UMD SLLC at Beijing Language and Culture University Housing Overview
As one of the largest and most diverse cosmopolitan city, Beijing has much to offer you as future residents! Your experience abroad will largely depend upon your choice of housing. Therefore, it is important that you consider your housing selection carefully. Do you want to live with students on BLCU campus? Do you want to live with a Chinese family? How will you maximize your opportunities to get to know people and students in Beijing? What is your budget for housing? Most importantly, it will be helpful to think about the goals that you have set for yourself and how your choice of housing will help you to attain those goals.
When you commit to Maryland at BLCU, you will select one of the following housing options:
1. Student Dormitory
You will have the opportunity to live in Student Dormitory #4, one of the seven dormitories for six thousand international students from every continent. Dorm #4 has fully furnished double rooms with a number of common spaces such as study areas and public kitchens throughout the building. Each room is about 18 square metersand has a bathroom, television, air-conditioner, telephone, Internet, wall-closet, desk, chair, bed, and bedding. Students selecting the dormitory option should be aware of the building policies, which will be given at arrival.
Costs
Double-room will average about $10 per day (for semester students only). Specific housing costs will be posted as they become available.
You will also have separate Internet and telephone costs depending on usage. Subscription of internet and phone cards are available for purchase.
Notes
- Meals: You will have access to shared kitchen area where you can store food and prepare meals. However, most students find it more practical and affordable to eat in student cafeterias on campus.
- This housing option is ideally suitable for students who want to interact with both international students in the residence and Chinese students in the nearby dormitories on campus.
- Single rooms are available in other student dormitories at a higher cost (about $20 or more per day).
2. Homestay
Living in a homestay will give you the opportunity to interact with your Chinese host family each day. Families that accept homestay students are located around the BLCU campus. They have a regular working relationship with BLCU international student housing services. Host families usually introduct students to their neighborhood and local people. Students choosing homestay must make the extra commitment to speak Chinese since members of their host families may speak little English. Students who choose to live in a homestay will also need to follow rules set by host families or agreed upon by both the host family and the student. Homestay students need greater flexibility in adapting to the life of a Chinese family. By participating in this housing option, you will have a true opportunity to become immersed in both Chinese language and culture.
Costs
Single-room or double-room: $560-650 per month
Notes
- There are limited homestay spaces; if you indicate that you would like to be placed in a homestay and there are no spaces left, you will be placed in the dormitory.
- Meals: Host families will provide Chinese style breakfast. You will have lunch and dinner in students cafeterias on campus or in near-by restaurants.
- This housing option is ideally suitable for: students who want an immersion in Chinese language and culture and who are very flexible and adaptive.