Job Discussion Forums

[scooby_rex]

sup all

can anyone give me a basic idea of pro's and con's of having to live on campus? cheers

[evaforsure]

think dorm room.....

[sojourner]

Scooby Rex,

Greetings again !

With most uni jobs, FT accommodation is provided. It is usually on-campus, or just a few minutes walk away from the uni. In your negotiations with either the FAO or the recruiter ,you should ask about the exact location of the FT housing.If it's outside the campus, ask about whether it is located in a noisy area. Of course, in your negotiations the Chinese that you are dealing with may not always be completely upfront with you ! Thus, you should ask the FAO or recruiter to provide you with the names/email addresses/ph numbers of current/past FTs at the uni in question so as you can get a different perspective on things; not just in relation to FT housing but also regarding teaching resources, level of cooperation provided by FAO office/Chinese co-teachers, etc. Should the recruiter/FAO person seem reluctant to provide details re other FTs, then look for another job !

In most cases, FTs will be provided with a one-bedroom flat (ie to say, one bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom/laundry).Occasionally, it could even be a two-bedroom flat. But, also, there is the possibility that the flat could merely be a bed-sitter or studio apartment.So, find out before signing any contract.

The flats that are provided are always furnished.Usually, a TV, DVD player, phone, AC-units and a PC are also provided.In my current situation, the uni has even provided me with a printer - probably to make up for not providing the FTs with their own teachers' work room. Before signing the contract, take note of what furniture/equipment is meant to be provided.When moving in, you may find that there may well be a couple of items that are missing, eg bed-linen, towels, etc.If they don't cost too much, pay for them yourself.It's true that Chinese respect people who are assertive (in a polite manner) - but, you should not get the reputation of being a perpetual whinger !

In other posts regarding the question of FT housing, some people have argued that one should ask for a "housing allowance" rather than being required to live on-campus.But if the flat that is to be provided seems quite decent ( according to photos of the place, feedback from other FTs, etc), then accept it.To get a place of your own that is close to the uni might involve not only high rent (maybe, more than what the "housing allowance" provides for) but, possibly, also a bond, "key money", two months' payment in advance, etc. Also, during the holiday breaks when you go away, you'll, of course, still have to pay rent ! Thus, if the uni flat appears reasonable, then accept it.You'll have enough problems on your plate (eg settling into a completely different culture, adjusting to the needs/demands of both your students and the uni's "leaders", as well as having to complete your degree), than also having to deal with a private property owner !

I've been in China for six years - and have worked at four different unis, in three different provinces.In each case, the flats provided varied between "satisfactory" to "quite good".

Good luck !

Peter

[rmcdougall]

[sojourner]

"RMcDogall" is of the opinion that it is better to arrange for your own housing, as if an FT lives in a "dorm" situation, then his/her visitors are likely to be "monitored".

In my own experience, FTs' flats are usually not in a setup where there is always someone at the entrance to the building whose job it is to take note of the ID of every visitor ! It's quite possible, though, that the handyman (or whatever) may "take note" of the nature of a particular FT's visitors, and report any "unusual occurrences" to the "leaders" (It could even be a required part of his job) . It's quite possible that some unis might take a very dim view of, say, a male FT, having lots of visits from girl students ! In my time in China, I have never felt that I was ever under any some sort of "Big Brother"-type surveillance. However, I do know that the "leaders" are aware of some of my daily movements - eg, where I eat at night, etc. I suppose that such knowledge on the "leaders'" part is meant for my "own good" - in case "something bad happens to me" outside the uni gates ! But regarding visitors to my flat, I have done nothing to ever arouse the suspicions of the "leaders" - not only do I not allow students to enter my flat, I also never invite outsiders (eg,non-students that happen to come along to English Corner) around to my place. Consequently, as I'm not violating any of the uni's norms/mores, I feel both "unthreatened" and "secure" here, in China !

