Mental Preparations
First, it is necessary to dispel the unfavorable influence caused by the cultural shocks. Upon stepping your foot onto Chinese territory, you may find everything fresh and interesting. Some time later, you will feel the agony brought by the cultural differences, such as difficulties in communication, and differences in values and psychology. However, as your understanding of the surrounding environment deepens, you will become adapted to it and your feeling of loneliness will gradually disappear. So, just cherish the fun of living in China and the profound Chinese culture.
Secondly, one has to dispel the perplexities and inconvenience caused by a different lifestyle and living habits. It is natural to drop your accustomed lifestyle and living habits when coming to a completely different place like China. Only through furthering your understanding of Chinese culture and constantly adapting yourself to the living habits can you get rid of such perplexities and inconvenience.
Clothing Preparations
Located in the east of the Asian continent, on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, China features a marked continental monsoon climate characterized by great variety. Most parts of China are in the northern temperate zone while parts of the southern area are in the tropical or subtropical zone and parts of the northern area in the Frigid Zone.
In winter, there is a huge difference in temperature between North and South China, with a discrepancy of 35℃ in the average temperature of Guangzhou (South China's Guangdong Province) and Harbin (Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province) in January. The winter is usually cold, especially in the north along the Qinling Mountain - Huaihe River line. Though, heating is available in dorm and classrooms, thick and warm clothes are still indispensable.
Temperature difference is slight in summer, with a discrepancy of 5℃ in the average temperature of Guangzhou and Harbin. South China is hot and humid, while in North China, it is usually sweltering.
Most parts of China have a mild and warm climate in spring and autumn, with bright beautiful sunshine and charming scenery; therefore light casual clothes will do.
Other Preparations
1. Buy medical insurance and personal security insurance before coming to China.
2. If you would like your family members to accompany you in China, you have to get the approval of the university in advance, as accommodation for family members is not available, according to the usual practice in university management.
3. According to Chinese laws, foreign students cannot be employed in China while attending school in China. So self-supporting students must be well prepared financially.