Chinese student commutes thousands of miles weekly instead of living in Australia
- Xu Guangli, a 28-year-old student from Dezhou, China, commutes weekly to attend RMIT University in Melbourne.
- He chose this commuting option to spend more time with his girlfriend and family while avoiding high costs of living in Australia.
- His story has ignited discussions about student expenses, housing pressures, and environmental impacts related to international commuting.
In August 2023, Xu Guangli, a Chinese student, started a remarkable weekly commuting routine to attend classes at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Instead of relocating to Australia, he opted to travel back to his home in Dezhou each week, making the journey once a week for 11 weeks through October. His choice drew widespread attention in China after he shared videos documenting his experience on Douyin, which resonated with many social media users. He managed to stay in Melbourne for just one night each week, taking a round trip that cost him approximately $920, with the flight accounting for the bulk of this expense. Xu indicated that a significant motivator for this extraordinary arrangement was his relationship with his partner, allowing him to spend more quality time with her despite the long-distance constraints. Aside from personal reasons, Xu mentioned his intentions to build a career in China after graduation. He considered his commuting schedule feasible because of the frequency of flights between China and Australia, with various airlines providing service. Despite the long hours spent in transit—about three days each week—he expressed satisfaction with his routine and stated that he faced no major issues. Xu's story sparked debate among Australians, some of whom criticized the environmental implications of such extensive travel, while others noted the rising costs of living in Australia as a significant factor driving international students to choose more economical arrangements. Opinions varied; some suggested that international students who do not settle in Australia should not be permitted to study there. However, opposing views highlighted that allowing commuting students could reduce pressure on local housing resources, suggesting potential benefits for international students and local citizens alike. Ultimately, Xu's choice reflects broader trends amid escalating living costs in Australia and the challenges faced by international students. His experience is a reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go in pursuit of education and professional goals, navigating personal connections and economic realities while exploring their academic ambitions overseas.