When I arrived in China in late 2022 to start my PhD at Peking University, my first challenge wasn’t research—it was finding a place to live in Beijing.
My first home was in Chaoyang district. I paid around 3,500 yuan ($489). It felt like a good starting point—vibrant and full of life.
A quest for savings led me to Fengtai for 2,900 yuan. The price was right, but the commute was a journey, and people in the neighborhood were curious about me as a foreigner.
My current spot is in Xicheng for 3,800 yuan. I finally prioritized my time over a few hundred yuan. The convenience is worth every penny.
The platforms and the paperwork
I used Ziroom for house renting, as it provides convenient services, from taking me to visit the houses to offering electronic contracts. Moreover, it also provides language services for English-speaking international students. Other platforms such as 5i5j and 58.com are also good choices.
I found the photos of houses on the Ziroom platform quite authentic, yet they may look better than the reality, so it’s important to check the houses on spot. If you cannot check in person, you may ask your friends in China to do it for you.
The platform provides you with electronic contract and it’s quite convenient for both you and the house-owner. After moving in, remember to register at the local police station within 24 hours. Passport and contract in hand.
When you decide to move out, you can apply through the app at least one week in advance.
What to do when checking the house
When checking the house, you shall pay attention to the environment and infrastructure of the neighborhood, as old neighborhood may not have advanced facilities.
It’s also important to pay attention to the sanity of the house as it’s related to your personal health.
Safety is also an important consideration. If you find safety hazard in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call 110, work with the police and the rental platform, and don’t forget to ask local friends to help.
On sharing a space
I have lived with Chinese roommates in my three apartments, and I found that being friendly with roommates but not best friends created a healthy distance that made sharing space much easier.
If possible, rent an apartment with a self contained bathroom, so that you can clean it according to your own standard and avoid negotiating with a roommate about bathroom cleanliness.
My advice to other international students on house renting
Be Proactive with Housing: Confirm your on-campus dorm status well ahead of time.
Start Early, Avoid the Rush: Give yourself a 2 to 4-weeks head start to find a place you truly like.
Compare, Compare, Compare: Never settle for the first option you see. Judge each place by its price, location, and overall condition. Be cautious of low price houses, as it may indicate small space or low-quality facilities.
Your Chinese Friends are a Resource: Don't be shy to ask for their guidance or help—it can make all the difference.
Choose a Platform with Support: Opt for services known for good after-sales support; it makes solving issues much smoother.
Other tips: For my PKU fellow students, I strongly recommend houses along the Line 4 subway. You will find it convenient as it’s a direct subway ride from your home to school.
Looking back, renting in Beijing is a journey. It has its frustrations, but it also teaches you life hacks for your future and helps you to adapt to Chinese culture.
This article is compiled based on an interview with a Colombian PhD student at Peking University.
