Top districts near Shanghai University and SUFE
Choosing where to live in Shanghai as an international student at Shanghai University or Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) is one of your most important decisions. Beyond just finding a roof over your head, your neighborhood will determine your daily routine, social connections, study environment, and overall Shanghai experience.
We analyze the top residential districts, providing detailed insights into lifestyle, costs, transportation, safety, and student communities to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your priorities and budget.
HERE Real Estate specializes in student housing solutions, offering everything from budget-friendly shared apartments to premium studios, plus essential services like lease assistance, move-in support, and ongoing tenant care throughout your studies.
Baoshan District
Baoshan District offers the authentic Shanghai experience away from tourist crowds. Home to both universities, this area features traditional wet markets, family-run restaurants, and residential compounds where you'll practice your Mandarin daily. The pace is slower and more study-focused, with fewer distractions but also fewer international amenities.
Student Community: Predominantly Chinese students, with some international students choosing proximity over convenience.
Cost Breakdown
Housing Costs:
Shared apartment room: 3,000-4,500 CNY/month
Private studio: 5,000-7,000 CNY/month
Utilities: 200-400 CNY/month (electricity, water, internet)
Deposit: Typically 2-3 months' rent
Daily Living:
Meals: 25-50 CNY/day (local restaurants), 80-120 CNY/day (delivery apps)
Transportation: 200-300 CNY/month (metro + occasional taxi)
Groceries: 800-1,200 CNY/month
Total Monthly Budget: 4,500-6,500 CNY
Transportation & Accessibility
To Universities:
Shanghai University: 5-15 minutes by bike/e-scooter, walking distance to some areas
SUFE Baoshan Campus: 10-20 minutes by metro (Line 7) or bike
To Key Areas:
Jing'an District: 35-45 minutes via Line 7 → Line 2
Lujiazui (Financial District): 50-60 minutes
Hongqiao Airport: 45-55 minutes
Pudong Airport: 70-90 minutes
Essential Services & Amenities
Healthcare: Baoshan Hospital, several clinics with English-speaking staff
Banking: All major Chinese banks, international ATMs available
Shopping: Local markets, Carrefour, RT-Mart for international products
Dining: Excellent authentic Chinese food, limited Western options
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Lowest cost of living
Zero to minimal commute time
Authentic Chinese cultural immersion
Quiet environment ideal for studying
Strong local community connections
Considerations
Limited international food and entertainment
Language barrier in daily interactions
Fewer networking opportunities with international professionals
Less vibrant nightlife and social scene
Putuo District
Putuo strikes an excellent balance between local authenticity and modern convenience. This rapidly developing district features a growing number of cafés, international restaurants, and co-working spaces while maintaining reasonable costs. It's becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and students seeking lifestyle upgrades without central Shanghai prices.
Student Community: Mix of Chinese and international students, growing expat community.
Cost Breakdown
Housing Costs:
Shared apartment room: 4,000-5,500 CNY/month
Private studio: 6,000-8,500 CNY/month
Utilities: 250-450 CNY/month
Deposit: 2-3 months' rent
Daily Living:
Meals: 40-70 CNY/day (mix of local and international)
Transportation: 300-400 CNY/month
Groceries: 1,000-1,400 CNY/month
Entertainment: 800-1,200 CNY/month
Total Monthly Budget: 6,000-8,500 CNY
Transportation & Accessibility
To Universities:
Shanghai University: 25-35 minutes via Lines 3, 4, or 7
SUFE: 20-30 minutes via Line 7
To Key Areas:
Jing'an District: 15-25 minutes via Line 2 or 7
People's Square: 20-30 minutes
Xujiahui: 25-35 minutes
Both airports: 45-75 minutes
Essential Services & Amenities
Healthcare: Putuo Hospital, private clinics with bilingual services
Banking: Complete banking services, multiple international ATMs
Shopping: A Mix of local markets and modern shopping centers
Dining: Growing international food scene, excellent hot pot, and local cuisine
Fitness: Several gyms and sports facilities
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Excellent value for money
Growing international community
Better lifestyle amenities than Baoshan
Reasonable commute to both campuses and the city center
Good selection of international and local dining
Considerations
Still developing international infrastructure
Less vibrant than central districts
Limited high-end shopping and entertainment
Fewer networking events and international meetups
Jing'an District
Jing'an is Shanghai's international student and young professional epicenter. This sophisticated district pulses with energy, featuring world-class shopping, diverse dining, vibrant nightlife, and countless networking opportunities. Living here means being at the heart of Shanghai's international community with easy access to events, internships, and career opportunities.
