THE number of Chinese students studying at a Hampshire art school has soared from a handful to nearly 500 a year in less than ten years.

The Chronicle can reveal that registered students from the People’s Republic of China has risen from five in 2005-06 to 575 last December.

The rocketing figure reflects the growing links between Southampton University and various universities in China, the east Asian economic superpower.

The influx is bringing a huge economic boost to Winchester and Hampshire as the students live, shop and spend leisure time in the city.

Each student pays up to around £14,000 a year for tuition fees and with living costs is spending around £30,000, producing an economic boost for the local economy of around £17 million a year.

Nhut Lac, owner of China Town, the oriental supermarket in Upper Brook Street, said his sales double when the students arrive each September.

“The economy here depends on students. They bring a lot of money here. It’s not just me, I can see a big change in the city.

“I can see there are a lot of opportunities with students. Maybe next year I will open a club because there’s big money in it. There are so many opportunities to make money – not to rip them off, but to make their lives more comfortable. They don’t know where to go.”

But there are concerns in Winchester about the interaction between the students and local people.

John Holder, proprietor of a bed and breakfast in Colebrook Place, said: “I wonder if the Chinese students get the full value of being in Winchester that they could have. There are a lot of Chinese students don’t seem to get a good deal of contact with the people of Winchester.”

Mr Holder added: “It is like two different worlds. When they walk around it is like they don’t notice us. I fear by the time they go home they have learned very little about our customs and way of life. Some of them work as volunteers in Oxfam which is wonderful.

“I think the university should organise events. All of a sudden we have a new community but there has been little hospitality or welcome.

“Having these students here could be of great benefit to our country. To have people going back as ambassadors, but we aren’t helping them to be that. We could be doing more for the students.”

The year by year breakdown is: 2005-06, 5; 2006-07, 21; 2007-08 46; 2008-09 104; 2009-10, 161; 2010-11, 248; 2011-12 358; 2012-13, 394.

The figures have been provided by Southampton University only after the Chronicle submitted several requests under the Freedom of Information Act.

In a statement, the university said: “Winchester School of Art is a leading art school with an international reputation attracting students from the UK and around the world. It welcomes many students from China and East Asia each year, as well as other countries.”

The university declined to reveal how much income the Chinese students bring in.

On improving contact with local people, the statement added: “The university organises a series of events to welcome international students to Southampton and the UK which help them experience and understand British culture, including providing support for English language and study skills. The Student Union runs pre-sessional activities such as trips and events to help new students experience life in the UK.”