A humid subtropical climate: hot humid summer, cold damp winter, a plum-rain season

Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold and damp with limited central heating in older buildings, so a warm layer matters indoors; 梅雨 (plum-rain) season in late spring / early summer is wet and muggy; autumn is the most comfortable, clear and crisp. The Yangtze River keeps humidity high year-round.

Sort the paperwork first, then start exploring

1. Confirm where and when to register, as stated in your admission notice
2. Check into your dormitory or complete accommodation registration
3. Complete the document checks, medical examination and insurance your university requires
4. Set up your campus card, SIM card, bank card and everyday payment apps
5. Locate the campus clinic, the international student office and emergency contacts

Work out commuting, payments and food early

Nanjing's metro is well developed and links the campuses, the 紫金山 (Purple Mountain) scenic area and the Yangtze river crossings; buses and shared bikes fill gaps. The 夫子庙 (Confucius Temple) riverside, 玄武湖 (Xuanwu Lake) park and 1912 bar street are easy weekend spots. Campuses have canteens and delivery; if you have dietary restrictions, check campus restaurants and nearby options early.

Confirm your housing first, then work out monthly costs

On-campus places, room types and opening dates are arranged by the university. Once admitted, confirm quickly whether you need to apply for a dormitory separately. Nanjing's cost of living is moderate — cheaper than Shanghai, similar to Tianjin. If you live off campus, factor in the deposit, commuting, internet, utilities and furniture.

A city of scholarship and memory — read its layers with care

Nanjing's identity blends 江南 (Jiangnan) refinement with a sober awareness of history: the 民国 (Republican-era) architecture along 中山路, the 梧桐 (plane-tree) boulevards, and memorials such as the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall are part of the city's public memory — worth visiting with respect and an open mind. Locals are bookish and polite; "face" (面子) matters in formal settings, but daily student life is friendly. Address teachers as "老师 (lǎoshī)" and older students as "学长 / 学姐".

Salted duck, river food, and lantern festivals

Nanjing's signature is 盐水鸭 (Nanjing salted duck); also try 鸭血粉丝汤 (duck-blood and vermicelli soup), 汤包 (soup dumplings), 皮肚面 (crispy-pork-skin noodles) and the 秦淮 (Qinhuai) street snacks. 清真 (Halal) options exist, including near the 净觉寺 (Jingjue Mosque) — Nanjing's oldest surviving mosque, founded in 1388 under the Hongwu Emperor and later repaired under Zheng He's supervision. Campus canteens are cheap; 美团 / 饿了么 (Meituan / Ele.me) deliver to the gate.

Festivals: the 秦淮灯会 (Qinhuai Lantern Festival, usually Jan–Feb) is the city's signature winter event; 春节 (Spring Festival, late Jan–Feb) shuts campuses for weeks; 端午 (Dragon Boat) brings river races and 中秋 (Mid-Autumn) is observed quietly. Freedom of belief is protected; Buddhist temples 鸡鸣寺 (Jiming Temple) and 栖霞寺 (Qixia Temple) and the mosque welcome respectful visitors — confirm worship arrangements with your international student office.

Set up the everyday toolkit in your first days

• WeChat (微信) — chat and group notices, plus WeChat Pay; universities push announcements here and you scan to pay in canteens and taxis.
• Alipay (支付宝) — Alipay Pay and transit codes for metro/bus; both apps now accept major international cards for visitors, but keep some cash as backup.
• 高德地图 / 百度地图 (maps), 滴滴出行 (ride-hailing), 12306 (train tickets), 美团 / 饿了么 (food delivery), and the 南京地铁 app or 我的南京 for local services.