Job Discussion Forums

[carolh]

Considering an offer in Shanghai but would like private accommodation - school only offers shared or domitory style. QUESTION: How difficult will it be for me to find a 'reasonably' priced private apartment in Shanghai? (Sorry, I don't know the exact area yet.) And, just what would 'reasonably priced' possibly be? The school will give me a small allowance towards this. Am I being realistic, or should I just take the shared accommodation?

[laodeng]

Well, shared accommodations are not my cup of tea, particularly here in Shanghai, which has more than its fair share of weirdo FT's.

Best way I've found to find an apt. is to go to agencies in the area you're interested in and take a Chinese friend along to work things out.

Hard to say how much without knowing the area. But it's possible to find something acceptable at 1800 RMB/month + deposit + utilities. Another way of putting this is that any school in S'hai that doesn't give you a housing allowance of at least 2000 RMB isn't worth working for.

Good luck.

[Roger]

Try a free advert on www.thatsshanghai.com, but be prepared to be deluged with bogus offers!

[Taiping04]

Where a school has suitable accommodation [ie, self contained single apartment] available, they generally don't offer a housing subsidy. Shanghai U. and Webb International give 3,000 I think, and Shanghai Normal gives 2,000. Some friends rented a small but nice 2BR place in Xujiahui, a popular and quite up-market area, for 3,000. Another friend has a large place in a modern estate in the NW suburbs for the same rental. Then you must add utilities.
Don't let the agent see your white face!
If possible, track down an owner, and rent direct.
The above deals were made using both of these suggestions!
Why not try the share accomm initially. Peak hour travel in Shanghai is highly stressful, and you may well have to spend many hours between classes cooling your heels in an office, when you could be enjoying the comfort of your on-campus condo!

[carolh]

Thank you everyone for your advice. Think you're right - might be a good idea to take the shared accommodation to start with and see where it leads. Thanks again! )