Student Life in China: What Moroccan Students Should Know
Published on February 22, 2026 | By Foorsa Team
Moving to China for university is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming for Moroccan students. From cultural differences to food preferences, language barriers to making friends—there's a lot to navigate. This comprehensive guide will prepare you for student life in China, so you know exactly what to expect.
Accommodation: Where You'll Live
On-Campus Dormitories
Most scholarship students and many self-funded students live in university dormitories. Here's what you can expect:
Room Types:
- Single Room: Private bedroom with attached bathroom (usually for PhD students or available at extra cost)
- Double Room: Most common for master's and undergraduate students, shared with one roommate
- Triple/Quad Room: Less common in international student dorms but available at some universities
Typical Facilities:
- Bed, desk, chair, wardrobe
- Air conditioning and heating
- Private or shared bathroom
- High-speed Wi-Fi (usually free)
- Communal kitchen (in some buildings)
- Laundry room with washing machines
- 24/7 security and management office
💡 Pro Tip: CSC scholarship covers on-campus accommodation, but if you prefer off-campus housing, you'll receive a housing allowance instead (usually 700-1,500 RMB/month depending on the city).
Off-Campus Housing
Some students prefer renting apartments off-campus for more independence:
- Shared Apartment: 1,000-2,500 RMB/month per person (split rent with roommates)
- Studio Apartment: 2,000-4,000 RMB/month in most cities
- Location matters: Living close to campus is convenient but pricier; suburbs are cheaper
Important regulations: International students must register with local police within 24 hours of moving to any new address (even hotels). Your university will help you with this process.
Food and Dining: Halal Options
Campus Cafeterias
Chinese universities typically have multiple cafeterias offering affordable meals:
- Breakfast: 5-10 RMB (steamed buns, noodles, eggs, soy milk)
- Lunch/Dinner: 10-20 RMB (rice, vegetables, meat dishes)
- Most universities have dedicated halal cafeterias (清真食堂) for Muslim students
- International student cafeterias offer diverse cuisines
Halal Food in China
Good news for Moroccan students: Finding halal food in China is easier than you might think!
- Halal Restaurants: Most Chinese cities have halal restaurants, especially in university areas. Look for the "清真" (halal) sign in Arabic or Chinese characters
- Muslim Communities: China has 20+ million Muslims (mostly Hui and Uyghur people). Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an have vibrant Muslim quarters
- Halal Certification: Many supermarkets stock halal products with clear certification
- Popular Halal Dishes: Lanzhou beef noodles (兰州拉面), Xinjiang kebabs (新疆烤串), and Muslim-style hotpot
Cooking at Home
Many students cook their own meals:
- Shared kitchens in dorms or private kitchen in off-campus apartments
- Supermarkets and wet markets offer fresh vegetables, halal meat, and Moroccan spices (in larger cities)
- Cooking apps like "下厨房" (XiaChuFang) provide recipes in English
- Monthly grocery budget: 800-1,500 RMB if cooking regularly
Weather and Climate
China is a vast country with diverse climates. The weather depends heavily on which city you're in:
Northern China (Beijing, Tianjin, Harbin)
- Winter: Very cold! -10°C to -20°C (December to February). Heavy snow in some cities
- Summer: Hot and humid, 30-35°C (June to August)
- What to pack: Heavy winter coat, thermal clothing, boots. Indoor heating is excellent
Central China (Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan)
- Winter: Cold and damp, 0-10°C (no snow usually)
- Summer: Very hot and humid, 35-40°C
- Note: Four distinct seasons; spring and autumn are pleasant
Southern China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming)
- Winter: Mild, 10-20°C (similar to Moroccan winters)
- Summer: Very hot and extremely humid, 30-38°C with frequent rain
- Best for Moroccans: Closest climate to Morocco, minimal winter shock
🌡️ Climate Tip: If you're not used to extreme cold, consider universities in southern or central China like Zhejiang University (Hangzhou), Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou), or universities in Kunming.
