
classmates.
Renting a Home
If you're coming over with the help of your company, chances are everything will be pack-
aged nicely and you'll be guided to a home of your choice with relative ease and transpar-
ency. In this case you'll probably be handled by a reputable agent who understands your
needs and deals with your transition in an international manner. If you're doing it on your
own, however, and dealing with Beijing's local real estate agents, beware. The waters are
muddy and filled with sharks that have a taste for ignorant expats. While it's certainly not
difficult to locate a home by yourself, it's worth clueing yourself up first. It's also probably
not the best time for you to flex your Mandarin muscles, even if you feel relatively fluent.
Get a local friend, classmate, or colleague if you can, and take him or her out for dinner in
exchange for chaperoning you through the rental process.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CONTACT AN AGENT
Where Do I Want to Live?
First up, decide which part of the city you want to live in. To do this, put commute time at
the top of the list of factors to consider. Beijing might look well covered by public transport
and roads, but traffic is constantly heavy and the distances are vast.
 
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