About the university
Soochow University (Chinese: 苏州大学; Pinyin: Sūzhōu Dàxué; abbreviated SUDA) is a prestigious comprehensive university located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, one of the most economically advanced regions in China. The university is administered by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Education and Jiangsu Province under China’s Double First-Class University Initiative. It is also co-constructed by the China National Space Administration, highlighting its growing role in national science and technology development. Soochow University is a key member of Project 211 and the 2011 Collaborative Innovation Plan, and is consistently ranked among China’s leading universities, holding a top-tier national ranking.
The origins of Soochow University date back to 1900, when the original Soochow University was founded as a private institution. Following national higher education reforms, several prominent academic units were merged in 1952, leading to the establishment of Jiangsu Teachers College on the former Soochow University campus. In 1982, with approval from the State Council, the institution was officially reorganized and renamed Soochow University, marking its transformation into a modern comprehensive university. Over time, the university expanded further through the integration of several specialized institutions, including Suzhou Medical College, strengthening its academic scope in medicine, engineering, and applied sciences.
Soochow University was officially included in Project 211 in 1996 and was selected for both the first and second rounds of the Double First-Class initiative in 2017 and 2022, respectively, reflecting its sustained academic excellence and research strength.
As of May 2025, the university operates four campuses—Tiancizhuang, Dushu Lake, Yangcheng Lake, and the Future Campus—covering a total area of 3.06 million square meters. The university comprises 37 schools and departments, offering a comprehensive academic system with 132 undergraduate programs, 47 first-level master’s disciplines, 35 professional master’s categories, 31 first-level doctoral disciplines, 1 professional doctoral program, and 30 postdoctoral research stations. With nearly 6,000 faculty and staff members and a student population exceeding 45,000, Soochow University stands as a major center for education, research, and international academic exchange in China.
Accommodation
Soochow University offers well-managed on-campus accommodation for international students, providing a safe, convenient, and comfortable living environment that supports both academic and daily life. International students are usually accommodated in university dormitories located on the East Campus or the Dushu Lake Campus, depending on availability and program arrangement. These dormitories are designed to meet students’ basic living needs while maintaining a secure and student-friendly atmosphere.
Dormitory rooms are generally double-occupancy and furnished with essential facilities such as beds, study desks and chairs, wardrobes, lighting, and internet access. Shared bathroom facilities, laundry services, hot water supply, and common living areas are available within the dormitory buildings. The accommodation areas are managed with access control and on-site supervision, ensuring a safe residential environment for international students. The dormitories are located close to teaching buildings, libraries, cafeterias, supermarkets, and other campus services, allowing students to enjoy a convenient on-campus lifestyle and reduce commuting time.
In terms of cost, accommodation at Soochow University is reasonably priced. The East Campus accommodation fee is approximately 800–900 CNY per month for a double room, while the Dushu Lake Campus accommodation fee is around 600 CNY per month for a double room. These fees make on-campus housing an affordable and practical option for international students. Overall, Soochow University’s accommodation facilities combine safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for international students throughout their study period in China.