Hi Christian,
I am a graduate student of SWUFE and I live in campus.
The International students live in one of the postgraduates’ dormitries where I stay as well.
I suggest you to live in dormitry although it is small and lack of facilities,but it’s much more easier to get along well with other International students or native students who can help you learn mandarin.
If you insist on living off campus,there are loads of apartments out of school gate.The renting price are always very cheap that you can have widely choices with your budget.
BTW, I will retrun to school early in this Sep.If you need any help,feel free to contact me.