Students Turn to Unconventional Solutions Amid China's Early Heatwave

Thu Oct 23 2025 04:23:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the face of soaring temperatures, Chinese students are seeking refuge in libraries and hotels as dorms become unbearable.

As extreme heat grips eastern China earlier than usual this year, university students are resorting to makeshift cooling methods and alternative sleeping arrangements, highlighting the urgent need for proper climate responses in educational institutions.

As soaring temperatures catch many in eastern China off guard, students are grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, seeking refuge in libraries, hotels, and even makeshift tents. This year’s "dog days" arrived earlier than expected, pushing temperatures above 40°C (104°F) and leading university students to flee their stuffy dormitories. A 20-year-old student from Changchun admitted to the BBC that staying in hotels for air conditioning has become a necessary yet costly option for many.

The situation was further exacerbated by the recent tragic death of a dormitory guard at Qingdao University, raising concerns about the well-being of both students and staff in poorly equipped accommodations. Tributes poured in for the guard, affectionately known as the dormitory "uncle," highlighting the emotional bond between him and the campus community. Coinciding with this tragedy, reports surfaced of other students suffering from heatstroke, increasing the anxiety about living conditions at educational institutions.

China is facing a series of extreme weather episodes, including flash floods due to typhoons and rising temperatures linked to climate change, contributing to a climate emergency that experts warn will worsen over time. With projections estimating that last year’s heatwave contributed to over 50,000 fatalities, the need for cooling solutions is critical.

Among various coping mechanisms, students have resorted to creative measures like using ice cubes in front of fans. In an effort to support their students, some universities have opened libraries as temporary shelters from the heat, while others have committed to installing air conditioning in dormitories—a response deemed essential by many students.

As electricity demand surges with air-conditioning accounting for significant power consumption, students in cities like Jinan continue to voice their concerns regarding unlivable living conditions. One high school student stated that the lack of air conditioning had made him reconsider his choice to study at Qingdao University. The ongoing heatwave highlights not only the pressing need for environmental justice but also prompts universities to adapt to the changing climate realities affecting their communities.