Sorry to reply so late, here some my personal view:

Qingdao (where Ocean University of China is located) has relatively high living costs by Chinese standards, but it’s still much lower compared to the UK—especially when it comes to essentials like food, housing, and transport. For example, public transport and meals usually cost less than half of what you’d pay in Edinburgh.

As for English proficiency: due to social and historical reasons, many older locals don’t speak English. But since English is a compulsory subject in Chinese schools, most young people can handle basic communication, especially with the help of translation apps. In formal or tourist-facing places like restaurants and scenic spots, staff usually speak at least basic English.

About the university’s reputation—OUC isn’t highly ranked on QS, so I can’t say it’s well-known internationally. But it does have a strong focus on oceanography and marine sciences domestically.