An international student registration help desk at Shanghai University's Jiading campus. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Shanghai University's SILC Business School welcomed its 2026 intake of international students on Sept 7. At the university's Jiading campus, volunteers guided newcomers with English-language maps.
The school invited international student volunteers to help with orientation. Sofia, a sophomore from Russia, checked registration materials and registration information for newcomers from several countries.
"Volunteers are the first people new students meet on campus and their first window into the school," she said. "Many newcomers feel anxious in a new country, so emotional support and warm companionship matter a lot."
Sofia, herself helped by volunteers last year, said she wanted to pass the warmth on, using her English and Russian to help newcomers break down language barriers, prepare materials, and ease into campus life.
The college also set up ID photo booths at the registration site and prepared welcome gift bags for every first-year student.
"The arrangements are very thoughtful. The bag came with school clothing, a canvas tote, a class schedule, and a school calendar, and I'm looking forward to the next four years of study," said Stefaniia, a first-year student.
Khumar, a first-year student from Uzbekistan, has long wanted to experience traditional Chinese culture. "I hope to experience more of it in the next four years. I used to see people wearing traditional Chinese dress on social media, and now I finally get to try it myself," he said.
Maksim, a first-year student from Russia, arrived in Shanghai five days early and has already visited the Bund and the Museum of Art Pudong. "Shanghai is a very modern city," he said. "I'm looking forward to more new experiences and hope to make like-minded friends on campus."