Chinese Students Seek Refuge in Libraries and Hotels Amid Early Summer Heatwave

With a sudden heatwave hitting eastern China, students are abandoning their uncomfortably sweltering dormitories to seek relief in libraries, supermarkets, and air-conditioned hotels. The rising temperatures have raised concerns for health and living conditions, prompting discussions on the need for better accommodations.

As a brutal heatwave sweeps through eastern China, students are increasingly forced to abandon their stifling dormitories in search of cooler environments. Known as the "dog days," this season typically commences in mid-July but has hit the nation earlier than anticipated this year, with temperatures soaring over 40°C (104°F) unexpectedly catching millions off guard.

In cities like Changchun, a university student expressed his frustration, saying that the heat often necessitates escaping to air-conditioned hotels, a move he describes as a last resort due to the financial burden it imposes on students. To cope with the sweltering heat, some utilize makeshift solutions, like placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan, a tactic that has become popular among those seeking some semblance of relief as the semester wraps up.

Tragedy struck recently at Qingdao University where a dormitory guard, affectionately known as the "uncle" who cared for stray cats on campus, was found dead in his room—likely due to heatstroke, though official investigations are ongoing. The incident has drawn tributes from students and highlighted concerns regarding the living conditions for both students and staff during these extreme weather events.

This oppressive heat coincides with a series of devastating climate changes affecting the entire nation. Chinese authorities recently issued flash flood warnings as typhoons made landfall along the eastern coastline, further exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.

As summers grow hotter and longer due to climate change, a concerning trend has emerged—last year alone, a record heatwave was linked to an estimated 50,000 deaths across China. This year, students in various provinces are opting for alternative sleeping arrangements, including tents in air-conditioned hallways and even sleeping in libraries to escape the oppressive heat.

In response to the increasing demand for cooling systems, several educational institutions are taking steps to equip dormitories with air conditioning to keep pace with the soaring temperatures. As energy authorities report record electricity consumption due to heavy reliance on air conditioning, the urgency for infrastructure improvements has become clear. For many students, the decision of where to study is becoming heavily influenced by the availability of basic comfort amenities, reflecting a fundamental shift in how education environments need to adapt to the realities of climate change.