Can you learn to live by the unwritten rules of China's universities?

Here are some survival tips according to a student's blog.

Get on the professor's good side

Exam papers are usually composed by the course professor. Students who have a good relationship with him or her normally receive better marks than those who do not.

Student union elections are empty gestures

In the United States, presidents of student unions are chosen through democratic ballots. In China, candidates may run campaigns and students may vote, but presidents are usually decided by college authorities.

Expensive textbooks are a college's first choice

Bookstores normally give discounts to universities since they are big customers. However, students pay full price for every book. Where does the extra money go?

Medicines prescribed by college doctors are the cheapest

The government covers part of a student's medical care and student can receive free medication from college clinics. But the medicines prescribed are the cheapest.

Professor or book dealer?

Many professors also write books in their areas of expertise. If a student buys their book, he or she is guaranteed a pass for the course.

Boss or professor?

The term "boss" is fast replacing the term "professor" for how students address tutors at university. Many professors own companies off campus and students are often used as cheap labor, being forced to skip class to complete "special assignments".

International Teacher's Day means gifts

The best way to show respect is to buy an expensive gift for a professor. This is a norm practiced by many students.