With the arrival of early summer heat causing temperatures to soar above 40C (104F), students in eastern China are seeking alternative accommodations to escape the oppressive conditions in their dormitories. Rising concerns over high temperatures, including incidents of heat-related illnesses, have sparked discussions on living conditions at universities.
Chinese Students Seek Refuge from Extreme Heatwave in Unconventional Spaces
Chinese Students Seek Refuge from Extreme Heatwave in Unconventional Spaces
In the face of a severe heatwave sweeping eastern China, students are finding relief in libraries, supermarkets, and even hotels, as traditional dormitories fail to provide adequate cooling.
The sweltering "dog days" of summer have arrived early in China this year, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) across the eastern region. As a response to the heatwave, many students are abandoning their overcrowded dormitories for cooler options such as libraries, supermarkets, and air-conditioned hotels.
A university student from Changchun revealed, "Sometimes we go out to stay in hotels for the air-conditioning." However, this option is often unaffordable for students, who resort to clever DIY solutions like placing ice cubes in front of fans to mitigate discomfort.
The heatwave's impact has intensified after a tragic incident at Qingdao University where a dormitory guard allegedly died from heatstroke. This prompted an outpouring of tributes and raised further concerns regarding the safety and conditions of living spaces for both students and staff.
In response to worsening living conditions, some universities are taking action; many schools are now planning to install air conditioning in their dorms. Reports indicate that the demand for electricity, driven largely by a surge in air-conditioning use, has pushed the power grid to record levels, raising awareness of the climate crisis and its effects on everyday life.
As extreme weather patterns prevail across the country, this summer has already seen previous records surpassed, with temperatures registering the highest levels since official records began in 1961. Reflecting on these changes, a student noted, "When I was young, the summers in the northeast were really comfortable. But now they’re getting hotter and hotter."
Amidst this severe weather, communities are adapting in unusual ways. Videos have emerged showing individuals breaking train windows to let in air during a heat-induced delay, and diners frequenting restaurants not for meals but for a respite from the heat. With schools and students increasingly relying on unconventional spaces for relief, the urgent need for proper climate control in living quarters becomes more evident.
As the summer progresses, students hope that implementing air conditioning in dormitories will provide a much-needed solution to endure the sweltering heat.
A university student from Changchun revealed, "Sometimes we go out to stay in hotels for the air-conditioning." However, this option is often unaffordable for students, who resort to clever DIY solutions like placing ice cubes in front of fans to mitigate discomfort.
The heatwave's impact has intensified after a tragic incident at Qingdao University where a dormitory guard allegedly died from heatstroke. This prompted an outpouring of tributes and raised further concerns regarding the safety and conditions of living spaces for both students and staff.
In response to worsening living conditions, some universities are taking action; many schools are now planning to install air conditioning in their dorms. Reports indicate that the demand for electricity, driven largely by a surge in air-conditioning use, has pushed the power grid to record levels, raising awareness of the climate crisis and its effects on everyday life.
As extreme weather patterns prevail across the country, this summer has already seen previous records surpassed, with temperatures registering the highest levels since official records began in 1961. Reflecting on these changes, a student noted, "When I was young, the summers in the northeast were really comfortable. But now they’re getting hotter and hotter."
Amidst this severe weather, communities are adapting in unusual ways. Videos have emerged showing individuals breaking train windows to let in air during a heat-induced delay, and diners frequenting restaurants not for meals but for a respite from the heat. With schools and students increasingly relying on unconventional spaces for relief, the urgent need for proper climate control in living quarters becomes more evident.
As the summer progresses, students hope that implementing air conditioning in dormitories will provide a much-needed solution to endure the sweltering heat.
