Editor’s note:
If you are a new student embarking on a learning journey with Tsinghua from this semester, welcome to your new home — you are about to start an exciting new chapter in your life, full of discoveries, unique experiences, and boundless opportunities to learn and grow.
To help you make the most of your university life and maximize your full potential, here are 6 pieces of advice for incoming freshmen from seniors: Tsinghua Global Student Ambassadors, all of them either seniors or recent graduates.
01 Advice for incoming freshmen: Participate in student activities that truly speak to you
You are about to start a new chapter in your life, and I hope each page of it will be filled with unforgettable memories and diverse experiences that will make you become the person you aim to be. Tsinghua University offers multiple opportunities and supportive platforms where you can develop your talents and express your true self.
I joined the Global Communication Office last year, when I was still unfamiliar with the university and campus life. The GCO provided me with plenty of support and opportunities, which immensely helped me improve my journalism and story-telling skills. Even though some experiences, such as hosting the Tsinghua Gala Night, took me outside of my comfort zone, they also left me with many great memories.
As a student ambassador, I would strongly encourage all of you to try all types of activities that are offered by Tsinghua, join student associations that truly speak to you, and most importantly, don’t hesitate to reach out to students and professors when something bugs you. I hope Tsinghua can provide enough support for you to create the best out of these few years, and I wish you a happy start to the school year!
02 Don’t hesitate to reach out
Tsinghua is an inclusive community, especially friendly with students. At the same time, it offers a highly intellectually challenging and rewarding environment to pursue your academic interest. However, I have to say it is easy to get lost in the jampacked schedule and fast-paced student life at the beginning. So remember, don’t be afraid to look stupid and ask any TsinghuaRen, at least that is one helpful piece of advice that allowed me to explore the unlimited potential and limitless possibilities of Tsinghua.
03 Get familiar with the campus
Hi, new friends! Welcome to Tsinghua. The campus is huge, so please remember to get yourself familiar with different teaching buildings and cafeterias. It used to take me 10 minutes to get to the right classroom in Teaching Building No. 6 when I was a newcomer. By the way, you will find that riding bikes is a part of your life at Tsinghua. And don’t be surprised if you also find yourself stuck with hundreds of bikes in the morning.
Students can discover diverse lifestyles at Tsinghua and meet different people. I believe you will enjoy your time here.
04 Learn Chinese, make new friends, experience China
Pursuing my master’s at Tsinghua University was an incredible experience right from the beginning of my graduate studies. Meeting new classmates from all over the world, sharing diverse thoughts and ideas, and attending lectures delivered by world-leading professors inspired and influenced me in many ways. I became more culturally sensitive and my research skills improved.
However, my first semester was full of challenges as well. Improving your Chinese language and remembering Chinese names might be a daunting task. I suggest you making a lot of Chinese friends and communicating with them to better understand your daily tasks and course objectives.
At the same time, make sure you do your best and enjoy every single day of your student life. Tsinghua University provides a suitable academic atmosphere and world-class education to everyone. Being a TsinghuaRen is a major responsibility, but it will bring unique opportunities that can positively alter your life in the future.
05 Approach your university life with an open mind and brave heart
I am so excited to welcome you to the best university in China. I would suggest that you approach your university life with an open mind and brave heart. Attend classes, and when something is due, don’t wait until the night before to start working on it. Start as soon as you can.
But above all, remember to stay healthy. This includes getting enough sleep, having a schedule, and doing sports. Now that you don’t have your parents telling you to go to bed, you need to manage your time properly, get a good night’s rest, especially before exams, and stay healthy. Tsinghua offers great opportunities for sports, such as swimming, badminton, tennis, and basketball. Take advantage of various sports facilities on campus and take part in various sports clubs.
06 Take the plunge, and have a great time
Dear incoming students, I am so excited about your new journey with Tsinghua. Here, you will find yourself on a journey not only of many assignments but also of self-discovery with a lifetime of memories. Tsinghua has excellent professors, talented students, and welcoming staff. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to reach out to your classmates and teachers.
Don’t be afraid to fail and enjoy university life, take challenges with a brave heart, and have fun. Be fearless in setting goals for yourself and exploring unknown territories. Be open-minded for new opportunities. I can promise you that it’s okay to have no clue on what you want to do with life, and that it will always work out in the end. Get ready for all the amazing moments to come! Take the plunge and have a great time!
Welcome to Tsinghua once again.
Make yourself at home with the vibrant Tsinghua community.
Together, we strive for excellence and innovate for the future.
Related: Tsinghua University
(Source: Tsinghua University)