On August 23, the School of Materials Science and Engineering welcomed its incoming graduate students of the Class of 2026. Through comprehensive and attentive orientation services, the School helped the new students begin a new stage of academic study and scientific research while creating a warm and welcoming campus experience.
Support and Care for Student Development
Du Junhua, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the School; Hu Shuangshuang, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice Dean; and Liu Shuang, Vice Dean, visited the orientation sites, including the registration area, volunteer service stations, and student dormitories. They reviewed the progress of student registration and the implementation of various support services and expressed their appreciation to the staff members and student volunteers working on site.
In the dormitories, the School leaders spoke with new students and their parents, asking about their accommodation and first impressions of campus life. They listened carefully to students’ concerns and questions and provided guidance on academic planning, campus services, and other aspects of graduate life.
Thoughtful Services Enhance the Orientation Experience
Centered on a “one-stop service” model, the School established an integrated orientation system covering guidance, registration, student engagement, and dormitory check-in. Coordinated support across different service points ensured that each stage of the registration process proceeded efficiently and smoothly.
Student volunteers were active throughout the orientation sites, providing directions, answering questions, carrying luggage, and assisting new students with various needs. Their attentive support helped create an orderly and welcoming atmosphere for incoming students and their families.
At the registration area, procedures were continuously streamlined to provide an efficient check-in process. Staff members assisted new students with facial recognition verification, document checks, the transfer of CPC and Communist Youth League organizational affiliations, submission of household registration transfer documents, and distribution of student smart cards.
A designated waiting and rest area was also set up. During peak registration periods, new students were guided into orderly queues and directed to different service points, effectively reducing waiting times and improving the overall registration experience.
The School also created an interactive welcome area where new students could mark the beginning of their graduate journey. Students were invited to write messages to their future selves on postcards and place them in a “Dreams Set Sail” mailbox, to be revisited upon graduation several years later.
Each student could also receive a small potted plant symbolizing vitality and growth, conveying the School’s wishes that they thrive academically and personally alongside the campus community. A photo area was provided for students and their families to capture memorable moments from their first day at the University.
As new journeys began, the incoming students shared both their excitement about arriving on campus and their aspirations for scientific research and the years ahead.
Jia Qingye, a 2026 master’s student in Materials Science and Engineering, said:
“Before arriving, I was somewhat concerned about adapting to life on the new campus, but the School’s thoughtful orientation services made me feel much more at ease. Graduate study marks both a new starting point for scientific research and a new stage of personal growth. I will approach my studies and research seriously and embrace the challenges ahead with enthusiasm.”
Li Zewei, a 2026 doctoral student in Marine Materials Science and Engineering, said:
“After working for a year, I am now beginning a new chapter at Ocean University of China and the School of Materials Science and Engineering, which brings me many emotions and expectations. Orientation staff and volunteers could be seen throughout the campus, so there was no need to worry about finding the dormitories, and the School also thoughtfully arranged a reception and rest area for parents. Faculty members and volunteers warmly assisted us with registration, and my supervisor was very approachable and supportive. I look forward to devoting myself to research in this promising environment and striving to achieve meaningful scientific results.”
Careful Preparation Ensures a Smooth Orientation
Since preparations for orientation began, the School has planned ahead and acted early to ensure that every aspect of the process was carefully arranged.
Online, the School used its official social media platform to release a series of guides in advance, including registration instructions and practical information about life on the West Coast Campus. Information on registration procedures, campus transportation, dining, accommodation, and other essential matters was provided before students arrived, helping them become familiar with the campus and prepare for a smooth transition.
Offline, the School developed a detailed orientation plan, assigned responsibilities for each task, completed venue arrangements in advance, and prepared welcome packages for the incoming students. Each package carried the School’s best wishes for the students as they embarked on a new academic journey.
With a new semester beginning and new goals ahead, the School extends its best wishes to all incoming students. It hopes that, supported by the broad platform provided by Ocean University of China, they will pursue their studies with dedication, advance confidently in their chosen fields, follow their aspirations, and write a rewarding new chapter of their youth.
Text and Photos: Xuan Zuhui and Zhang Yidan
