On August 28, Tianjin University welcomed 12,030 newcomers to the clan. This included more than 4,900 undergraduates and postgraduates in excess of 5,700 master degree students and over 1,200 doctoral students. Each school with their own unique characteristics, took special care while preparing a series of activities in an effort to aid the student’s transition into their new college life.

The School of Civil Engineering, surprised every newcomer with an exquisite calendar, dubbed the “brick calendar”. Incorporating wonderful features from Tianjin University and Civil Engineering, the calendar was designed independently by the school, wishing all success in their upcoming years of study.

To welcome students from all corners of China, the School of Mechanical Engineering designed a map wall with the names of cities. As students arrived, little red flags were attached to the map, each representing a student’s hometown.

The School of Mathematics and the School of Mechanical Engineering set up information desks, with teachers answering questions about future study.

The School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology provided training with regards to self-rescue and mutual rescue skills, and offered each dormitory a first aid kit along with a tutorial.

Many schools also prepared favors, message walls and walls of photos in the hope of giving the students a memorable experience on their first day of college. The university offered gift packages as well – one daily life package including toiletries, and another comprised of inspiring books, including the “Qixing” education plan and campus part-time job offer. In addition, Tianjin University especially created the “Qixingdenghuo” class in an effort to help students fit into college life and develop. In the sophomore year of study, it is aimed to improve their overall ability through a series of training and practice in an effort to ensure every student the opportunity of success.

Online registration reaches record high of 97%

During the preparations, Tianjin University collected and analyzed data from the Office of Academic Affairs, the Graduate School, the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Dormitory Management and the Office of Finance Affairs for the online registration system, sparing first year students the trouble of queuing. After logging into the website, students could register personal information, choose a dormitory, apply for campus network, and generate registration forms. On move in day, students only needed to pick up their dorm key and campus card at the registration station. The online registration rate reached a whopping 97%. Additionally, the system also offered services that students were concerned about, such as: payment inquiry, application for the Green Pass, as well as “class inquiry”, “roommate inquiry” “fellow-townsman inquiry” and “questionnaire”.

A special birthday thought

On “move in day”, Wang Maolong, a new student in chemical engineering celebrated his 18th birthday. To his surprise, Wang received a birthday cake, which read “TJU” made by the seniors.

In the hope of giving new members a sweet taste treat, the food science and engineering majors began making cranberry cookies and cupcakes from early morning as well as baking the delicious cake for Wang Maolong.

“We made the cake with the knowledge we gained at TJU. We made it on our own in the lab!” Sun Yijie, a participant in the cake-baking, introduced that food technology, their compulsory subject required them to learn about the principle of physical fluffiness and, master the method for making and baking fluffy dough through the art of making cakes.

Coincidentally, another birthday was also celebrated for Huang Zeyi, a first year from the School of Mechanical Engineering who received a present from the dean. As a member of the “Tianlin” class, he chose to spend his birthday serving others.

“Green Pass” offers grants for students with financial difficulties

This year, the university provided students economic funding for those facing financial difficulties, together with those impoverished by natural disasters including floods and earthquakes. The assistance, which also includes living and travel allowances, came in the form of scholarships, such as: the Peiyang Scholarship, and from the Ma Ruren Education Fund and, Zheng Dong Innovation Grant, Care Fund.

Popular tents provide free accommodations for the eighth consecutive year

Over 700 colorful tents stood in neat rows like rainbows. This was the eighth straight year that Tianjin University offered tents for parents.

As the school year began, hotel rooms around the campus were at a premium. Thus, Tianjin University decided to provide temporary free accommodation for parents from other cities, which comprised other essentials such as pillows and groundsheets. Additionally, other facilities were available in the gym such as water coolers, washrooms and bathrooms and most notably the air conditioning, which ensured parents a cool experience.

Sun Jia xin, a girl from Shanxi, was accepted by the School of Chemical Engineering this year. Her parents checked into a tent and mentioned to the journalist that the reason they chose the tent was for a new kind of experience as well as the long distance between the hotel and campus.

Twin sisters registered at the School of Management and Economics

Among the first year students, a pair of twin sisters attracted considerable attention – Kong Junying and Kong Saiying shared their common interest:

“We’ve always adored Tianjin University!” stated Kong Saiying. They learned more about the University’s great academic strength, agreeable environment and excellent atmosphere of academic life through the seniors. When applying for schools, they decisively filled in “Tianjin University”. The twins are full of hope for the forthcoming college life. Kong Junying said: “I hope that I’ll be good enough to choose a major I like in the second year. I also hope to sharpen my social skills by taking part in more activities.” Kong Saiying quite agreed with her sister and hoped for a rich college life, a large network of friends and broadened horizons. “I will fulfill my dream through goals and actions”.

By: Wang Yuqi

Editors: Harlan Haverback, Sun Xiaofang