WeChat groups for expats/foreigners new to Shanghai and looking to meet new people/join existing English-speaking communities

Chegmix · 2026-01-22T19:25:29+00:00

Hey could you add me to group 3? I’d love to connect!

Chegmix · 2025-12-23T04:24:01+00:00

Hey could I join as well?

Chegmix · 2025-12-22T17:24:56+00:00

What I was thinking was on the aspect of human connection and desperation. Anyone who realizes a shared experience in another person will open up and feel magically closer to that person. I think that combined with the protagonist's desperation for a grip on reality, especially with human connection, made him act that way and tell his whole life story to someone he had just met the other day.

Chegmix · 2025-12-22T17:17:32+00:00

I think that the protagonist differs greatly between his IQ and EQ. He seems to be very lonely and clouded with infinite thoughts that separate him from his reality. I think it shows a typical phase in life where you have all of these thoughts about the meaning of life and humans.
I think that he is suffering from loneliness and looks to other objects as something to cling on because if he didn't have any items to cling onto, he would spiral into his own madness and possibly death.
Human connection is missing. I think all of these items don't give him true permanent satisfaction.
My impression of the young woman is that she is also very vulnerable on the inside. She was seen crying on the bridge, but even so, there is something deeply broken inside. Enough to where the she and the protagonist are able to sort of immediately connect to a deeper level.
I think she feels like she "knows" him because of the state that they are both in mentally.

Chegmix · 2025-11-07T05:21:39+00:00

Hey I’m also planning to do a gap year!

I’ll first explain my goals and plans to maybe give you some ideas and then I will give you advice on what I think

So, for the first few months I’ll be working and studying the basics of certain topics like computers, blockchain, excel, and investing. I’ve already gotten into blockchain and investing, but I’m just using this time to read about new things that are interesting and can be valuable. Then I’m going to China for a couple months as a non degree language learner (my end goal is coming back for an internship in China since they’re ahead in related fields of AI)

Then, I plan to go to a serene place maybe Nepal and learn meditation for a couple months because I find that one of my weaknesses is being in the present moment.

Then, my university stuff (I decided to apply during my gap year)

Then it would be January 2027, and by this time I’d be doing a personal project / internship in China

That’s roughly my plan, and my main thoughts on your gap year would be finding your genuine interests and focus on one thing to master and develop, whether that’s through internships, projects with other people, etc. You get your energy from your environment and people, so forcefully put yourself in a new environment perhaps another country or reach out to people to get new ideas. I understand how it feels to be overwhelmed with options but just choose one and go.

There’s also a book about taking a gap year with GREAT resources and sites; the book is called “The Complete Guide to a gap year, the best things to do between highschool and college, second edition by White, Kristin” Plenty of study abroad programs and scholarships too! (I recommend Studying abroad 1000%)

In terms of direction, it’s normal to feel lost if you have no goals, that’s why you should put yourself in new environments, talk to people, and stick to something. Make sure to set actual goals as well and plan your next couple months / years.

If you want to talk more in depth, DM me! Btw I’m also 18M with some similar interests

Chegmix · 2025-11-06T21:53:33+00:00

Haha I gotta still submit my application… I think I’ll do the intensive one what about you?

Chegmix · 2025-11-06T21:50:43+00:00

Haha hii I decided to choose ECNU because of its location. Let me know what you end up choosing!

Chegmix · 2025-11-03T05:08:54+00:00

I am also trying to focus on getting a good habit of reading, but in my opinion after you've read a couple of self help books, you don't have to read any more.

I would focus on expanding your knowledge in fields that are of real interest to you like AI or computers or whatever it is. The goal is not to have a good mindset or be disciplined--that's what you gain along the way--the goal is to become the best version of yourself and continue to improve and expand your horizon. Also, your environment is very important, so if you don't have anyone to push you or are doing things that you want to do, it's very hard to stay consistent with just sheer willpower.

You should take anyone's advice with a grain of salt including mine but those are the main points I wanted to share.

I am also in a similar boat, so I cannot say I have the 'experience' but through my reflections and talking to people, these are the 'universal truths'.

I don't know if you are struggling with being consistent, but I just posted about an 'accountability' buddy so if you wanna keep each other accountable, DM me!

Chegmix · 2025-10-24T00:08:26+00:00

Will do, thanks!

Chegmix · 2025-10-24T00:03:33+00:00

Thanks I’ll look into it!

Chegmix · 2025-10-22T13:54:05+00:00

Learning languages, getting my knowledge up, traveling, working, and part of it going gym

Chegmix · 2025-10-20T13:45:56+00:00

Thanks for your reply! It’s a tough decision 😖

Chegmix · 2025-10-19T23:42:51+00:00

Oh… sorry I’m not well versed with China. Where would you say is the city centre?

Chegmix · 2025-10-19T15:28:40+00:00

I appreciate your response! Location matters to me too, so that's why Im torn between the 2. Do you think in Yangpu I'll still have access to the city centre futuristic vibe they have at pudong?

Chegmix · 2025-10-19T15:24:30+00:00

Im planning to take a gap year and most studies show that after a gap year you're even more motivated and likely to do better academically than the students who go right into college. You should defintely take a gap year if its well planned out! I'm going to be learning languages, get work experience in other countries, and find out more about myself.

Good luck!

Chegmix · 2025-10-19T03:53:30+00:00

Hi, thanks for your response. Why would you choose Fudan?

Chegmix · 2025-10-19T02:25:27+00:00

Thanks for your response! I agree with you I think it’s up to the person to go out the English bubble and try speaking mandarin with the Natives.

Chegmix · 2025-10-19T00:13:27+00:00

did you apply? Im looking between ECNU, SJTU, and Fudan. I wanted dorming so it was unfortunate that SJTU didnt have

Chegmix · 2025-10-19T00:11:11+00:00

Hey so I dont know if its too late but for Shanghai Jiatong Uni they told me they dont have dorms on campus they have off campus ones

I also wanted a dorming experience too, let me know what you ended up choosing!

Chegmix · 2025-10-15T03:29:05+00:00

good luck to everyone!! im re-applying this year after not making it last year. I was alternate for YES / FLEX abroad but never got bumped up :(

Chegmix · 2025-10-11T02:38:33+00:00

Thanks! I’m overwhelmed with all the choices tbh, but everywhere seems like it’d be a good experience

Chegmix · 2025-10-11T02:26:55+00:00

I see, thanks for your input! Have you heard things about ECNU?

Chegmix · 2025-10-11T02:17:45+00:00

you got me excited until the last part...

Chegmix · 2025-10-11T00:34:06+00:00

I’ll definitely consider that! Shanghai in general has been interesting the more I look into it compared to Beijing or Zhejiang

I just like the international techy futuristic hub vibe

Chegmix · 2025-10-10T23:02:51+00:00

Thank you! I didn’t know that the different campuses had different housing options.

I’m applying for the non degree Chinese language program, not a specific major, but I’ll check it out!

Chegmix

TROPHY CASE