On the afternoon of September 12, the 2025 International Freshman Opening Welcome Ceremony and Entrance Education Conference of Soochow University was held in Cunju Hall of Tiancizhuang Campus. More than 400 new students from all over the world gathered with school leaders, heads of functional departments, teacher representatives and old student representatives to welcome the arrival of the new semester.
The meeting was presided over by Zhu Luhua, deputy director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Office. Wu Jiawei, Vice President of Soochow University, attended the conference and delivered a welcome speech. On behalf of the school, she extended a warm welcome to the new students and put forward three hopes:
First, we must study diligently and have the courage to face academic challenges;
second, we must actively learn Chinese, integrate into Chinese culture, and expand our international horizons;
Third, we must cherish our time in China, walk and see more, and have an in-depth understanding of China.
She hopes that the students will not only gain something in SUU, but also become a bridge to promote cultural exchanges and friendship between China and foreign countries, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Li Yanguang, Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Office, introduced the basic situation of Soochow University and helped freshmen fully understand the school's philosophy, discipline characteristics and international development achievements. At the same time, the enrollment of international students in the class of 2025 was also introduced. This year, the enrollment scale and quality of students have been significantly improved, the distribution of students in the source countries is more extensive, 40% of the students are from developed countries, the student structure is diversified, and 58.5% of the students are graduate students, showing that the global influence of Soochow University is increasing.
ANASTASIIA PIVOVAROVA, a Russian master's student majoring in journalism and communication from the School of Communication, spoke as a representative of the freshmen. She reflected on her fate with China. She came to Soochow University as an exchange student two years ago and fell deeply in love with Soochow University and the city of Suzhou. After graduation, she did not hesitate to come to Suzhou again to study, where tradition and innovation blend, and hoped to learn, collaborate and grow with Chinese and foreign students from Suzhou University, and jointly write the story of Suzhou University.
Teacher Gu Haoyu of the International Student Management Department gave a detailed interpretation of the admission instructions for freshmen, providing practical guidance for everyone to adapt to campus life smoothly. In order to ensure the smooth progress of freshmen's study and life in China, the conference specially arranged safety education sessions. Officer Wang Yizhi of the Gusu District Entry-Exit Management Brigade introduced foreign-related laws and regulations to the international students; Mr. Wang Muyao of the Security Office of Soochow University explained the precautions for campus safety; Wang Siliang, chief of the dormitory management section, emphasized the importance of dormitory life safety; Dr. Wang Yi, a psychotherapist from Suzhou Guangji Hospital, shared the mental health of international students, reminding freshmen to pay attention to self-adjustment and have the courage to seek support.
Finally, Wang Mingyu, Director of the Publicity Department of the "Study in Suzhou University" Association, introduced the colorful student clubs and campus activities of Soochow University to the freshmen, and encouraged everyone to actively participate, expand their interests and hobbies, make Chinese and foreign friends, and jointly create an open, diverse and mutually supportive learning and life atmosphere. Youth set sail at Suzhou University and dreamed of walking with the world.
This orientation conference not only provided practical information and guidance for international students, but also conveyed Soochow University's care and expectations for students. Standing at a new starting point, international freshmen will join peers from all over the world to start a journey of knowledge and growth at Soochow University. They will absorb knowledge, expand their horizons, integrate China and foreign countries, enhance friendship, write their own youth chapter, and contribute to promoting mutual learning among civilizations and promoting people-to-people ties.
Soochow University will continue to uphold the school motto of "cultivating righteousness in heaven and earth, perfecting people in ancient and modern times", and join hands with young people around the world to create a more open, inclusive, and win-win future.
