On September 2, Qingdao University of Technology welcomed 10,443 new students of the Class of 2026 to its Huangdao, Shibei and Linyi campuses. With aspirations for the future, the students began a new chapter of their lives at QUT.
Yang Yun, Secretary of the University CPC Committee; President Zhang Kai; and Vice Presidents Chen Lianjun and Guo Jianfeng visited registration sites, student dormitories, dining halls and other campus areas. They checked registration arrangements, traffic guidance, accommodation and dining services, and extended greetings to staff members and volunteers working on the front line. Heads of relevant departments and schools also joined the visits.
At the Green Channel service point, Yang Yun learned about student loan policies and support for students from financially disadvantaged families, encouraging new students to adapt quickly to university life and work hard toward their goals. At school registration points, Zhang Kai welcomed freshmen whose family members are QUT alumni, encouraging them to carry forward the university's fine traditions. University leaders also spoke with new students and their parents, listened to their expectations, and said QUT would provide a supportive environment and thoughtful services for students' growth.
This year's orientation focused on student development, with efforts made in process optimization, smart services, early-stage education and safety support. Supported by the smart orientation system, students completed online information collection in advance and finished on-site registration in a streamlined process. Facial recognition access to dormitories greatly shortened check-in time, while real-time data screens helped monitor registration progress and coordinate campus resources.
The university also moved education work forward before students arrived. Schools organized online orientation sessions on academic programs, study planning and campus adaptation to help freshmen make a smooth transition. Student affairs staff worked in residential communities to answer questions, identify safety risks and strengthen campus security and support services.
Schools across QUT designed a variety of distinctive orientation activities, turning the registration sites into vivid first classes for professional inspiration and campus culture. Activities included discipline-themed quizzes, robot demonstrations, AI-generated avatars, 3D printing displays, professional challenges, art exhibitions, electric vehicle displays and innovation showcases. These activities helped freshmen experience the appeal of their disciplines and the university's innovation atmosphere.
Traditional culture and warm services were also integrated into the orientation. Activities such as intangible cultural heritage rubbing, lacquer fan painting, lion dances, campus sketching, birthday celebrations, message walls, photo check-ins and creative souvenirs brought students and parents closer to the university community and conveyed care and expectations from the schools.
The welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful volunteer services and well-organized campus support won praise from students and parents. Shuttle services from subway stations and campus buses helped cover the last leg of arrival. The university opened Green Channel services and distributed more than 238 care packages to students in need. Rest areas, luggage storage points, volunteer stations, medical service stations and drinking water points were set up across campus.
Departments responsible for security, logistics and campus construction worked to ensure traffic order, campus safety, environmental sanitation, power supply, dining services and facility maintenance. Student volunteers provided route guidance, policy consultation and luggage assistance at gates, registration points and dormitories. Schools also held parent meetings to introduce QUT's educational features, disciplinary strengths, talent cultivation achievements and campus culture.
Moving forward, QUT will continue to organize the opening ceremony, entrance education and military training for the 2026 freshmen. The university will integrate ideals and beliefs education, patriotism and a sense of responsibility into the whole process of freshmen education, guiding students to write a vibrant chapter of youth in the new era.