Campus Reviews: What Students Say
The Google rating of 4.6 out of 71 reviews gives a first impression, but the comments themselves reveal a mixed picture. Some students praise the campus environment, while others report serious administrative problems.
Arthur Boegner gave 5 stars and wrote: “Big campus with convenience stores, several restaurants, a bakery and good canteens. Definitely recommend to spend some time studying there.” This suggests that day-to-day life on campus – access to food, shops, and a pleasant physical setting – is a strong point. For an international student looking for housing nearby, knowing that the campus itself has reliable services can reduce the pressure of finding a fully equipped apartment.
A starkly contrasting experience came from Bartolome Pasquet, who gave 1 star and wrote: “Worst university for international students. For the whole master degree class, they didn’t pay us our scholarships and didn’t allow us to graduate. There’s a teacher from international students department called Yangyi who’s specially unhelpful, didn’t reply our emails and messages, didn’t notice u.” This review is only two months old and highlights a risk that prospective international students should investigate. The scholarship and graduation issues are not directly related to housing, but they suggest that administrative support may be inconsistent, so it is wise to secure housing through established channels rather than relying on the university to arrange it last minute.
Akossiwa Agbeti, giving 5 stars, wrote: “I love China and I would love to go there to study after I graduate high school in 2030. If anyone is interested, let’s be friends. My name is Judith, and I will definitely choose Sh.Shanghai.” This is from a prospective student, not a current one, but it shows the university’s appeal internationally.
The most detailed positive review is from “ISAC Teach in China”, 5 stars, five years ago: “Shanghai University is one of the top 40 Chinese universities, top 100 Asian universities, the premier university of Shanghai, and a member of China Project 211 Universities. It is a comprehensive university offering 82 undergraduate programs, 187 graduate programs, and 97 doctoral programs.” While this comment is older, it reinforces the university’s reputation. For housing, this means the surrounding area attracts a mix of domestic and international students, so purpose-built student accommodation and shared apartments are available in the vicinity.
City Context: Baoshan District and Shanghai’s Student Housing Market
Shanghai University’s main campus is located at 266 Ju Feng Yuan Lu, in Baoshan District, in the northern part of Shanghai. Baoshan is less central than districts like Jing’an or Xuhui, but it is well connected by Metro Line 7 (Shanghai University station is on that line) and also served by Line 15. The university sits in a relatively green area, close to the large Daning Park.
Shanghai as a whole has a diverse housing market for students: from traditional apartment shares (hezu) in older residential compounds to modern serviced apartments and purpose-built student towers. In Baoshan, rents are generally lower than in the city centre, which is a major draw for budget-conscious students. Many landlords near the campus specifically rent to students, and there are also several small residential compounds within a 10-15 minute walk of the campus gates.
The presence of multiple convenience stores, restaurants, and canteens inside the campus, as noted in the reviews, means that students living off-campus can also rely on campus facilities for meals, reducing the need for a fully equipped kitchen. The area has a functional, non-touristy character with everyday shops, clinics, and a large shopping mall (Daning) about 2 km away.
Budget Bands for 2026/2027
The following are indicative monthly rent ranges for a single room in a shared apartment or a small studio near Shanghai University’s Baoshan campus. Prices are for the 2026/2027 academic year and should be confirmed with the operator or landlord upon inquiry.
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Budget band: ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 per month
Usually a single room in an older shared apartment (three to four bedrooms) within a 20-minute walk or one bus stop. Shared bathroom and kitchen. Expect basic furnishings: bed, desk, wardrobe, and air conditioning. Utilities (water, electricity, internet) are often split separately. -
Mid-range: ¥2,500 – ¥4,000 per month
A private room in a newer purpose-built student residence or a modern shared apartment near the Metro station (7 or 15 minute walk). Often comes with a small private bathroom (en-suite) or a well-maintained shared bathroom. Includes air conditioning, a washing machine in the unit, and sometimes a basic kitchenette. Some complexes have a common room or study lounge. -
Higher band: ¥4,000 – ¥6,000+ per month
A fully independent studio or one-bedroom apartment within a 10-minute bike ride of campus. Usually in a newer serviced apartment building with property management, security, and possibly a gym. Kitchen with stovetop. More suitable for couples or students who value privacy and space.
All figures above are indicative – confirm with the operator, as actual rents vary with property condition, floor level, distance to metro entrance, and season (rents may rise in late summer when demand peaks).
