With temperatures exceeding 40°C in parts of eastern China, students are fleeing uncomfortable dormitories to find cooler spots, raising concerns about living conditions and the impact of climate change on daily life.
Chinese Students Seek Refuge from Scorching Heatwave as Temperatures Soar
Chinese Students Seek Refuge from Scorching Heatwave as Temperatures Soar
As extreme temperatures sweep across eastern China, students are opting for makeshift shelters in libraries and supermarkets instead of their sweltering dorms.
As an early summer heatwave grips eastern China, students are abandoning overcrowded, non-air-conditioned dormitories in search of relief, often resorting to makeshift accommodations in libraries, supermarket aisles, or even hotels. The phenomenon, known as sanfu or "dog days," typically starts mid-July but has surged earlier this year, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F).
In cities like Changchun, struggling students have turned to innovative cooling solutions, such as placing bowls of ice in front of fans, as one university student shared their experience, deeming hotel stays a costly alternative.
The urgent health risks were spotlighted following a tragic incident at Qingdao University, where a dormitory guard was discovered unresponsive in his quarters, raising alarms about heat-related illnesses. His death, currently under investigation, has sparked outpourings of sympathy and highlighted poor living conditions as students advocate for better treatment from universities, urging institutions to prioritize the welfare of those that keep operations running.
These climate-related challenges are not new; last year, extreme heat contributed to over 50,000 fatalities across China, with record temperatures continually rising. Current conditions have forced residents into desperate measures, including one incident where a train passenger broke a window to allow fresh air as the train sat stalled in oppressive heat.
In response to the escalating heatwave, universities are exploring air conditioning installations for dormitories, acknowledging the necessity of modern amenities as energy demands peak across eastern China. This has positively influenced students considering their educational options, as one teenager expressed hesitation to attend Qingdao University solely due to its lack of air conditioning in dorms, stating "Without air-conditioning, it's too hot to survive." As the summer continues to unfold, adapting to climate extremes has become a pressing concern for the students and universities alike.
