A dry continental climate: cold dry winters, hot rainy summers

Xi'an has a warm, semi-humid continental monsoon climate. Winter is cold and dry, with occasional snow, and the city does have central heating indoors. Spring is mild but dusty and windy, with large day–night temperature swings; summer is hot with the rain concentrated from July to September; autumn is cool, clear and the most comfortable season. Gobi dust can affect air quality in spring.

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

Learn the metro and the noodle shops early

Xi'an's metro is modern and reaches most universities and the main sights, including the walled old town. The city is large but well connected; cycling inside the old town and around some campuses is easy. Wheat is the staple here rather than rice — expect biangbiang noodles, paomo and dumplings rather than the rice-based food of the south. Campus canteens in Xi'an are known for generous portions and low prices.

Confirm your housing first, then work out monthly costs

On-campus places, room types and opening dates are arranged by the university. Xi'an's living costs are moderate — often lower than the coastal megacities — but new campuses in the Xixian New Area (iHarbour) may have fewer off-campus options nearby, so plan carefully. Once you are admitted, apply for a dormitory early if you want one.

Thirteen dynasties of history, in the middle of everyday life

Xi'an is one of the great archaeological cities of the world. The Terracotta Army of the First Emperor lies east of the city; the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and the Shaanxi History Museum hold its treasures. In the old town, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower mark the centre, the Great Mosque and the Muslim Quarter show the city's Silk Road cosmopolitanism, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda recalls the monk Xuanzang. For students, the strong local tradition is a plus: courses in Chinese language and culture are supported by living in an authentically historic city, and the Tang Paradise and City Wall marathon give the year a rhythm.

Wheat, lamb and spice — and a Muslim Quarter to explore

Xi'an's food is heartier and more northern than the south's: 羊肉泡馍 (yangrou paomo, torn bread in mutton soup), biangbiang面 (wide hand-pulled noodles) — the character for "biang" is one of the most complex in Chinese — 肉夹馍 (roujiamo, "Chinese burger"), and 凉皮 (liangpi, cold noodles). The 回民街 (Muslim Quarter) near the Drum Tower is a lively food street with strong Halal (清真) traditions and charcoal-grilled skewers. Campus canteens are cheap and plentiful.

Festivals shape the academic year: 春节 (Spring Festival, usually late January–February) shuts campuses for weeks, so book travel home early; 国庆 (National Day, 1 October) brings a week-long holiday and crowded transport; 中秋 (Mid-Autumn) and 端午 (Dragon Boat) are quieter. Xi'an's 城墙灯会 (City Wall Lantern Festival) around Chinese New Year is a highlight. Freedom of belief is protected; the Great Mosque and the city's temples welcome respectful visitors. For any prayer or worship space, confirm arrangements with your international student office rather than assuming.

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 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).