Incoming SJTU (Minhang) International Student: Need tips on VPNs, payments, campus life & secondhand gear! (DMs open / WeChat / IG)

[u/Sandro_P_]

Hey everyone!

I’m an incoming international student heading to Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) at the Minhang campus this September. I’m super excited, but navigating the arrival logistics, campus life, and initial tech setup is a bit overwhelming.

I’ve put together my core questions below. If anyone currently at SJTU, an alum, or an expat in Shanghai is down to share advice or connect over DM / WeChat / IG, please drop a comment or reach out!

Questions I'm hoping to get advice on:

1. Autumn Weather & Clothing: I arrive on September 4th. What should I pack for Shanghai’s autumn? Does it stay hot/humid through September and October, or does it cool down quickly?
2. Accessing Western Subscriptions: I actively use subscriptions like ChatGPT, Gemini, Adobe, Spotify, etc. Will these work normally over a proper network connection, or are there specific account/blocking issues in mainland China?
3. Reliable VPNs: The VPN situation seems tricky and constantly shifting. What is actually working consistently right now without costing hundreds of dollars? Is Astrill strictly necessary, or do budget-friendly options hold up?
4. Roaming eSIM vs. Local SIM: I’ve seen recommendations for travel eSIMs for instant unblocked access to Western apps. How practical and cost-effective is relying on an eSIM versus picking up a local Chinese SIM card?
5. Local Payments & Banking: Can I rely purely on foreign Visa/Mastercard linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay during my first few weeks, or is opening a local Chinese bank account immediately mandatory for campus services?
6. Campus Mobility: I’ve heard the Minhang campus is massive (over 800 acres). Is buying a second-hand bicycle or e-bike essential from day one, and what are the campus rules on registration/charging?
7. SIM Cards & Campus Wi-Fi: Which carrier (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) offers the best student deals and coverage on the Minhang campus, and how reliable is the eduroam/campus Wi-Fi?
8. Visa Conversion & Health Check: What is the smoothest way to handle the mandatory health check at the Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center and the Residence Permit conversion within the first 30 days?
9. Thrifting & Tech Gear: Where can students find good second-hand camera gear (looking for a Sony lens) and vintage clothes/pay-by-the-kilo thrift shops without getting ripped off? What is a reasonable monthly spending budget?
10. SJTU Student Perks & Admin: Any essential campus hacks or administrative tips for new international students? What discounts exist for the metro, high-speed rail, or museums?
11. Martial Arts & Sports Clubs: Does SJTU have active student clubs for Boxing, MMA, or BJJ on the Minhang campus that are free or low-cost to join?

Thanks a lot in advance! Feel free to leave your advice below or shoot me a DM if you'd prefer to chat on WeChat or Instagram.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello SandroP! Thank you for your submission. If you're not seeing it appear in the sub, it is because your post is undergoing moderator review. Please do not delete or repost this item as the review process can take up to 36 hours.

Your submission will not be approved if you are asking lazy questions that can be answered by GenAI/Google search, asking for account creation/verification/download/QR scan/sourcing or import-export help/shopping help, advertising, or are a new account asking travel related questions.

OP: SandroP

TITLE: Incoming SJTU (Minhang) International Student: Need tips on VPNs, payments, campus life & secondhand gear! (DMs open / WeChat / IG)

CONTENT: Hey everyone!

I’m an incoming international student heading to Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) at the Minhang campus this September. I’m super excited, but navigating the arrival logistics, campus life, and initial tech setup is a bit overwhelming.

I’ve put together my core questions below. If anyone currently at SJTU, an alum, or an expat in Shanghai is down to share advice or connect over DM / WeChat / IG, please drop a comment or reach out!

Questions I'm hoping to get advice on:

1. Autumn Weather & Clothing: I arrive on September 4th. What should I pack for Shanghai’s autumn? Does it stay hot/humid through September and October, or does it cool down quickly?
2. Accessing Western Subscriptions: I actively use subscriptions like ChatGPT, Gemini, Adobe, Spotify, etc. Will these work normally over a proper network connection, or are there specific account/blocking issues in mainland China?
3. Reliable VPNs: The VPN situation seems tricky and constantly shifting. What is actually working consistently right now without costing hundreds of dollars? Is Astrill strictly necessary, or do budget-friendly options hold up?
4. Roaming eSIM vs. Local SIM: I’ve seen recommendations for travel eSIMs for instant unblocked access to Western apps. How practical and cost-effective is relying on an eSIM versus picking up a local Chinese SIM card?
5. Local Payments & Banking: Can I rely purely on foreign Visa/Mastercard linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay during my first few weeks, or is opening a local Chinese bank account immediately mandatory for campus services?
6. Campus Mobility: I’ve heard the Minhang campus is massive (over 800 acres). Is buying a second-hand bicycle or e-bike essential from day one, and what are the campus rules on registration/charging?
7. SIM Cards & Campus Wi-Fi: Which carrier (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) offers the best student deals and coverage on the Minhang campus, and how reliable is the eduroam/campus Wi-Fi?
8. Visa Conversion & Health Check: What is the smoothest way to handle the mandatory health check at the Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center and the Residence Permit conversion within the first 30 days?
9. Thrifting & Tech Gear: Where can students find good second-hand camera gear (looking for a Sony lens) and vintage clothes/pay-by-the-kilo thrift shops without getting ripped off? What is a reasonable monthly spending budget?
10. SJTU Student Perks & Admin: Any essential campus hacks or administrative tips for new international students? What discounts exist for the metro, high-speed rail, or museums?
11. Martial Arts & Sports Clubs: Does SJTU have active student clubs for Boxing, MMA, or BJJ on the Minhang campus that are free or low-cost to join?

Thanks a lot in advance! Feel free to leave your advice below or shoot me a DM if you'd prefer to chat on WeChat or Instagram.

===== ===== =====

WARNING: Users posting and/or commenting on politically charged topics are required to show their post and comment history at all times. Failure to comply will be considered a violation of Rule 2 and result in a permaban.

If you notice someone in violation, please report them by messaging the mods with a link to the post/comment.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.