On the afternoon of August 24, the International College held an opening orientation session, titled “First Class at NPU,” at the Nanshan Art Hall for all newly enrolled international students in the 2026 cohort. The session was designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), help them adapt quickly to studying and living in China, explain the relevant rules and regulations, and encourage sound academic and personal habits. Li Ziwei, Deputy Dean of the International College, delivered the main presentation.
At the beginning of the session, Li extended a warm welcome on behalf of the International College to the international students who had traveled great distances to study at NPU. He introduced the university’s institutional heritage, academic strengths and major research platforms, outlined its development, and explained the values embodied in the NPU motto—“Loyalty, Integrity, Courage and Perseverance,” drawing on the University’s history and academic traditions, academic strengths, and major research platforms. Li encouraged students to make the most of their opportunity to study at NPU, embrace what it means to be a member of the NPU community, pursue excellence and continue growing throughout their university journey.
Focusing on the issues of greatest concern to international students in China, the session covered laws and regulations, campus safety, academic development and daily life. Li emphasized the importance of complying with laws and university regulations, keeping required documents valid and up to date, and remaining alert to potential safety risks. Real-life cases were used to reinforce students’ understanding of essential boundaries and responsibilities. The session also provided clear guidance on academic requirements at different stages of study, academic integrity and long-term academic planning, helping students manage their time effectively and establish meaningful goals.
Li further encouraged students to engage proactively with NPU’s multicultural environment, pay close attention to their physical and mental well-being, and understand how to protect their lawful rights and interests. He invited them to participate actively in cultural exchange activities, broaden their horizons through intercultural engagement, and become young ambassadors promoting dialogue between Chinese and other civilizations.
Following the session, students widely reported that they had found it highly rewarding. Khouloud Chafii, a student from Morocco, described the event as engaging and eye-opening. She said it helped newcomers address challenges directly and avoid common mistakes encountered by previous cohorts, leaving her deeply inspired. SK Saimun Sadia, a student from Bangladesh, noted that Li had shared practical advice on achieving academic and personal goals through an engaging question-and-answer session. The discussion also encouraged students to reflect on what it truly means to be an “NPUer.” Daniyal, a student from Kazakhstan, said the session had deepened his understanding of NPU by providing a comprehensive introduction to the university, its academic programs, research and campus life. In particular, it helped him picture what studying at NPU would be like and provided new students with essential information about university rules and requirements.
A good beginning is half the battle. As a required part of orientation, the “First Class at NPU” combined detailed information and vivid examples. It offered rigorous explanations of university regulations while also conveying the College’s care for and expectations of its new students. Students listened attentively and took detailed notes, gaining a fuller understanding of the academic and campus life awaiting them at NPU. May all members of the 2026 international student cohort take this session as a starting point, pursue knowledge with diligence, learn from one another, and write their own inspiring chapter at NPU.
(Copywriter: Ren Yunxi
Editor: Wang Xinyue
Initial Reviewer: Mei Rundong
Second Reviewer: Zhang Xi
Final Reviewer: Li Ziwei
Translators: Yang Runze; Mei Leyun
Source: International College)
