Student Life

Fudan offers a wide variety of student services on campus via the Students’ Association. Through the Association, students have access to academic, artistic, and sports clubs.  

Maryland-in-Shanghai Sponsored Semester Activities:

• Weekend and spring break trips
• Cultural activities hosted by Resident Director
• Farewell dinner at conclusion of program
  

Tips for Living Life as a Local in Shanghai - a few suggestions, with more detailed instructions to be provided during orientation:

• Pick one or two aspects of traditional Chinese culture that interest you–martial arts, calligraphy, painting, etc.–and focus on them systematically throughout your stay.  It’s not difficult to find teachers.
• Mix with locals–don’t hang out in places that cater only to foreigners.
• Take long walks in the city center with no particular destination in mind - the city is quite safe and, if you get lost, you can hop in a cab & return to campus.
• Learn to use the Shanghai subway during your first week in the city.
• Be extremely careful when crossing streets. Don’t assume that drivers will yield you the right of way.
• Establish good study, rest, leisure, and hobby schedules and stick to them. The time will pass quickly and a schedule will help you make the most of it.
• Bring some small gifts from UM or your hometown–baseball caps, key chains, t-shirts–to give to Chinese families when you visit their homes.
• Bring pictures of your family & life in the U.S. to share with Chinese friends.
• Remember that you are always perceived as a cultural ambassador, even when you’re not in the mood to represent the United States, so be gracious.