On August 31, the vibrant campus of Fudan University came alive with excitement and anticipation as over 4,300 freshmen from around the globe arrived to embark on their academic journey. The air was filled with a palpable sense of enthusiasm and curiosity, as students from diverse backgrounds gathered to become part of the Fudan community.
This year, the spotlight was on the university’s six newly established innovative engineering colleges, namely College of Integrated Circuits and Micro-Nano Electronics, College of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, College of Biomedical Engineering, College of Intelligent Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing, College of Smart Materials and Future Energy, College of Future Information Technology, which welcomed their first cohorts of students. The registration area was a hive of activity, with students eagerly exploring the booths set up by each college.
At the booths, displays of cutting-edge technology—chips, wafers, and large silicon slices—were neatly arranged, showcasing the university’s commitment to innovation. A humanoid robot named “Friday” waved and greeted the newcomers, drawing curious glances and sparking interest among the students. The robot’s friendly gestures and interactive presence added a modern touch to the traditional welcome, symbolizing the blend of technology and education that Fudan is known for.
In front of the International Students Service Center on the 4th floor of Guanghua Building, international freshmen lined up in an orderly fashion, their faces beaming with excitement. The center, which began trial operations on the same day, offers a one-stop service for admission support, visa processing, accommodation arrangements, academic counseling, and cultural activities.
An AI-powered chat platform, supporting bilingual (Chinese and English) interactions and available 24/7, was also launched to instantly answer common questions that international students might have. The platform’s seamless integration of technology and human touch was a testament to Fudan’s forward-thinking approach. (Portal to the chat platform: https://school.eliandong.com/chat/n9lncHHfqZTUsi3Q)
Elena Kozelko, a Russian student at the College of Smart Materials and Future Energy, shared her excitement. She recalled that she was first attracted by the beautiful campus photos of Fudan. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she mentioned that after learning about the university’s prestigious reputation in chemistry, she knew Fudan was the place for her. She expressed her eagerness to dive into her studies and explore all the opportunities available there.
Mohamed Almansoori from the UAE, who is set to study in the six-year clinical medicine program, had a similar story. He had aspired to be a doctor since the 10th grade but hadn’t considered studying in China until someone recommended Fudan to him two years ago. “It was the best advice I’ve ever received,” he said. After a year of studying Chinese at Fudan, he now considers China his second home. He found it easy to make Chinese friends, noting the cultural similarities between China and the UAE, both of which emphasize hospitality and family values. “I’m excited to continue my medical studies here and contribute to the global healthcare community,” he added.
This year marks Fudan University’s 120th anniversary, and the celebrations were in full swing. To commemorate this milestone, the university prepared for the freshmen special designs featuring the 120th-anniversary logo on student ID cards and public transport IC cards. The five residential colleges also offered welcome gifts, including backpacks and cute sheet protectors.
A newly launched AI assistant designed to welcome new students has been providing real-time information on campus life and studies. Since its launch on August 26, it has been answering over 600 questions per day on average, helping students navigate their new environment with ease. The assistant’s efficiency and accessibility were a hit among the students, who appreciated the seamless integration of technology into their academic journey.
On September 1, the excitement continued as Fudan University’s four campuses—Handan, Fenglin, Jiangwan, and Zhangjiang—welcomed more than 12,000 graduate students. The campuses were abuzz with activity, as new students alike explored the various facilities and resources available to them.
Ali Nobakht from Iran is about to start his graduate studies at the College of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. He was impressed by China’s rapid development in the technology sector and believes that in the age of technology, it is crucial to strengthen the learning of artificial intelligence. He was thrilled to be at Fudan where he could delve into the cutting-edge of technology and have an exciting academic journey.
Pablo Felipe Ernesto Carpanetti Anaiz, a newcomer at Fudan International School of Finance from Chile, is returning to Fudan after previously studying Chinese here. He is excited by the prospect of studying financial and business management. He said that he was looking forward to the challenges ahead and was confident that his time at Fudan would bring significant benefits to his future development.
As the new academic year begins, the Fudan community is filled with a sense of hope and excitement. The university’s commitment to innovation, tradition, and global engagement is evident in every aspect of the welcome process, setting the stage for a year of growth and discovery for all.
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Writer: WANG Mengqi
Editor: LI Yijie