Walk vs Transit Trade-Off
Choosing where to live around Shanghai University involves balancing walking time against Metro convenience.
Walking zone (0–15 minutes) : Properties within a 10–15 minute walk of the main gate (or side gates near the Metro station) give you the best access to campus facilities, canteens, and classmates. You can attend evening classes, use the library late, and avoid commuting costs. The trade-off is that the immediate vicinity is mostly residential and modest; there are few international supermarkets or western restaurants, so you may have to travel to Daning or take the Metro to central Shanghai for a bigger variety. Noise levels are generally low because Baoshan is not a nightlife hotspot.
Transit zone (15–30 minutes by Metro or bus) : Going one or two Metro stops further (e.g., towards Daning or older areas like Gonghexin Road) gives you access to a wider selection of apartments, often newer and slightly cheaper per square metre. The commute becomes 20–30 minutes door-to-door, which is still acceptable for most students. You also get closer to supermarkets, gyms, and more dining options. The downside is that you need to budget ¥4–¥6 per trip for Metro (or buy a monthly pass) and allow extra time during morning rush hours. However, the Metro runs frequently until around 10:30 pm, so late return from campus is manageable.
For students who plan to work part-time or intern in central Shanghai (Jing’an, People’s Square), living closer to a Metro station – even if farther from campus – may be smarter. For those who prioritise study and campus life, walking distance is worth the premium.
Shortlist Logic: How to Choose Your Residence
Since the data provided does not include a list of specific nearby residences, the following general shortlist logic applies to the Shanghai University area. For the 2026/2027 intake, follow these steps:
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Define your non-negotiables – Decide your maximum monthly rent (including utilities and internet), the maximum commuting time (e.g., 20 minutes door-to-door), and whether you need a private bathroom or can share. Use the budget bands above as a starting point.
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Use mapping software – Search for apartments along Metro Line 7 within 2–3 stations of Shanghai University. Also check the bus routes that stop at the campus (e.g., bus 58, 110, 185). Mark any property that fits your budget and has positive reviews from international students.
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Verify landlord or agency – The negative review from Bartolome Pasquet suggests that official university support may be unreliable; therefore, do not rely on the university to vet housing. Always ask for a video walkthrough, request a contract in both Chinese and English, and verify the landlord’s identity (ask for a copy of their ID and property ownership certificate). Avoid paying any deposit before seeing the room.
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Compare walkable compounds – In the immediate area around 266 Ju Feng Yuan Lu, there are several older residential complexes (e.g., “Xuefu Jiayuan” and “Baoshan Lvdi”) that are popular with students. You can find listings on local platforms. On average, a room in these compounds runs ¥2,000–¥3,000. Check the building condition and whether the room has a window (some basement rooms do not).
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Check for hidden costs – Some apartments charge separate fees for water (¥3–¥5 per ton), electricity (¥0.6–¥1 per kWh), and gas. Internet costs around ¥100–¥150 per month. Also note that shorter leases (e.g., 4–6 months) are harder to find; most landlords want 12-month contracts. If you arrive mid-semester, you may need to sublet from graduating students.
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Visit in person or ask a current student – If you are not yet in Shanghai, connect with alumni or current students through public social media groups. The reviews show that students like Arthur Boegner had a good experience with campus life; they may share recommendations for off-campus housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is Shanghai University’s Baoshan campus from the city centre?
The campus is in the northern suburbs of Shanghai. By Metro Line 7, it takes about 30–40 minutes to reach the centre (People’s Square). A taxi costs roughly ¥80–¥100 one-way (subject to traffic). The location is convenient for daily campus life but requires a commute for central Shanghai activities.
2. Are utilities usually included in the rent near Shanghai University?
Most shared apartments and student residences do not include utilities. The rent covers only the room and shared areas; electricity, water, gas, and internet are billed separately each month based on usage. Confirm the exact billing method with the landlord before signing the contract. Some purpose-built student residences may include a fixed utility allowance.
3. What is the best way to find housing for the 2026/2027 academic year?
Start your search 3–4 months before arrival (ideally by June 2026 for a September 2026 start). Use online rental platforms with a filter for Baoshan District, near Ju Feng Yuan Lu. Join local social media groups for Shanghai University students (not run by the university) where sublets are posted. Avoid using any single third-party booking service; instead, contact landlords directly or through verified agents. Always read the lease carefully and insist on a receipt for any deposit.
Data as of February 2026.
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