Students in the United States pay far more for their living arrangements and meal plans than those in China, and some U.S. students would like to see changes.
The expenses on campus’ in China are much less than those in the U.S. Lyndon State College is planning to expand its number of students, especially those who are international and out-of-state. However, the fact that student expenses are lower in other countries could prove to be a challenge in getting students to come to LSC.
“I chose the Gold Meal plan, which is required on campus, so I pay $1,642 every semester, that is more than $15 a day excluding breaks. I would always say I pay too much and the food quality could be much better,” said Adam Whittier, a freshman illustration major. “If they improve their cooking, I would like to pay money in the dining hall.”
According to the LSC website, students can have several meal plan options, but the cheapest meal plan would be $1,520 a semester, just $122 less than the Gold Meal plan. Compared with other colleges or universities board expenses at LSC are relatively low, but it seems that many students are still not satisfied with it.
“I usually spend 20 to 25 Yuan (about $3.10 to $3.80) for my meal every day (about $360 to $460 a semester),” said Yingqiao Jin, a junior broadcast announcing in English major at the Communication University of China. “If I order takeouts, it will cost me about 30 Yuan a day and I like it because I can choose whatever I want.”
In China, students living on campus are not required to have meal plans. Instead, they can manage how much they would like to spend on a meal in the dining hall or go off campus for food. Food in the on-campus dining hall is much cheaper than off campus, because of government subsidies.
The cost for a double room in Wheelock at LSC is $2,418 every semester, and $3,370 for a single room in Rita Bole, while in China, most universities charge a student 1200 Yuan a year, which is 600 Yuan (less than $100) a semester. Residence halls are also open for students for free in both summer and winter vacation in China.
Chinese students pay 20 to 30 times more money here in the U.S. than they do in China. For more information about on-campus expenses, students can refer to the Cost, Tuition and Discounts link on LSC’s homepage.