Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) has the best reputation for technical related subjects among universities in the northeast of China. It is a large university mainly based on one campus close to the centre of Harbin. Particular areas of expertise are aerospace and energy - the city of Harbin has benefited by attracting foreign investment in these sectors based on the reputation of HIT.
HIT has a large foreign student population. While most of the foreign students study Chinese Language, there are also a number of graduates pursuing research projects at Masters and Phd level. Many of these students choose to live in the on-campus dormitory, which is close to the Chinese Language teaching building and more reasonably priced than dormitories at many other universities.
With a student population exceeding 60,000, the main HIT campus covers a large area a few miles to the west of the town centre. The surrounding area is heavily built up, and the campus is not as attractive as the other universities in the city. However redevelopment around the university has led to the construction of a number of new high-rise residences. Many foreign students prefer to live in these buildings as an attractive alternative to dormitory life.
HIT is a serious academic university. One illustration of this occurred during the Songhua River pollution incident in 2005. While the other Harbin universities advised all of their students to return home, HIT informed their students that there was no danger related to staying in Harbin - classes continued as normal. As the toxic water passed through Harbin a few miles away from the campus, staff kept the students informed of the changing situation. Based on the university's advice, most students decided to complete their courses.