SZ extends free lodging for college graduates seeking jobs to 15 days

Shenzhen on Sunday announced an extension of its free accommodation program for university graduates coming to the city for job hunting, increasing the duration from seven days to 15 days. This initiative aims to support recent graduates in their transition to the job market while providing them with essential resources for a successful job search.

A room in an apartment in Longhua District that provides free temporary accommodation to fresh graduates seeking jobs in Shenzhen. Photo from Bao'an Bay

In December 2013, the Shenzhen Youth League initiated the "Youth Station" program, which provides job-seeking graduates with free lodging, employment assistance, and services to help them integrate into the city. In 2024, several municipal government agencies partnered with Shenzhen Anju Group and its subsidiary, Anju Leyu, to introduce the "Shen Meng Yang Fan" public welfare initiative, making over 10,000 housing units available across nine districts in the city for free accommodation for graduates during their job search and interview process.

The city has consistently ranked first in the "Talent Attraction Ranking in Chinese Cities" for two consecutive years, highlighting its appeal to the workforce born after 1995. This initiative not only alleviates some of the pressures faced by recent graduates but also reinforces Shenzhen's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for emerging talent in a competitive job market.