Top tips and recommendations
Since being in China we have accumulated a host of different tips and tricks that have helped us make the most of our time here. Through trial and some error we have learned to navigate Tianjin like a true local and we have compiled a list of all the most useful information that will hopefully help you, should you wish to visit China.
Navigation
- A maps is an app that is used almost like a guide to tell you exactly how you can get to your destination, whether you are opting to use public transport or travel via car, it calculates the quickest route and includes wait times in its estimate. It’s especially useful in China as Google maps is temperamental even if your VPN is strong.
- DiDi is very reliable, we use this most days because when split between multiple people it’s almost as cheap as riding the subway and sometimes more convenient. However, you should always make sure to double check that your destination matches with the drivers phone, and it is actually where you intend on going. The DiDi app functions similarly to Uber and so it’s straightforward to find your driver, and there is even an inbuilt translator that you can use to let your driver know you don’t speak Chinese.
- Never get into a metered taxi, they are usually green and yellow in colour and they park on the side of the road waiting to hail a ride. Many Chinese people use these taxis, however we would not recommend getting in as a foreigner, especially if you are not confident in your Mandarin skills. It’s easier to be scammed by these taxis as there is no predetermined cost to your journey and often the drivers are opportunistic when they see a foreign face, especially when travelling to and from travel hubs such as train stations and airports.
Class
- Absences are treated seriously by the university, however it comes out of a place of concern for you and your wellbeing. No one is trying to catch you out if you are unwell and should you need the time off don’t be afraid to contact your teachers and let them know you need time off to rest. However there is a rule in place that if you miss over 30% of a class over the term you will not be allowed to sit the final exam, so make sure your absences are taken in regulation when you really need them and not just because you’ve stayed up too late the night before.
- Make an effort to talk to everyone in your class, it is a perfect place to experience so many different cultures and make lifelong friends. Try to branch out from only speaking to your Scottish peers as it’s really easy to make friends when you are all learning at the same pace and can relate to each other through learning! It’s also a great opportunity to practice your Chinese in a less pressured environment.
- It’s easy to move class if you find that you are working at the wrong level. Whether it is too easy or too difficult, the teachers understand that you will get the most out of the experience if you feel comfortable in the work that you are doing, however don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and work towards an ambitious goal. You will find that your Mandarin level will improve quickly the longer you live and experience China as a local.
Packing/travel
- When coming to China don’t bring as many clothes as you think you will need. When you arrive it will be warm however Tianjin lacks an autumn season, so the temperature quickly drops. You don’t need to bring a jacket with you, there are plenty of good quality stores you can visit if you prefer to try clothes on, or there are perfectly good options on ‘Taobao’ that you will quickly figure out how to use. Make sure to bring good quality underwear and more socks than you think, the washing machines have definitely eaten a few of my socks!
- Bring lots of tampons if you prefer those to pads as they are not widely accessible. It’s helpful to bring small travel toiletries to set you up for the first couple of weeks, but everything you need you will find is so easy to get, even spray on decoder and Haribos can be found in Mineso and KKV.
- If you are lucky enough to have your parents want to come and visit you, we strongly advise against them coming close to and during the Chinese New Year holiday. It becomes increasingly hard to book holidays and you might not be able to visit everywhere on your travel list, especially because you will want to travel with friends. Also there will most likely be limited access to popular places as it all begins to close the closer Chinese New Year gets.
- Do not stay in the country for Chinese New Year.
Recommendations
- Karaoke is a must visit, we recommend you go to a few as some have different song options and it’s a very cheap and fun way to spend an evening.
- China is not very walkable. If something is over a 20 minute walk (off campus) just get a DiDi. It may sound lazy to us Scots who walk everywhere, however you will quickly realise China is very un-walkable and the streets can be busy.
- When you wish to explore a little, it’s a great idea to get on the subway and get off at a random stop to see where you are, we have stumbled across many unique parks and cafes with this method and it’s a fun way to see more of the city than you usually would.
- The cinema is great, they have lots of the new english movies in english with chinese subtitles. It’s a great way to practice your Chinese as you can follow along with the movie whilst comparing the subtitles to the English. It’s easy to book tickets and the workers are very helpful. They don’t mind you bringing outside food into the cinema, even a subway isn’t off limits, we highly recommend.
We hope these tips and recommendations were useful to you, and that you enjoy your time in China!