The summer heatwave in China has caught students in the eastern regions off guard, prompting many to seek refuge in public spaces like libraries and tents. With temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), students are fleeing their stuffy dormitories, often sharing cramped accommodations without air conditioning. A 20-year-old student from Changchun explained how checking into hotels for cooler nights is a financial burden, leading him to create a "homemade air-conditioner" with ice cubes in front of a fan.
The arrival of the "dog days" of summer typically occurs in mid-July, but this year, the searing heat arrived earlier than expected. Unfortunately, concerns heightened after a dormitory guard at Qingdao University passed away, suspected of heatstroke. Students mourned their beloved "uncle," known for caring for stray cats on campus, igniting conversations about the treatment of staff and student living conditions during this extreme weather.
As climate change intensifies heatwaves globally, China has faced increasingly severe weather conditions, including flash floods and record-setting temperatures. Senior students have resorted to sleeping in air-conditioned venues, with universities responding by planning to install cooling systems in dorms to accommodate incoming students for the next semester. With air conditioning now accounting for over a third of eastern China's power demand, students hope these changes will lead to more comfortable living conditions in the future.
