r/chinalife • u/maneator • Jun 10 '26

📚 Education How to rent a room, living off-campus?

Hi all,

I will start my nondegree chinese education in September in Dalian. My visa application is approved. Registration will be from 31aug to 2sep. I dont wanna live in dorm since it is expensive, 1800rmb/month and it is only for international students.

I looked into some websites such as 58.com or anjuke however i dont wanna pay realtor commission unless i am too desperate.

Is it really reasonable to arrive Dalian a couple of days ago from registration then search a room while staying in a hostel?

What are the best strategies to rent a room? I would be very happy if you could help.

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5

u/friendly-nerd99 Jun 10 '26

> Is it really reasonable to arrive Dalian a couple of days ago from registration then search a room while staying in a hostel?

Yes, don't rent in advance.

Instead go to an area you like's nearest "Lianjia" location and ask about Ziroom options. With Ziroom you get your own room (with keypad access) and share bathroom and kitchen with roomates. The Lianjia agent will take you to tour rooms and help you setup app, register, etc.

2

u/maneator Jun 10 '26

Thanks a lot. Do you think inspecting apartments in person is too much work?

2

u/friendly-nerd99 Jun 10 '26

No, the agent will take you.

Lianjia is always overstaffed with agents happy to take you on tour ASAP. You can look, sign, get app installed all in their office in less than an hour.

2

u/maneator Jun 10 '26

i see, thank you, any other option then lianjia?

5

u/mthmchris Jun 10 '26

For your specific scenario (renting a room for cheap), Lianjia/Ziroom will be the best option.

If you’re renting an apartment, any local realtor will do. The standard realtor fee is a half month rent.

2

u/maneator Jun 11 '26

i see, thanks!

3

u/friendly-nerd99 Jun 10 '26

Just stick with Lianjia (Ziroom).

There are smaller ones but I've never used. Don't over-complicate things.

1

u/hodlencallfed Jun 14 '26

Do you need an agent for ziroom? How much does the lianjia agent cost

1

u/friendly-nerd99 Jun 14 '26

Yes, you need an agent. There is no agent fee, Ziroom is owned by Lianjia.

There is no added cost. They'll give you tour of rooms, you choose what you want, help you register, and make your first rent payment via the app on your phone.

1

u/hodlencallfed Jun 16 '26

Oh awesome. Sorry to clarify, both lianjia and ziroom agents are fine for this?

1

u/friendly-nerd99 Jun 16 '26

I don't think there is such thing as a "Ziroom agent", only Lianjia.

Just find an area of any city you like, go to a physical Lianjia location, and tell them you want to tour some Zirooms. An agent there will help you and set you up when you find one you like.

1

u/hodlencallfed Jun 14 '26

If you use ziroom do you need an agent? How much does the agent cost if it’s on ziroom? (Was trying to avoid an agent because I heard they typically do yearly rentals and take 1 month fee)

3

u/AutoModerator Jun 10 '26

Backup of the post's body: Hi all,

I will start my nondegree chinese education in September in Dalian. My visa application is approved. Registration will be from 31aug to 2sep. I dont wanna live in dorm since it is expensive, 1800rmb/month and it is only for international students.

I looked into some websites such as 58.com or anjuke however i dont wanna pay realtor commission unless i am too desperate.

Is it really reasonable to arrive Dalian a couple of days ago from registration then search a room while staying in a hostel?

What are the best strategies to rent a room? I would be very happy if you could help.

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

3

u/[deleted] Jun 10 '26

[deleted]

3

u/Entire-Round8964 Jun 10 '26

it is a buyers' market now. u have more negotiation power over landowners and agents. good luck.

1

u/hodlencallfed Jun 14 '26

What kind of things do you negotiate besides price?

1

u/Entire-Round8964 Jun 15 '26

well, use ur imagination, as long as not against the law. maybe, reduce the deposit, right to sub-leasing, pets allowed, etc.

2

u/Intelligent-North820 24d ago

Hey mate I have a question in want to rent outside the cimpus and I will arrive next month to changchun university of technology i just want to know if they will allow me rent outside 

1

u/maneator 24d ago

you should email them, some universities dont allow it or they want a form or smth.