On September 1, the International College（IC） of Xiamen University(XMU) welcomed its new students of the Class of 2026 from all over China, arriving with great enthusiasm and expectation. Their youthful energy and quiet ambitions brought a fresh vitality to the campus, marking the beginning of their journey toward global dreams.

Meticulous Preparation

To ensure a well-organized and welcoming orientation, the College started preparations early in the summer. Every detail — from orientation planning, volunteer training, and dormitory safety checks to equipment testing and campus decoration — was carefully assigned and repeatedly reviewed. On the orientation morning, faculty and volunteers were already on site before sunrise, making final preparations. Warm welcome signs along the campus roads expressed the College's heartfelt greetings and the faculty's best wishes, helping new students feel at home from their very first day.

From Airport and Station to Campus — Attentive Care All the Way

To best accommodate new students and their families, the College collected in advance each student's arrival time and mode of transport, and set up welcome reception points at Gaoqi Airport Terminals T3 and T4, Xiamen North Railway Station, and Xiamen Railway Station. Teachers and volunteers in unified attire were stationed early at the exits, proactively guiding students and parents to the shuttle bus stops. Their thoughtful service eased the anxieties of arriving in an unfamiliar city, ensuring a smooth journey to Zhangzhou Campus.

One-Stop Registration — Efficient and Heartwarming

Upon entering the registration hall, everything was clearly laid out: registration desks, welcome kits distribution, information desks — each area was well-signed and logically arranged, with staff on hand to guide new students through every step with patience and care. Volunteers acted as personal assistants, helping with luggage, showing the way to dormitories, and introducing campus facilities, while eagerly sharing their own experiences to help the newcomers settle in quickly. Their warm words and helping hands gradually dissolved the initial sense of strangeness — making the registration process not only efficient, but also genuinely welcoming.

Coordinated Efforts, Solid Support

The smooth and orderly orientation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple parties. The Public Security Bureau of Zhangzhou Development Zone, the Campus Administration Committee, the Logistics Group, and other units worked closely together, providing solid support in traffic control, venue coordination, security, and logistical supplies. On the orientation day, leaders from these units visited the College's welcome stations to learn about the progress in detail, ensuring that both new students and their parents could truly feel the great importance and sincere care that the Zhangzhou Development Zone and all university departments attached to the orientation work.

College leaders visited each welcome station and student dormitory, having warm conversations with new students and their parents. "Are you settling in well?" "If you need anything, just let us know." These simple, caring words brought comfort to students far from home, and embodied the College's student-centered philosophy in every detail of the orientation.

More Than Registration — A First Lesson in Education

Orientation was not just about formalities — it was also a gentle introduction to campus life. At the themed signature wall, new students and their parents paused to take photos, capturing their first precious moments at Xiamen University. At the interactive check-in zones, the "Orientation Knowledge Challenge" drew enthusiastic crowds. Featuring questions on Tan Kah Kee's spirit, university history, college programs, IELTS preparation, and overseas study pathways, the activity combined learning with fun. As students collected exquisite XMU cultural souvenirs for completing the challenges, they also quietly planted in their hearts the seeds of pride in their university and a passion for knowledge and growth.

Meanwhile, faculty members from the Student Affairs Office visited the student community, going door to door through the new students' dormitories. They carefully checked the living conditions, inquired about the students' first-day experience on campus, and listened to their thoughts and needs. Through their attentive and thoughtful care, they helped ensure that every new student could embark on their university journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Home-School Partnership, Collaborative Education

That afternoon, the Parent Orientation Meeting for the Class of 2026 was held as scheduled. Ms. Ma Xianghua, Deputy Secretary of the College Party Committee, together with heads of each academic departments, provided a detailed overview of the College's ideological and political education, daily student management policies, recommendations for home-school collaboration, academic regulations, and training programs. They also addressed parents' concerns regarding academic planning, further education pathways, and international exchange opportunities. This face-to-face dialogue not only gave parents a comprehensive understanding of the College's global education philosophy and student development initiatives, but also built a bridge of trust and cooperation between home and school, jointly supporting students on their path to growth and success.

A New Journey Begins

As the warm and busy orientation came to an end, the Class of 2026 brought new energy to the International College of Xiamen University. Coming from all over China and heading toward the wider world, they now stand at a fresh start. We look forward to seeing them grow with a global vision and youthful spirit on this fertile ground of Xiamen University — writing their own inspiring chapters of pursuing international dreams.