University freshmen in Guangxi prefer to buy their bedding from older students - they think the sheets and quilts that universities provide are expensive, according to a local newspaper report.

A freshman prepares to settle into campus with her parents' help. Some university freshmen buy their bedding from their seniors to save money. [newsphoto.com.cn]

At some universities, a bedding package costs 300 yuan (US$36). But, if you buy them from a student, it will only cost you 200 yuan (US$24) or less.

At Guangxi University, only 20 per cent of the freshmen bought bedding from the school this year, according to the university housing office.

"I only had one day to get settled down, so it would be hard to go look around downtown. And, buying from another student is much cheaper," said Liu Guang, a freshman.

For some older students, selling bedding has turned out to be profitable.

One senior said that he could make a 50-yuan profit off one set of bedding.

However, since those students mainly get their supplies from wholesalers, they don't know much about the quality and the freshmen customers have no one to turn to if they have problems with the goods.

A man named Wang, who works in the university housing office, said that in fact they won't insist that students buy their bedding from his office. Students can buy it anywhere.

Students at universities elsewhere don't always have to worry about their beddings. At Peking University, students have a new set of bedding on their bunks before they even arrive. They pay for it along with their other school fees. Some students find this a convenient way to start.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Lifestyle News
+9/11 attack praised on new Bin Laden tape ( 2003-09-11) +US$1.3b to tackle loopholes on health ( 2003-09-11) +Beijing plans second int'l airport ( 2003-09-11) +Foreign debt jumps, but 'poses no threat' ( 2003-09-11) +Commentary: Pentagon's distorted view of China ( 2003-09-11)		+Adili,Chinese High-Wire Walker ( 2003-09-11) +Harvesting good nutrition ( 2003-09-11) +Newspapers have no space for news ( 2003-09-11) +Sales job helps communication ( 2003-09-11) +Suicide, chief killer of young people ( 2003-09-11)