Student Community: Heavily international, with students from top universities and young professionals from multinational companies.
Cost Breakdown
Housing Costs:
Shared apartment room: 5,500-7,500 CNY/month
Private studio: 8,000-12,000 CNY/month
Luxury studio: 12,000-18,000 CNY/month
Utilities: 300-500 CNY/month
Deposit: 2-3 months' rent
Daily Living:
Meals: 60-120 CNY/day (wide variety of international options)
Transportation: 350-500 CNY/month
Groceries: 1,200-1,800 CNY/month (international products available)
Entertainment: 1,500-2,500 CNY/month
Total Monthly Budget: 9,000-15,000 CNY
Transportation & Accessibility
To Universities:
Shanghai University: 45-55 minutes via Lines 2 → 7
SUFE: 30-40 minutes via Line 7 direct
To Key Areas:
People's Square: 5-10 minutes
Lujiazui: 15-20 minutes
French Concession: 10-15 minutes
Hongqiao Airport: 35-45 minutes
Pudong Airport: 45-60 minutes
Essential Services & Amenities
Healthcare: International hospitals (Parkway Health, Shanghai United Family)
Banking: All international banks, extensive ATM network
Shopping: Jing'an Kerry Centre, CITIC Square, Westgate Mall
Dining: Every cuisine imaginable, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants
Fitness: Premium gyms, yoga studios, sports clubs
Coworking: Multiple spaces for studying and networking
Networking & Career Opportunities
Regular international student meetups and events
Internship opportunities with multinational companies
Access to professional networking events
English-speaking community groups and societies
Career fairs and recruitment events
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Vibrant international community
Unparalleled networking opportunities
World-class amenities and services
Easy access to internships and jobs
Rich cultural and entertainment options
English widely spoken
Considerations
Significantly higher cost of living
Longer commute to campus (especially Shanghai University)
More crowded and touristy
Potential distractions from studies
Alternative Areas Worth Considering
Changning District
Best for: Students seeking upscale living with reasonable access to both campuses
Commute: 30-40 minutes to both universities
Cost: Mid-range between Putuo and Jing'an
Highlights: Close to Hongqiao Airport, growing expat community
Yangpu District
Best for: Students wanting proximity to other universities (Fudan, Tongji)
Commute: 25-35 minutes to Shanghai University/SUFE
Cost: Similar to Putuo
Highlights: University town atmosphere, affordable, student-friendly
Choosing Your Ideal District
Choose Baoshan if you:
Prioritize saving money and minimizing commute time
Want authentic Chinese cultural immersion
Prefer a quiet, study-focused environment
Are comfortable with limited international amenities
Plan to spend most time on campus
Choose Putuo if you:
Want the best balance of cost, convenience, and lifestyle
Seek moderate international exposure without high costs
Value reasonable access to both the campus and the city center
Prefer a developing area with growth potential
Want some international amenities without premium prices
Choose Jing'an if you:
Prioritize networking and career opportunities
Want full access to Shanghai's international community
Are willing to pay a premium for convenience and amenities
Plan to explore internships and job opportunities
Value diverse dining, entertainment, and cultural options
Making the Most of Your Shanghai Experience
Regardless of which district you choose, your Shanghai experience will be shaped by how actively you engage with the city and its communities. Each area offers unique advantages that can enhance different aspects of your student life.
Remember: Your housing choice isn't permanent. Many students start in more affordable areas like Baoshan or Putuo and move to central districts like Jing'an as they become more familiar with the city and their priorities evolve.
HERE Real Estate is your trusted partner throughout your Shanghai journey, providing not just housing solutions but comprehensive support, including lease negotiations, move-in assistance, maintenance coordination, and guidance on Shanghai living. Our team understands the unique needs of international students and is committed to making your transition smooth and successful.
Contact HERE Real Estate today to start your Shanghai housing journey with confidence and expert guidance every step of the way.
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Baoshan : Le choix économique et pratique avec un vrai mode de vie chinois, parfait pour économiser et être proche du campus, mais avec peu d'options internationales.
Putuo : L'équilibre idéal entre coût, style de vie et accessibilité, offrant plus d'équipements modernes tout en restant abordable, avec une communauté internationale croissante.
Jing'an : Le hub international premium avec d'excellentes opportunités de networking, une vie sociale riche et tous les équipements modernes, mais plus cher et plus éloigné du campus.
HERE Real Estate vous accompagne dans chaque étape de votre recherche de logement étudiant à Shanghai, avec des solutions personnalisées et un service complet pour faciliter votre installation.