Recently, in the midst of a heatwave in Northeast China, many university students have taken to social media to complain about the lack of air conditioning and fans in their dormitories. The high temperatures have made it difficult for them to sleep at night, forcing some to resort to sleeping in the hallways or on the ground floor, with reports of students suffering heatstroke during final exams.
According to China’s weather network, since June 23, temperatures exceeding 35℃ in the Northeast region have been expanding. On the 25th, some areas recorded surface temperatures soaring above 65℃, while on the 26th, regions like Jilin and Liaoning still experienced temperatures above 35℃.
The Heilongjiang Meteorological Observatory issued a high-temperature forecast on June 23, projecting that from the 23rd to the 28th, most areas in Heilongjiang Province will continue to experience above-average temperatures, with some cities reaching 35℃ to 37℃.
Students have described sweating profusely in their dormitories due to the lack of air conditioning and fans. Some have resorted to using books to fan themselves, while others have sought refuge on the dormitory corridors or outdoor terraces to sleep, reminiscent of living conditions from the late 70s to early 80s. A parent from Hunan lamented that their child at Jilin University reported nightly power outages at 11:30 pm. Likewise, a netizen from Shandong shared, “My younger brother studying in Jilin can’t sleep at night due to the intense heat. Some students have even fainted during exams.”
On June 26, a student named Dong studying in Shenyang revealed the challenges faced in their school due to the scorching weather. With temperatures reaching 35℃, there were virtually no air-conditioned spaces on campus, rendering the use of fans ineffective against the sweltering heat. Additionally, shower facilities were only available between 8 am and 10:15 pm.
Another student from Northeast Forestry University, Lin, mentioned the absence of cooling facilities in Harbin despite temperatures hitting 36℃. Many male students have resorted to sleeping on the floor at night, with Lin herself experiencing sleep disruptions due to the heat even with a fan. To cool off, some students sought refuge in nearby hotels, causing overcrowding as all available rooms were booked.
Videos circulated online depicted students from Harbin Engineering University and Heilongjiang Oriental College sleeping on the ground floor and rooftop terraces due to the unbearable conditions. Some students even set up tents in their dormitory buildings as a makeshift solution.
Officials from Harbin Engineering University acknowledged students sleeping on the campus playground but have yet to confirm plans regarding air conditioning installations, pending further communication from the administration. Similarly, staff from Heilongjiang Oriental College admitted the absence of cooling equipment in the dormitories, classrooms, and faculty offices, attributing the extreme conditions to the unexpected rise in temperatures despite the usual start of summer break during hot weather.
Moreover, representatives from institutions like Jilin University and Northeast Normal University noted that even staff offices were uncomfortably hot, yet there are no immediate plans to install air conditioning systems.
The public outcry over these conditions on June 27 gained traction online, topping the trending list on Weibo.
Netizens expressed their concerns, suggesting that the root of the issue lies in the power cuts. Some advocated for either installing air conditioning units or avoiding electricity disruptions altogether. They argued that providing electric fans could offer students some relief if blackout periods remain a necessity. Some students highlighted the disparities, pointing out that international student dormitories were equipped with air conditioning, and in some cases, plans were underway to supply refrigerators to these residences.