The Beijing Center

the beijing center for chinese studies

WHAT TO PACK

Admitted Students Information

You have made one of the biggest decisions of your life! You are coming to China!

Here’s a list of recommendations of what to bring with you.

INTRODUCTION TO BEIJING CLIMATE

Beijing has four distinct seasons. Expect a short windy spring, long hot summer, cool pleasant autumn, and long chilly winter. The hottest month is July (86 °F-104 °F) and the coldest is January (average 32°F).

RECOMMENDED PACKING

  • Passport, insurance card, admission letter originals, copies and save a copy electronically
  • CREDIT CARD: All students attending The Beijing Center are required to bring a valid credit card. Having one may help in the event that a student is faced with an unexpected expense, such as medical care that must be paid for at the time service is rendered. It is important to check the expiration dates on debit and credit cards to make sure that they are valid for the full duration of the program. TBC also recommends that students call their financial institutions to let them know of their travel plans.
  • Debit Card: Debit cards are a convenient method for accessing your cash as ATMs are ubiquitous in Beijing and your card should work in most ATMs. An added bonus is that your family can easily add money to the account from home. When using your ATM card, you should be mindful of service fees that may incur. If you wish to use your ATM card in China, we recommend having a parent serve as a joint-holder on the account, inform your bank that you will be in China, and inquire about any international charges or agreements.
  • Money to exchange in the airport when you arrive or at a local bank in Beijing
  • $300 USD for Student Life Deposit (Alternatively, you can use RMB, and the amount is ¥2000, but you will receive your deposit back in the currency you give)
  • Medication: Vitamins, assorted stomach medicines, allergy medicines, prescriptions, cold & flu medicine, motion sickness medicine, anti-diarrheal medicine, pain relievers – enough to last you the entire semester
  • Basic first aid supplies/kit
  • Toiletries: razors, hand sanitizer (large for room, small for travel), deodorant (stick deodorant is hard to find and more expensive), tampons –all difficult to find, bring enough to last you the entire semester
  • A small towel will be provided. If you need a bath towel, pack one or get one upon arrival
  • Clothing: Dress is casual, but bring professional clothing (especially if you have an internship). Large and tall clothing and shoes sizes can be more challenging to find. Bring some warm thermal clothes rather than packing four jackets, thermals are easier to pack and lighter. Please seasonally prepare yourself based on the wether described above.
  • Electronics: Camera, memory card and charger, computer, USB drive, phone and charger, iPod/kindle/iPad, chargers and headphones
  • Eye glasses, contacts & solution, sunglasses (Can be easily replaced or purchased)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Gift for homestays, Chinese roommate, and tutor
  • Textbooks

EASY TO GET IN CHINA

  • Hats (winter or summer), gloves, scarves
  • Shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, face wash
  • Wash cloths/towels
  • Local cell phone
  • SIM card if you wish to use your smartphone in China
  • Sunglasses
  • Flashlight
  • Thermos/water bottle
  • Convertors
  • Slippers
  • Ethernet cord
  • Umbrellas
  • Surge protectors
  • School supplies (can be bought on campus)
  • ID photos
  • Backpack
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer, straightener, curling iron

DO NOT PACK

  • Bed sheets, pillow, comforter will be provided
  • Candles, incense, incense burners, and other lighted, flaming, or flammable liquids
  • Weapons – including firearms (including airsoft, BB, pellet, and paintball guns), fireworks, smoke bombs, explosives, ammunition, hunting knives, swords (including decorative or ceremonial), sabers, or anything that could be perceived or misrepresented as a weapon
  • Printed matter, films, photos, gramophone records, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and videotapes, compact discs (video & audio), storage media for computers and other articles which are detrimental to the political, economic, cultural and ethics of China
  • If you are planning to bring in large sums of cash please check U.S. and Chinese government webpages for regulations.

TIPS FROM PAST STUDENTS

  • Traveling is really easy, the planes and trains are great for traveling. Even if you don’t speak any Chinese you will be able to get by
  • Go on the many TBC small trips. They are usually paid for or very cheap. Sign up for all the ones you want to and go
  • Physical size of dollar bills in China are much larger than US bills, you may want to bring an old wallet and buy a new one here
  • Thermal underwear is very helpful for the Yunnan Excursion and winters in Beijing. Bring some warm thermal clothes rather than packing four jackets, thermals are easier to pack and lighter.
  • Clothing in large sizes is very hard to find. Shoes larger than women’s size 8 and men’s size 10 are almost impossible to find
  • Bring gifts for tutors, roommates and homestays are always a hit, the best gifts are small things like magnets, chocolates, mugs, etc. and ones that advertise your university or hometown
  • Pictures from home to show new friends, homestays and roommates