Zhejiang University (浙江大学)

The new Zhejiang University (ZJU) was established in 1998 upon merger of four individual universities (Zhejiang University, Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Agricultural University and Zhejiang Medical University).

To date, ZJU or sometimes called Zheda, has become a reputable comprehensive research university placing 35^th in the Asian rankings and 8^th, in China’s Top Universities 2015/16 and 5^th in the Asian rankings.

On top of that, Zhejiang University now has 7 faculties and 36 colleges/schools. Click here to find out more about the various disciplines within the various schools.

School’s main website: English | Mandarin

International Students website: English | International student’s guide

GPA requirement:

Language of instruction:

English and Mandarin

Courses:

Zhejiang University now offers top ranking programmes (top 100 internationally) such as agriculture & forestry, architecture, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, electrical engineering and material sciences.

For international undergraduate programmes, Zhejiang University offers the following courses at the respective tuition fees:

Flying Chalks’ tip: If course fees are a concern, financial help such as scholarships and are available. The list of scholarships provided by Zhejiang University can be found here!

Course registration process:

All applicants (international students/ visiting students) going abroad or having exchanges to Zhejiang University has to be a non-Chinese citizen, in good health, and under 30 years of age.

Programme registrations are done through bidding at a bidding website after arrival and being registered as an exchange student at Zhejiang University.

Flying Chalks’ tip: As the website is only available in Chinese, students are recommended to have basic knowledge on the Chinese language. Students who do not have a strong command in the language can make use of the “Pop-up dictionary” available on Google Chrome to assist in this application.

Attendance policy:

Some professors will request students to inform them of reason for absence.

Campus map:

Made up of 6 campuses, namely Yuquan, Xixi, Huajiachi, Hubin, Zhejiang and Zijigang, Zhejiang University covers a total area of 533 hectares. Details on Zheda’s individual campuses can be found here!

Interactive map can be found here!

Facilities:

For avid sports lovers, Zhejiang University has various sports facilities available just for you ranging from stadiums, multi-functional training buildings, a second-storey outdoor playground, basketball courts, volleyball fields, tennis courts, track fields, soccer fields, gyms and swimming pools.

Fields are free for all full-time students with effective certificates (valid student/ staff pass/ campus card) to use.

There is also an Art museum located at the West Block of Zi-Jing-Gang campus for artsy individuals.

Food on campus:

There are three international Student dining halls in the International College Building on Yuquan Campus, Overseas Student Dormitory Building at the main gate of Yuquan Campus and Overseas Student Dormitory Building in Hua-Jia-Chi Campus.

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

1. Within the International Building on Yuquan campus, there is a canteen that is most well-known for providing good food. On top of that, it is able to accommodate large groups (a table of 10).
2. Apart from dining at Yuquan Campus, most students frequent the canteens within Zi-Jing-Gang Campus. The one at Yue-Ya-Luo building (2^nd floor) serves decent western food.

Campus transportation:

You can take the free shuttle buses available within school to get around Zhejiang University and its campuses! Bus rides between Yuquan Campus and Zi-Jing-Gang campus are usually about 40 minutes.

Orientation program:

Students will be mandated to attend an Introduction ceremony that will introduce some of the school’s facilitators and leaders as well as the rules that students will have to adhere to.

Student clubs:

[Contribute to this section by sharing with us your favourite student clubs!]

University events:

The university holds and invites students to several Student Festivals.

Joy Parade is normally held in the beginning of November where International students strut campus grounds with their colourful traditional outfits aiming to showcase the comprehensive international cultural characteristics of Zhejiang University.

More information on this festival held in 2015 can be found here!

As part of the Student Festival of Zhejiang University, the New Year Carnival is another event that brings students together to welcome the New Year.

Yuquan Campus is located next to one of the busiest roads leading to the city and hence, really bustling. You can find several choices for food and entertainment in the vicinity as well.

For food:

You can find reasonably priced food outside the south gate as well as good Korean food, Sushi and Night Markets outside the North gate.

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

1. Vineyard Coffee: A western eatery located within walking distance from the North gate. (中田大厦, 玉古路173号中田大厦1楼 /173 Yugu Rd Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China)
2. Yang’s dumplings: Serves the best dumplings at Xi Hu.
3. Around Huanglong Stadium, you can find McDonald’s and Pizza Hut (closer to Zhejiang Library on Shuguang Rd (曙光路136号).
4. Other Seafood restaurants can be found near Vineyard Coffee, around 2^nd Brand Road.

