Hi everyone,

I am going to be in Shanghai this Fall for doing a study abroad. We are actually 4-5 people coming together from the same school in U.S. to one school in Shanghai. The school offers dorms, but we've been also thinking of possibly renting a house (perhaps somewhere closer to downtown?). I have briefly checked some prices on Craigslist and some other places (quick Google search), and it looks like housing in Shanghai isn't cheap , but the range is pretty wide.

The school dorms are about $250 per person per month (far from downtown). If we were to get a house closer to downtown... what should we expect to pay? Would it be much more expensive than $250x4? Does this sound like a good idea at all, or should we just opt for the dorms? Or look for a house in Pudong? If we live away from downtown, would we be missing out (obviously, we want to make the best of this experience)?

Any ideas would be welcome... Thanks! ^

Even in the absence of your disclosure of the school's location, I'm 99% in favor of the apartment idea (I'm holding back the 1% as a hedge against any of your parents putting me on the hot seat).

When I studied abroad in China (a LONG time ago), the classes were useless . On the other hand, the markets and BARs served as dynamic classrooms; without them, my Chinese might still be locked at the level I achieved during high school.

On the other hand, I understand that the teaching situation is better now.... so you probably don't want to be too far from your school.

But, to the dorms is my honest opinion.

Lol. The school is located in Pudong. It's widely considered the #1 business school in China, so I have little reason to doubt the quality of classes these days... I'm actually hoping to learn something there!

PS None of our parents are involved - it's a grad program, we're all past those days...

I am guessing that you are talking about CEIBS, which is kind of far away from the action, but not impossible to get to. The good news is that the Nanpu Bridge provides much better access to Puxi than the Yan'an Tunnel and the school is reasonably close to it. So, you could try to find a place near the school (not very expensive) or along Longyang/Longdong Rd, or on the Puxi side reasonably close to the road that approaches the bridge (I forget its name and the map doesn't show it). Taxis from the school's area into town cost y60-80 IIRC (~y25 to the subway).

I met the American guy years ago who has/had something to do with this
company: www.space.sh.cn

not cheap

Has some nice places in shanghai.

Try about 7000+USD per month for a decent "house" in Puxi!

It's still possible to do ok for under $1000. We still pay a mere y3500 for 120 sqm. in Jing'an. Granted the building features some of the shoddiest construction imaginable, but the location is pretty darn good.

OP said "Or look for a house in Pudong?".

Only "houses" by US definition in Shanghai are either ...Villas or "Old Houses
Pre 1949". I looked at a lot of those "houses" and they make Southern California look like a bargain.

y3500 should be for about 60sqm..I think you scored.

Thanks for your answers and for the link. Moondog - you're right about the school.

I'll keep looking but it seems that dorms may be the way to go...

I would just find someplace near the school or at least on the Pudong side. Have been there to negotiate some co-operation possibilities and would not want to do the treck from Puxi every morning.

You also get the chance to hone your negotiation skills with the notorious taxi drivers at Longyang Rd.Station.

Was in CEIBS just last week checking emails

Remember, Puxi is way more crowded than Pudong, so if you want less crowds, Pudong is the way to go. Also, I noticed plenty of cabs outside the school at like 11am...

But if you want to venture out at night, like say..clubs, KTV etc..definitely Puxi has more choices. Babyface was packed on a Tuesday night

Resurrecting this thread to ask another question about CEIBS -- I'm aware there is a Ramada near the school, but what other hotels are within

a) walking distance
b) public transit distance (for a non-Chinese-speaking foreigner)
c) taxi distance (say, 15-20 minute trip max)

I tried Google maps but the results aren't in English so I'm lost.

thanks!
twj

thumb plaza area (radisson hotel, crowne plaza, renaissance, ibis hotel) is within 10 minute cab ride. ramada is definitely closest though. then of course there are a bunch of local hotels nearby CEIBS as well. nearest subway to CEIBS is science and tech museum which is line 2.

Before you told us about the location of the school, I would say yo giv the dorm a miss, as of the three and a half famous universities in Shanghai, none of them have a decent dorm, even after the recent renovations. CEIBS should have newer accommodation. From my personal experience, to live on campus to be with your contemporaries does offer a valuable experience. As an alternative, there are a few service apartments near by may worth investigation.

To live in Pudong is no problems at all, as the transportation system in Shanghai is good, and for those late nights in town, taxi is not expensive by our standards. On the other hand, if you decide to live in the city (Shanghai proper - I HATE the term PUXI!) you may encounter the Shanghai rush hour while you try to get to your class on time, that is to be avoided at all costs.

Enjoy your time in Shanghai, I am sure you will.

Going to a business school in China! How time have changed!

Thanks for the answer -- do you have any sense of how far/long the trip is to the Hilton? By taxi/subway/?

Cheers,
twj

The Hilton is at the other side of the city, in the west. But it does not take that long by subway, I think about half hour on a good day.