As the new academic year starts, universities across China are welcoming their freshmen in interesting and heartwarming ways, giving them a strong sense of belonging. Let's have a look!

Tongji University provides chartered trains for freshmen

On Aug 17, a high-speed train from Chengdu, Sichuan province, ferrying Tongji University students, arrived in Shanghai, marking the third year in a row that the university has provided cross-province train service free of charge to the freshmen and their families.

The train journeyed through various areas such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing, and the Xizang autonomous region, picking up students on its way to the university.

Robot dogs at Zhejiang University help students with their luggage

During this fall semester at Zhejiang University in East China, a robot dog was spotted effortlessly carrying freshmen's luggage, swiftly navigating through crowds and climbing stairs.

The X30 quadruped robot was developed by a team from the university and DEEP Robotics, a leading quadruped robot developer based in Hangzhou, reported Xinhua News Agency.

The 1-meter-long robot dog has a height of 50 centimeters when standing upright and weighs about 56 kilograms. It can carry up to 20 kg of goods. Apart from carrying luggage, they can also do somersaults.

Navy Aviation University uses warship to transport new students

Using a large transport aircraft to dispatch new students to school? Yes, that's exactly what the People's Liberation Army Naval Aviation University did! On August 15, some carrier-based aircraft flight students from the university boarded the Zhenghe training ship for registration, at a military port in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, CCTV News reported.

This is the first time that the PLA Navy has used a warship to deliver carrier-based aircraft flight students for registration. The university also issued specially designed ship tickets for the freshmen to commemorate the starting point of this new journey.

Tsinghua University sets up 'green channel' to aid needy students 

Tsinghua University has set up a "green channel" on the registration day for freshmen who have been financially assisted. The "love package" delivered to those students includes various consumption cards covering all aspects of life.

Earlier, along with the admission letter sent to the new students, there was also a family financial situation survey form and an introduction to the school's financial aid policies.

As of the registration day, the school has covered the travel expenses as well as the basic living costs for the first two months of 49 new students. After enrollment, the school will also provide comprehensive financial support for students from poor families.

Hubei universities improve online services to welcome students

Universities in Wuhan, Hubei province, have introduced more smart online services to help newly admitted students quickly familiarize themselves with campus life.

A number of universities in the province have updated their welcome websites and WeChat mini-programs, offering online payment and dormitory selection services.

Wuhan University of Technology recently launched an AI-powered system. By simply tapping a screen, it can clearly show all campus buildings and plan the optimal route automatically.

Before the start of the semester, Wuhan University had completed the collection of information on all new students, including height and daily routines, through its welcome website. For students above 1.95 meters in height, the university extended the bed boards and allocated dormitories based on their daily routines. Additionally, the school opened an online green approval channel for students facing financial difficulties.