Expenses and Budgeting
Living in China can be very cheap. For example, subway rides cost about 30 cents, a 15 minute taxi ride downtown is less than five dollars, a hot meal from the cafeteria is about 50 cents to one dollar per plate, and food from one of the many restaurants right outside of campus can be three to four dollars. Ultimately, however, your spending habits will dictate how much money you will need. Going to western restaurants, taking taxis everywhere, traveling, and going out everynight will significantly affect how much you spend. Be smart about your budget.On-campus Housing
ChinaVoice students who choose to live on campus will be housed at the University of International Business and Economics. You will have the option of living in dorm rooms at the International Student Center (Building 6) with another ChinaVoice student or a Chinese roommate. For an additional fee, you may also choose to live in an apartment-style dorm room in Building 5, however, will not be able to choose to live with a Chinese roommate. Located in the International Student Center are a small café and convenience store, an internet café, laundry room, and kitchens on each floor. ChinaVoice students also have free access to: a private DVD lounge with television, DVD player and couches, two wireless study lounges, and a gym. These are all located in Building 6.
Transportation + Meals
Bicycles are the best way to travel short distances in Beijing. Bicycles can be bought for around $20.00 USD. Taxis are affordable and there are thousands in Beijing. Beijing has a modern public transportation system. Local busses are cheap and frequent, and riding the subway is clean, quick, and easy to navigate.
Food in Beijing is plentiful and delicious. Beijing is famed for having 100,000 restaurants and you will find food from all over the world. Located on campus at the University of International Business and Economics are two student cafeterias and a coffee shop. Here, you can get a hot meal for less than one US dollar. You can also eat at one of the nearly 60 restaurants within walking distance of campus. A dish typically costs about two or three US dollars, at most of these restaurants.