Best districts near Fudan, Tongji, and SISI
Moving to Shanghai to study at Fudan, Tongji, or Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) is an exciting adventure, but choosing where to live can make or break your experience. Your neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, budget, and how easily you meet new friends. Here’s your complete guide to the top districts for students at these universities, including cost of living, distance from campus, and how far they are from Jing’an, the city’s international student hotspot.
Need expert guidance finding the perfect student accommodation? HERE Real Estate specializes in helping international students navigate Shanghai's complex housing market with transparency and local expertise.
Huangpu District
Best for: Students who want to live in Shanghai's most iconic district
What Living Here Feels Like
Huangpu puts you at the epicenter of Shanghai's history and commerce. Wake up to views of colonial architecture, grab coffee near The Bund, and study in libraries that overlook the Huangpu River. This district buzzes with energy 24/7 – from business districts during the day to vibrant nightlife after dark.
Student Demographics: Mix of international students and young professionals, with a strong business/finance crowd.
Cost Breakdown
Housing:
Studio apartment: 6,000-8,000 CNY/month
Shared apartment room: 4,500-6,000 CNY/month
Co-living spaces: 5,500-7,500 CNYB/month
Monthly Living Expenses:
Meals: 1,500-2,500 CNY (mix of local and international food)
Transportation: 200-300 CNY
Entertainment: 800-1,500 CNY
Total monthly budget: 8,000-12,500 CNY
Transportation & Connectivity
Commute Reality Check
To Fudan: 35-45 minutes via Line 10 → Line 3
To Tongji: 30-40 minutes via Line 10 → Line 4
To SISU: 25-35 minutes via Line 2 direct
Getting Around
To Jing'an: 15-25 minutes
To Airport: 45-60 minutes (Pudong), 40 minutes (Hongqiao)
Metro access: Excellent (Lines 1, 2, 8, 10)
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Incredible metro connectivity to anywhere in Shanghai
Walking distance to major tourist attractions and business districts
Excellent restaurants from budget to high-end
Strong international community
Easy access to banks, hospitals, and government services
Considerations
Tourist crowds, especially on weekends
Higher cost of living across the board
Can feel impersonal and business-focused
Limited green spaces for relaxation
Noise levels can be high, especially near main roads
Hongkou District
Best for: Budget-conscious students who prioritize proximity to campus
What Living Here Feels Like
Hongkou offers authentic Shanghai living without the tourist markup. You'll find yourself shopping at wet markets, discovering hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, and living alongside local families. The district has a growing student population, creating a nice balance between local culture and the international community.
Student Demographics: Heavily international students from Fudan, Tongji, and SISU, plus young Chinese professionals.
Cost Breakdown
Housing:
Studio apartment: 4,500-6,500 CNY/month
Shared apartment room: 3,000-4,500 CNY/month
Co-living spaces: 4,000-5,500 CNY/month
Monthly Living Expenses:
Meals: 1,000-1,800 CNY (lots of affordable local options)
Transportation: 150-250 CNY
Entertainment: 500-1,000 CNY
Total monthly budget: 6,000-9,500 CNY
Transportation & Connectivity
Commute Reality Check
To Fudan: 15-25 minutes via Line 3 or Line 8
To Tongji: 20-30 minutes via Line 4 or Line 8
To SISU: 10-20 minutes via Line 3 direct
Getting Around
To Jing'an: 25-35 minutes
To Airport: 50-70 minutes (Pudong), 45-55 minutes (Hongqiao)
Metro access: Good (Lines 3, 4, 8, 12)
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
Most affordable living costs for decent quality
Shortest commute to all three universities
An authentic local food scene with incredibly cheap options
Growing international student community
Less touristy, more residential feel
Good access to Lujiazui (financial district) for internships
Considerations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options
Fewer Western amenities and international restaurants
Some areas can feel quite local (language barrier)
Less convenient for weekend trips and socializing
Architecture is more utilitarian, less Instagram-worthy
Jing'an District
Best for: Students who prioritize social life and the international community
What Living Here Feels Like
Jing'an is Shanghai's answer to Manhattan's Upper West Side, trendy, international, and always buzzing with activity. Your neighbors will be expats, international students, and young Chinese professionals. The district perfectly balances modern convenience with traditional Shanghai charm.
