'Zhù xiào' literally means 'to live at school' — combining 住 (zhù), meaning 'to reside' or 'to stay', and 校 (xiào), meaning 'school'. It specifically refers to the practice of students living on campus in dormitories during the academic term, rather than commuting daily from home. This arrangement is common among middle and high school students in many Chinese cities, especially when schools are far from home or for intensive academic programs.

The term implies a structured boarding life: students eat in the school cafeteria, attend evening study sessions, and follow dormitory rules. While it can apply to university students, it’s most frequently used for pre-college education. Unlike general terms like 'living on campus', 住校 carries cultural connotations of discipline, independence, and parental sacrifice — often discussed in contexts of education policy, family decisions, or student well-being.