More Than 5,000 Freshmen Begin Their Journey at Tianjin University

Recently, Tianjin University’s Peiyangyuan Campus welcomed more than 5,000 first-year undergraduate students from across China, marking the official start of university life for the entering Class of 2026.

To ensure a smooth arrival, the University set up welcome stations at Tianjin Railway Station, Tianjinxi Railway Station, Tianjinnan Railway Station and Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Student volunteers and faculty members greeted students and their families, while shuttle buses provided direct transfers to campus.

On campus, 40 shuttle buses connected campus entrances with residential areas, taking students to registration points and dormitories. A team of 140 student volunteers helped guide students, carry luggage and maintain order. Clownfish-themed electric vehicles also added a cheerful touch to the campus welcome.

The main registration area was located near the National Facility for Earthquake Engineering Simulation. Led by Tianjin University, the facility is the first major national research facility of its kind in the field of earthquake engineering. Freshmen and their parents were also invited to visit the exhibition hall at the Experimental Center and explore the facility with volunteer guides.

Technology was another highlight of the welcome activities. The School of Future Technology showcased a lunar autonomous exploration robot, a robotic dog with a robotic-arm recognition system and a cognitive-enhancement mind-controlled ball. The School of Mechanical Engineering presented the Peiyang Power autonomous vehicle and unveiled "Tianrou," a dual-arm humanoid robot, for the first time. The School of Energy also displayed its award-winning "Hydrogen Takes Flight" — a long-endurance hydrogen fuel-cell multirotor drone.

Meanwhile, the College of Intelligence and Computing introduced "Peiyang Growth Navigator," an AI-powered platform covering 79 campus FAQs and 46 service locations. The platform provides essential information for new students and uses student profiles to assist with dormitory allocation, helping them adapt more quickly to campus life.

Schools and colleges across the University also prepared distinctive welcome activities and gifts. The School of Environmental Science and Engineering hosted "Connecting at Peiyangyuan, Weaving One Heart," while the School of Life Sciences launched "Time Capsule: To My Future Self," allowing students to write down their hopes and have the postcards returned to them at graduation. Other schools prepared photo spots, personalized welcome packages and interactive activities to help students create their first memories at Tianjin University.

For many freshmen, their connection with Tianjin University began long before admission. Four students from Tanchang, Gansu Province grew up hearing about the University from members of the Graduate Student Volunteer Teaching Program and now hope to inspire others in the same way. Twin sisters Cai Jiaxin and Cai Jiahui, admitted to the Social Sciences Experimental Class, hope to become interdisciplinary professionals by combining their interests in languages and artificial intelligence. Twin brothers Zhang Kexian and Zhang Kunxian, both joining the College of Intelligence and Computing, will continue their academic journey together. Li Xinyu, a new student in the Electrical and Information Engineering Experimental Class, is also continuing a family connection with Tianjin University that spans generations.

"Tianjin University takes every student's dream seriously." The university continued to provide a "green channel," offering one-stop support such as tuition deferment and student loan applications. More than 1,000 students used the service. In addition, more than 600 students from financially disadvantaged families received personalized "care packages." A dedicated financial aid program also provided freshman scholarships to 260 students and travel subsidies to 50 students, with total financial assistance exceeding RMB 790,000.

With exciting years ahead, it is time for every new TJUer to embrace the journey and strive for excellence. The University hopes that students will uphold the motto "Seeking Truth from Facts," embrace the mission of strengthening China through education, and write their own inspiring stories with courage and commitment.

By Yu Boyang