For nightlife and entertainment:

Do check out the area around Huanglong Stadium (曙光路1号), not far from campus!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

1. Clubs like Linx and Queens & Pie are famous in the area
2. 9 Bar is recommended for catching up over some drinks

For daily necessities and groceries:

There is a supermarket located within the campus and is where most International students shop for necessities. Their opening hours are from 08:00 to 22:30.

A Wal-mart can also be found around Huanglong Stadium (曙光路128号).

For shopping:

Although the Yuquan campus and Zi-Jing-Gang Campus are located some distance away (30minutes’ and 45minutes’ away respectively) from the city center and the metro line, there are small shops near Yuquan campus that caters to the basic needs of students.

When in China, most students shop online, on Taobao.com for its convenience (Click, pay and collect on campus). Products will be delivered within a week. On top of that, they have good return policies that allow you to make returns if the apparels don’t fit or you don’t like them.

Apart from the above, look out for these places when you have time (takes about an hour’s bus ride):

1. Xinshi  Night Market  (Located at Xin Shi Jie, 9km away)
2. River Square Shopping Street (Located on He Fang Street, 9km away) that houses several shops that sells local products, food, restaurants and medical halls.

The operating hours in Hangzhou is normally 9am to 8pm while malls open from 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week. 

Visit the University’s website to find out the full list of transportation available!

Getting from Xiaoshan International Airport (Hangzhou) to Yuquan campus:

Shuttle Bus

Take the Shuttle Bus from the airport to Wulinmen CAAC Air-Ticket Office that is situated in the city center (武林门民航售票处). From CAAC Air-Ticket Office you can:

1. Take bus number 28 from Wulin Gate bus station and alight at Yuquan Station (7 stops after Wulin Gate bus station)
2. Take a taxi to the North Gate of Yuquan campus, Zhejiang University on Xixi Road after arriving at Wulinmen CAAC Air-ticket Office. The International College building will be within a 100-meter walk, on the left.

Do note the school’s address: 杭州市西湖区浙大路 38 号，浙江大学玉泉校区。

The shuttle service begins at 0730AM.

Bus intervals: 15-20 minutes, from 08:00 to 22:00.
Bus intervals: 30 minutes, from 22:00 to 02:00.

Buses will only depart after the bus is mostly filled. The journey will take about an hour and costs 20 RMB. The Customer Service Contact Number: +86 571 96299.

For more information, visit the airport website (in Chinese and refer to “武林门线”), the International Students' website, University’s website or the International student’s guide!

Flying Chalks’ tip: Usually on the first 3 days of the new semester, the International College offers pick-up services (from airport) for students.

Taxi

Taxis are easily available at Xiaoshan Airport Taxi Stands, Bus Station Taxi Stands or Train Station Taxi Stands. It will cost you about 100-130 RMB (Approximately USD 15), 20 RMB or 25 RMB respectively.

Getting from Hangzhou Railway Station (Main station) to Yuquan campus:

Within Zhejiang province, Hangzhou is the railway hub that makes travelling very convenient.

After arriving at Hangzhou Main Railway Station, take a taxi to the North Gate (Xixi Road) of Yuquan Campus, Zhejiang University. The International College building will be on your left within a 100-meter walk.

Alternatively, you can take bus services 21, K21 or K101 to Yuquan campus.

For more information, visit the airport website (in Chinese), the International Students' website or University’s website!

Getting from Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Yuquan campus:

Take the shuttle bus from the airport to Hangzhou Yellow Dragon Sports Center. Every trip takes about 3.5hours and will cost you 100 RMB.

Shuttle Bus Information:

From Shanghai to Hangzhou: 10:30 12:00 13:30 15:30 17:30 19:00
From Hangzhou to Shanghai: 7:00 8:30 10:30 12:30 14:30

After arriving at Yellow Dragon Sports Center, Yuquan Campus and Xi’xi Campus will be about 500 meters away while Zi-Jing-Gang Campus and Huajiachi Campus are about 7km away. Should you be lugging lots of luggage, you are recommended to take a taxi from here to the various campuses.

For more information, visit the airport website (in Chinese), the International Students' website or University’s website!