Language and Communication
Language Barrier
Most Moroccan students are concerned about the language barrier. Here's the reality:
- On Campus: Many Chinese students and staff speak basic English. International offices always have English-speaking staff
- Classes: If you're in an English-taught program, all lectures are in English
- Daily Life: Outside university, English is limited in smaller cities. Apps like Google Translate (via VPN) or Baidu Translate help immensely
- Learning Chinese: Most universities offer free Chinese language courses for international students. Basic Chinese makes life much easier!
Essential Apps
Download these apps before arriving in China:
- WeChat (微信): China's #1 app for messaging, payments, and social networking. Absolutely essential!
- Alipay (支付宝): Mobile payment app accepted everywhere
- Didi (滴滴): Chinese Uber for taxis and ride-sharing
- Meituan/Ele.me: Food delivery apps
- Pleco: Best Chinese-English dictionary app
- VPN: Access blocked websites like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram (get a reliable VPN before arriving)
Transportation
Getting Around Campus and City
On Campus:
- Most Chinese university campuses are HUGE—much larger than Moroccan universities
- Many students use bicycles or electric scooters (available for rent via apps)
- Campus shuttle buses connect different parts of large campuses
City Transportation:
- Metro/Subway: Fast, clean, and cheap (2-6 RMB per trip). Major cities have extensive networks
- Buses: Very affordable (1-2 RMB) but can be confusing without Chinese language skills
- Shared Bikes: Mobike, Ofo (0.5-1 RMB per ride)—perfect for short distances
- Taxis/Didi: Convenient but more expensive (starting from 10 RMB)
- High-Speed Trains: Travel between cities at 300+ km/h. Incredibly efficient and affordable
Cost Example: Monthly transportation budget: 100-300 RMB if using public transport regularly.
Social Life and Making Friends
International Student Community
You won't be alone! Chinese universities have large international student populations:
- Many African students, especially from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and of course Morocco
- Active Moroccan student associations at most major universities
- Regular cultural events, sports competitions, and gatherings
- Annual "International Cultural Festival" where you can showcase Moroccan culture
Chinese Friends
Making Chinese friends enriches your experience:
- Many Chinese students are curious about foreign cultures and eager to practice English
- Language exchange programs pair you with Chinese students
- Join clubs and societies: sports teams, music clubs, volunteer groups
- Chinese people are generally friendly and helpful, especially toward international students
Social Activities
- University organizes field trips to historical sites and tourist attractions
- Sports facilities: gyms, swimming pools, basketball courts, soccer fields (usually free for students)
- Nightlife: Karaoke (KTV), bars, clubs in major cities
- Shopping: From local markets to massive malls, China has it all
- Weekend travel: China's high-speed rail makes it easy to explore nearby cities
Cost of Living
Here's a realistic monthly budget for Moroccan students in China:
| Expense | Tier 1 Cities (Beijing, Shanghai) | Tier 2/3 Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Free (scholarship) or 1,500-3,000 RMB | Free (scholarship) or 800-1,500 RMB |
| Food | 1,500-2,500 RMB | 1,000-1,800 RMB |
| Transportation | 200-400 RMB | 100-200 RMB |
| Phone & Internet | 50-100 RMB | 50-100 RMB |
| Entertainment | 500-1,000 RMB | 300-600 RMB |
| Total | 2,250-7,000 RMB/month | 1,450-4,200 RMB/month |
💰 Scholarship Coverage: CSC scholarship provides 2,500-3,500 RMB monthly stipend, which is sufficient for living expenses in most cities if you budget wisely.
Learn more about costs and financing options for studying in China.
