A 2026 survey by 58.com and 58 Anjuke Research Institute found 82.5% of graduates prefer to work in their university city. First rentals are more often chosen near employers than campuses, suggesting student-era living circles persist. Respondents may trade up on rental quality but most aim to keep housing costs below 30% of income. Major cities — Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou — remain most attractive; over 70% plan to buy their first home in their current city or nearby.