I've been in Chenggong for almost two years and let me tell you - nothing to do here. No nightlife cause universities close dormitories at 12 pm, so students cannot stay outside past that. It used to be a good place to do sports, but pollution has gotten worse due to the massive construction going on.
I wanted to be in downtown, but ended up in Chenggong... They push most of students to move to Chenggong. Go register as early as you can and come up with a good reason why you should stay in downtown? I don't really have any good advice for you. Also age matters, as far as I know only younger students end up in Chenggong.
Chenggong campus has better facilities, but location is horrible.
I don't have a Chinese family too, so Spring Festival for me is the most boring week in the whole year. I wish there was a bit more going on for people who don't celebrate