THE previous years have witnessed young graduates’ growing demand finding a job in Shenzhen. The Home for Graduates is their first accommodation, offering a free week’s stay.

Liu Li, a fresh graduate who came to Shenzhen for a job, got to know about the Home for Graduates from the internet. “Many people recommended this accommodation. I submitted the application and got accepted in 10 minutes,” Liu said. “I didn’t expect to see so nice facilities — independent bathrooms and clean bedding,” he added.

A Futian home for graduates at Qiuguo Hotel in Shixia has nine dorms each on two floors, providing a total of 108 beds. Each room has six bunk beds, independent bathroom, water heater, air conditioning and WiFi.

“We aim to provide a temporary home for the nonlocal college graduates seeking jobs in Shenzhen, which makes them feel the city’s warmth upon arrival,” said Li Guijian, head with the Home for Graduates.

The city now has 17 homes for graduates and two cooperative hotels to provide a total of 392 beds for fresh graduates hunting a job in Shenzhen and they have accommodated more than 28,000 people. The current pandemic control measures have led to a decrease of available homes and beds, with nine remaining homes offering 233 beds. Career guidance and counseling courses are also provided in the homes.

Shenzhen initiated the Home for Graduates in 2013. There are requirements graduates need to meet before being allowed to enjoy the free seven-day stay. Requirements include: they should graduate from a full-time program in a junior college or above within one year; they should be healthy; they should have no permanent residency in Shenzhen and no previous record of applying for the home.

Prior to enjoying a free seven-day stay, the eligible graduates need to submit the application online three to 15 days in advance and wait for the approval in three days.  (Xia Yuanjie)