On August 31, 14,291 new students of the Class of 2025 arrived at Shenzhen University, officially embarking on a new chapter of their lives.
One-stop smart orientation: SZU ensures a seamless start
On the first day of the semester, Vice Presidents Li Yonghua, Wang Yongcheng, and Chao Naipeng, along with heads of relevant departments, visited both the Yuehai and Lihu campuses to inspect orientation arrangements. They warmly greeted the incoming students of the Class of 2025 from all corners of China.
The campuses were vibrant and bustling, yet the registration process remained swift and orderly. This year, SZU further enhanced its one-stop orientation system. Most procedures—such as information registration and accommodation applications—could be completed during the summer break. Upon arrival, students simply verified their identity by swiping a card or checking in via location services. The entire process was paperless and queue-free.
The system also includes thoughtful features: students can instantly access key information such as payment status, contact details, class assignments, and dormitory arrangements. A built-in 24/7 AI Orientation Assistant answers common questions like "Who are my roommates?" and "How do I transfer my records?", helping students quickly adapt to campus life.
Personalized volunteer support: "Red vests" offer point-to-point assistance
To ensure a smooth orientation, SZU recruited over 300 volunteers in advance. Volunteers were stationed at the airport and high-speed rail stations to guide arrivals, accompanied students on shuttle buses, and assisted with luggage at campus pickup points.
"Attention to detail and teamwork are the two pillars of a successful orientation. Each reception point was meticulously planned." Said Chen Qiqi, coordinator of the volunteer team and council member of the Volunteer Association. "Everyone took charge of their area, communicated efficiently, and worked collaboratively to ensure new students and their parents felt the warmth of SZU."
Jiang, a freshman from the College of Materials Science and Engineering, shared: "I was worried about feeling lost in a new environment, but there were volunteers at every corner to guide us. They patiently answered all our questions. It was so heartwarming—it made me even more excited for university life!" Safia, a Russian doctoral student at the College of International Studies, added,"I came with my children, and the volunteers were incredibly attentive to them. It made me feel truly welcomed."
Is there more surprise? Thoughtful arrangements are everywhere!
On the vast lawn in the Southern Area, a lightweight manned aircraft—jointly developed by SZU's College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering and Shenzhen Yingwu Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.—took flight, offering a futuristic welcome gift to the incoming class. Along campus pathways, members of the Robot Pilots club operated remote-controlled robots under half a meter tall, smoothly towing luggage over a meter high. The six-axis robotic arm design made the robots exceptionally compact and agile.
Messages from graduates: "Time blind boxes" deliver warmth
While the orientation was efficient and engaging, a special gift added a personal touch: the "Time Blind Box."
As soon as Zhang Xinyi, a freshman at the School of Media and Communication, found a surprise waiting in his dormitory—a card and envelope labeled: "A Letter from a Winner of the Liyuan Prize for Academic Excellence to the Freshman of the Class of 2025." This "message across time and space" was a heartfelt initiative from SZU alumni. The university collected over a thousand messages from the Class of 2025 graduates, selected more than 200 to print on cards, and invited 14 recipients of the Liyuan Prize for Academic Excellence to write personal letters to the newcomers. Some offered study tips, others shared friendly advice—like chatting with a roommate—encouraging students to grow without regrets. Each dormitory desk featured a randomly combined set of cards and letters, ensuring every freshman received a warm and meaningful welcome.
Thoughtful upgrades: Dormitory renovations and community support
Dormitory facilities also underwentspecial changes. Over 6,000 were replaced, and extra-long beds were installed for students taller than 1.88 meters to ensure comfort. To accommodate students with special needs, select dormitories were renovated with accessible features, including split-level bed-desk units, bathroom toilets, and anti-slip handrails.
Various colleges and student communities also played an active role. For the first time, five major student communities participated in orientation, offering services such as cart rentals, volunteer guidance, rest areas for parents, rapid dormitory feedback processing, and exclusive welcome gifts for new students.
From receiving their admission letters to stepping onto campus, the journey of 14,291 new students at Shenzhen University has officially begun. Here, they will explore new knowledge, pursue their dreams, and embody the university's motto: "self-reliance, self-discipline, self-improvement." SZU will accompany every student with openness, inclusiveness, and warmth as they grow and thrive.