Cultural Differences to Expect
What Might Surprise You
- Punctuality: Chinese people are very punctual. Being late is considered rude
- Hierarchy and Respect: Respect for elders and teachers is extremely important
- Personal Space: Public places can be crowded; personal space is different from Morocco
- Spitting and Noise: Some Chinese people spit in public or talk loudly—it's cultural, not personal
- Staring: In smaller cities, locals might stare at you out of curiosity, not hostility
- Direct Communication: Chinese people can be very direct in their speech, which might seem rude at first
Similarities Between Moroccan and Chinese Culture
You'll find some surprising similarities:
- Family Values: Strong emphasis on family, similar to Morocco
- Hospitality: Chinese people are welcoming and generous hosts
- Food Culture: Meals are social events, shared dishes (like Moroccan tagine style)
- Tea Culture: Chinese love tea as much as Moroccans!
- Respect for Education: High value placed on academic achievement
Health and Medical Care
- University Clinics: Every campus has a medical center for basic health issues
- Hospitals: Modern, well-equipped hospitals in all cities. International departments have English-speaking staff
- Health Insurance: Scholarship students receive comprehensive medical insurance covering most treatments
- Medication: Chinese pharmacies are everywhere. Bring prescriptions for any regular medications
- Mental Health: Universities have counseling services. Don't hesitate to use them if you feel homesick or stressed
Safety and Security
Good news: China is one of the safest countries in the world for international students!
- Low Crime Rate: Violent crime is extremely rare. You can walk alone at night in most areas
- Campus Security: Universities have 24/7 security, access control, and surveillance
- Scams: Be cautious of strangers offering "English practice" or "tea ceremonies"—these can be scams in tourist areas
- Traffic: Cross streets carefully! Traffic can be chaotic in big cities
- Emergency Numbers: Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119
Tips for a Successful Transition
Before You Leave Morocco
- Learn basic Chinese phrases (hello, thank you, how much, etc.)
- Set up a VPN service before leaving
- Bring essential items from Morocco (certain spices, personal care products)
- Download all necessary apps
- Inform your bank about your travel plans
- Make copies of important documents (passport, visa, admission letter)
First Week in China
- Register with the local police (your university will guide you)
- Open a Chinese bank account
- Get a Chinese SIM card
- Set up WeChat and Alipay
- Explore your campus and nearby areas
- Attend orientation sessions—don't skip them!
- Connect with the Moroccan student community
Long-Term Success
- Stay Connected: Regular video calls with family help with homesickness
- Balance Studies and Fun: Don't just study—explore, travel, make friends
- Learn the Language: Even basic Chinese transforms your experience
- Embrace the Culture: Try new things, be open-minded
- Stay Healthy: Exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep
- Build Your Network: Make friends from different countries—these connections last a lifetime
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Homesickness
Normal: Everyone feels homesick initially. Stay connected with family, but also immerse yourself in your new environment. Join activities, make friends, and keep busy.
Language Barrier
Solution: Use translation apps, learn basic Chinese, and don't be afraid to use gestures. Most people will try to help you.
Food Adjustment
Strategy: Start with familiar foods (rice, vegetables, halal meat), then gradually try Chinese dishes. Cook Moroccan food to feel at home.
Academic Pressure
Advice: Chinese universities can be demanding. Manage your time well, ask for help when needed, and use university support services.
Final Thoughts
Student life in China is an incredible journey of growth, learning, and adventure. Yes, there will be challenges—cultural adjustments, language barriers, being far from home—but these challenges shape you into a more independent, resilient, and globally-minded person.
Thousands of Moroccan students have successfully studied in China and returned with valuable degrees, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories. With the right preparation and mindset, you'll thrive in China.
Remember: Foorsa is here to support you not just during the application process, but throughout your entire journey in China. From pre-departure orientation to ongoing support while you're studying, we're with you every step of the way.
Ready to start your Chinese adventure? Learn about the application process and begin your journey today.
Ready to Experience Student Life in China?
Let Foorsa guide you through every step—from application to arrival and beyond. Join hundreds of successful Moroccan students in China!
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