Student Demographics: Heavily international, with students from top universities across Shanghai, plus young professionals in tech, finance, and consulting.
Cost Breakdown
Housing:
Studio apartment: 7,500-11,000 CNY/month
Shared apartment room: 5,000-7,500 CNY/month
Co-living spaces: 6,500-9,000 CNY/month
Monthly Living Expenses:
Meals: 1,800-3,000 CNY (mix of trendy cafés and local options)
Transportation: 200-350 CNY
Entertainment: 1,200-2,500 CNY (lots of tempting options!)
Total monthly budget: 10,000-16,000 CNY
Transportation & Connectivity
Commute Reality Check
To Fudan: 40-50 minutes via Line 2 → Line 3
To Tongji: 35-45 minutes via Line 2 → Line 4
To SISU: 30-40 minutes via Line 2 direct
Getting Around
To anywhere in Shanghai: Excellent connectivity
To Airport: 45-55 minutes (Pudong), 30-40 minutes (Hongqiao)
Metro access: Excellent (Lines 2, 7, 12, 13)
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Best nightlife and social scene for international students
Excellent cafés, coworking spaces, and study spots
Strong networking opportunities
International dining scene
Easy weekend access to other parts of Shanghai
Great shopping and entertainment options
Well-maintained, safe neighborhoods
Considerations
Significantly higher living costs
Longer commute to campus (can be tiring daily)
It can feel like an expat bubble (less cultural immersion)
Competitive housing market
Temptation to overspend on lifestyle
Hidden Gems: Alternative Districts to Consider
Yangpu District (Near Fudan)
Pros: Walking distance to Fudan, very affordable, authentic student life
Cons: Limited international amenities, less convenient for other universities
Best for: Fudan students who want maximum campus integration
Putuo District (Emerging Student Area)
Pros: Good value for money, improving rapidly, decent metro access
Cons: Still developing, fewer entertainment options
Best for: Budget-conscious students who don't mind being pioneers
Making Your Decision
Choose Hongkou if:
Budget is your top priority (under 9,500 CNY/month total)
You want the shortest possible commute
You're interested in authentic local culture
You prefer a quieter, more residential environment
Choose Huangpu if:
You want to live in Shanghai's most iconic district
You value excellent metro connectivity
You're doing internships in the business district
You don't mind paying a premium for location
Choose Jing'an if:
Social life and networking are priorities
You have a higher budget (10,000+ CNY/month)
You want maximum international amenities
You're okay with longer daily commutes for lifestyle benefits
Housing Types Explained
Studio Apartments: Complete independence, higher cost, perfect for focused study
Shared Apartments: Most popular choice, balance of privacy and affordability, great for making friends
Co-living Spaces: Modern amenities, built-in community, all-inclusive pricing, growing trend in Shanghai
University Dorms: Cheapest option, maximum campus integration, limited availability for international students
Ready to find your ideal student accommodation in Shanghai? Contact HERE Real Estate for expert guidance that makes your housing search simple and stress-free.
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Pour les étudiants à Fudan, Tongji et SISU :
Hongkou offre le meilleur rapport qualité-prix et proximité (6,000-9,500 CNY/mois).
Huangpu permet de vivre au cœur historique de Shanghai mais coûte plus cher (8,000-12,500 CNY/mois).
Jing'an reste le quartier préféré des étudiants internationaux pour sa vie sociale dynamique, malgré un budget plus élevé (10,000-16,000 CNY/mois) et des trajets plus longs.
HERE Real Estate vous accompagne pour trouver le logement étudiant parfait à Shanghai, avec un service personnalisé et transparent.