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Guidebook Final.Pdf Hey guys! This booklet has been produced by undergraduates in the year above to tell you about what will happen when you go to Beijing to study. This period is, for most people, their only opportunity (during the degree) to spend a long time in China and to gain some fluency in Chinese. From third year onwards, the Oxford course places more focus on history and Classical Chinese, so take advantage of the opportunity to get your modern Chinese up to scratch and gain a decent speaking ability in Chinese to take away with you. But don’t forget to make the most of the experience and have fun! This booklet should tell you most of what you need to know before you leave and what do to when you arrive, and it will hopefully help you make the most of living in Beijing. You’ll find the “Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Life” section has particularly useful information before you go and when you first arrive. Some things can’t be covered by the booklet, so if you find yourself in a really bizarre situation in China, or have any other kind of question, feel free to contact any of us: Alex Kimmons, Hertford: [email protected] Michelle Liu, St Anne’s: [email protected] Vicky Mayne, St Anne’s: [email protected] Aline Laheye, Pembroke: [email protected] Sam Savory, Pembroke: [email protected] Billy Beswick, St Hilda’s: [email protected] Flossie Taylor, St Hilda’s: [email protected] Julian Gray, Univ: [email protected] Molly Delaney, Univ: [email protected] Serena Chang, Queen’s: [email protected] Alex Morgan, Queen’s: [email protected] Maria Romanova, Queen’s: [email protected] Leo Munby, Wadham: [email protected] Nick Shek, Wadham: [email protected] Laura Mason, Wadham: [email protected] We each have our own areas of expertise: Leo is a culinary god and musical genius, Maria can point you towards the most hipster underground bars, Aline will tell you what it’s like to live with a Chinese family and survive, any potential class reps or keen runners should talk to Alex K, and if you just want a good dose of sarcasm and someone to tell you not to stress because everything will be fine, Billy’s your man. We each worked on different parts of the guide, but we’ve all had experience with everything you’ll be going through next year, and we’re all happy to help. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact any of us and we’ll pass your query on to someone more knowledgeable if necessary. But the most important thing to remember by far is just to have fun. Make the most of your year abroad and don’t be afraid to branch out. Put on a musical, get yourself on Chinese television, run a 10k on the Great Wall, or chill out and watch Netflix. Whatever you do, your year abroad will be unforgettable! The only thing left to say is: good luck and enjoy! 1 | P a g e Contents Before you go ........................................................................................................................... 5 Flights ................................................................................................................................... 6 Booking flights .................................................................................................................. 7 Airlines .............................................................................................................................. 8 Insurance .............................................................................................................................. 9 A Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Life .................................................................. 10 Initial visa ........................................................................................................................ 10 Arriving at Beida ............................................................................................................. 11 Getting a Mobile Phone ................................................................................................. 12 Residence Permits ......................................................................................................... 12 Accommodation ............................................................................................................. 12 Documentation ................................................................................................................... 13 Application form for Beida ............................................................................................. 13 Visa ................................................................................................................................. 13 Temporary Residence Permit (居留许可) ..................................................................... 14 Visa Extensions .................................................................................................................. 19 Visa Overstay .................................................................................................................. 20 Money ................................................................................................................................. 20 Packing ............................................................................................................................... 23 Hand Luggage ................................................................................................................ 23 Clothes ............................................................................................................................ 23 Household ...................................................................................................................... 24 Toiletries ......................................................................................................................... 24 Other ............................................................................................................................... 25 Health ..................................................................................................................................... 28 Vaccinations ....................................................................................................................... 28 Medicines ........................................................................................................................... 29 Mosquitoes ......................................................................................................................... 29 Sanitary Products ............................................................................................................... 30 Drinking water .................................................................................................................... 30 Sunburn and heat stroke................................................................................................... 30 Toilets ................................................................................................................................. 31 2 | P a g e Food hygiene ...................................................................................................................... 31 What to do if you are ill ...................................................................................................... 32 Pre-existing Conditions ...................................................................................................... 32 Medical Emergencies—急诊 (jí zhěn) ............................................................................... 33 Hospital Contact Details & Locations ........................................................................... 35 Student Finance Reimbursement ......................................................................................... 37 Arriving .................................................................................................................................... 39 Methods of transport ......................................................................................................... 39 Where to stay ..................................................................................................................... 40 Beida ............................................................................................................................... 40 Alternatives ..................................................................................................................... 41 The Beida Course ................................................................................................................... 42 Classes................................................................................................................................ 42 Holidays .............................................................................................................................. 45 International Language Competitions .............................................................................. 45 Class Representative（班长） ......................................................................................... 46 Extracurricular Activities ........................................................................................................ 48 Beida ..................................................................................................................................
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