But even if one arranged for his/her own housing outside campus, don't think that your daily life will go unnoticed ! Even in this post-Mao era, "neighbourhood committee"-type attitudes/practices still continue (so I have been told) - thus, neighbours in your apartment block, or down the street, might feel inclined - or, even "expected" - to report "unusual behaviour" on the part of a laiwai, who happens to be living in their midst, to the local authorities.

Peter

[evaforsure]

[scooby_rex]

thanks guys, i asked them a fair bit on this, and i also told them to send photos to me before i sign anything,

but they say its fully furnished, 2 bedrooms, AND GET THIS i 'confirmed' this 3 times, that the floorspace is 100 SQUARE METERS not feet

now, i have never been to China, but, um, SURELY it cant be a 100 square m?? thats huge !

[Songbird]

100 is more than I've had, that's pretty good- maybe it's 3 bedrooms?

I think my current uni provided apartment is about 65m2. And is definately the most luxurious I've lived in so far here in China! When I first arrived I was told the leaders didn't like students going to the foreigners apartments, so I've pretty much stuck with it, though another FT seems to have largish weekend shindigs with students. I don't want to be 'forced friends' with people here simply because I'm a foreigner- I prefer to choose my friends . I hate it when students subtly invite themselves to my home, then I have to say 'no' or 'one day...'.

Again, at all the places I've lived in I never had anyone overtly watching my comings and goings (my last place I even lived opposite the FAO and he didn't give a toss) but I am aware that they probably know I go shopping Tuesday arvos, go collect my French sticks at the local bakery Wednesdays etc etc...

[scooby_rex]

so accomodation is a pretty common thing on the campus grounds over there?
just seems very odd that is nearly saying that is 100 square FEET

[Ariadne]

In China, many (most?) employers provide housing for their employees. I live in an apartment building for teachers on campus. The Chinese teachers have to pay rent but the foreign teachers do not. I've only lived at one other university but it was the same deal there. The university has been great about letting us leave our things in the apartments over the summer, even for folks who aren't returning in the Fall. I'm sure that could vary alot from school to school, depending on overall housing needs. I'm quite comfortable in my little apartment, although it sure would be nice to have hot water in the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

.

[bradley]

I've lived on campus for more than three and a half years and my experience has been totally positive. It really depends on the school.

You can go and try to live on campus and if you are not happy then you can move out.

Some schools don't offer to pay for teachers to live off campus. Some will. Or some will offer to pay some. It really depends.

[scooby_rex]

i guess its pretty hard because every single one would be different, but is there such a thing as a normal 2 bedroom place?

i just hope it aint a *beep* with rats and stuff everywhere.............. lol

[Songbird]

What do you mean, 'a normal 2 bedroom place'? Mine is 2 bedrooms, queen sized (I think), big enough to swing a few cats in ! If you're talking about a HOUSE, then forget it. Don't exist in China.

You seem really worried about campus accom. Don't get too hung up on it, a good 95% of what I've seen (and I've visited many FT's in other cities and provinces!) are acceptable or pretty good.

[scooby_rex]

nah im not worried about, just never heard of here where i live, as long as im basically 'free' i dont mind at all, its good in a way, cause i dont have to go far for work plus i assume it wouldnt be that far to go to other things, like grocery shopping etc etc

[Babala]

Off-campus housing is great but you have to shell out quite a chunk of money at the beginning. Here are some things to ask if before you take on-campus housing.

-Is there a curfew (believe it or not, some schools will insist you keep the same curfew as the students)

-What is the policy on visitors (overnight stays allowed?)

-Are all the bills taken care of or are you required to pay for anything (if so, ask to see bills. My old college tried charging me 200 RMB every month for the phone when I never used it)

-how many A/C's are there? (I lived in an apartment with 8 rooms and there was 1 A/C)

-If you are on-campus, are there any wake-up systems that the school has? (Those early morning Saturday bells may drive you crazy)

Good Luck