This article gives a brief introduction of the national social survey competition of the college students in urban planning in 2007 It also reviews the types of research subjects and indicates the future research trend, based on the winning projects in the recent years Next, indepth study is made on the two hottest subjects in 2007, which are transportation and itinerant vendors The article makes detailed casestudy analysis on the research components, including location, time, and indicators etc The purpose is to find different research approach and methods for similar subjects, and expand research horizon for social surveys From the perspective of subject choosing and research design, the authors hope to provide some creative advice and useful strategies for students doing research on social survey, as well as graduate students writing thesis proposal