FAQ
Should I bring a laptop?
About more than half of our group brought a laptop. It provides
convenience and you can easily stay connected to friends and family.
However, there are two internet cafes right outside of campus which
provide inexpensive internet access. There is internet access in the
Tsinghua international student dorms and in the building where we had
class. The connection is 100 Megabits per second.
What should I pack?
You should pack light. Depending on your agenda and what you plan to
bring back, you should bring one or two suitcases. If you find that you
need an extra luggage, you can always buy one in China. As with what to
pack, you can go here.
What about safety?
A lot of the outside stands sell cooked food, but it wasn't advised
to eat them. However, a lot of us have tried them though some of us have
a weak stomach. As with biking and crossing streets, cars have the right
of way. You have to be double careful and look both ways again and again
when crossing streets.
What about transportation?
We all bought bikes when we got to Tsinghua. You will definitely
need a bike. You use it constantly and it saves a lot of time. Taxi's
usually cost around 20 to 30 yuan depending on how far you go. It is
beneficial if you take the taxi in a group so everybody pays less.
Subways cost 5 yuan which isn't that bad. The subway station may be
confusing at first, but you will get used to it as you will be using it
more than once. Buses are the most common form of transportation. They
cost from 1 to 4 yuan, depending on distance and air conditioning. Buses
are usually packed and really, really hot. Bikes are the cheapest form
of transportation. However, they do break down a lot, especially the
chains. You can definitely become a bike expert by the end of the trip.
Bikes can usually be fixed for free at bike shops on campus. Make sure
you have a good lock too. Bikes get stolen a lot.
What about laundry?
You can purchase a little keychain device that you can swipe on the
washers or dryers. Each of these little devices cost 40 yuan and has 10
uses. The dryers didn't dry as well even on highest setting so a lot of
us ended up dry hanging our clothes.
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