A Ministry of Education notice said about one-quarter of last year's graduates were unemployed and outlined remedial steps including controlling the increase in university enrolment and encouraging students to look for work outside the big cities.

More than 55,000 students took the government up on the offer and went to work in less developed western provinces, the Xinhua news agency has said, lured in part by favourable policies including pledges to cancel their debts in compensation.

But the solution is not for everyone.

Bai grew up in Beijing and he wants to stay there.

Chen, who is from the coastal province of Shandong, says the capital offers more opportunities than her hometown, a sentiment she says is shared by most of her classmates.

"Every year a lot of students come to Beijing, but very few leave," she said.

For those yet to find work, the options may be narrowing.

"We're all about 24 or 25. At that age you can't forever rely on your family for your living," she said of her classmates.

"All they can do is keep looking."