On August 30, 2025, the NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute in Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences (NHI) welcomed its third cohort of undergraduate freshmen. Coming from across China, the new students arrived with enthusiasm and anticipation for university life. Here, they will embrace new opportunities, grow through learning and exploration, and write their own stories of youth and ambition.

At 1:00 p.m., all orientation volunteers were in place. A welcome check-in and photo spot was set up in front of the Li Siguang Building at Nanjing University’s Gulou Campus, featuring a banner reading “A Warm Welcome to New Students of the NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute” and a series of Institute-themed display boards, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

01 Group Photo of the NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute

President Tan Zhemin visited the orientation site to learn about the progress of the welcoming arrangements and to interact with students and faculty. The freshmen responded with great excitement. President Tan asked about their hometowns and first impressions of the University, and listening to their expectations for campus life. Afterwards, he took a group photo with the entire cohort in front of the Li Siguang Building. With the click of the shutter, the moment became the first shared “collective memory” of the third undergraduate cohort at the Institute.

02 Faculty–Student Face-to-Face Session

Inside the Li Siguang Building, the Institute also organized a “Faculty–Student Face-to-Face” session. Faculty members introduced the academic program and answered questions about curriculum structure, the talent training scheme, and international exchange platforms. Meanwhile, the counselor and undergraduate academic secretary provided practical guidance on student activities, scholarships etc, helping freshmen plan their university life more clearly.

On the same day, faculty members also formed a “support team” and visited student dormitories. They talked with students and parents, asked about living conditions, reminded everyone about electrical safety, and encouraged freshmen to adapt to collective living as early as possible.

03 Signatures and Welcome Check-in

To help freshmen create a unique first-day memory, the Institute designed a signature and check-in activity. In front of the display area, students signed a scroll with their own distinctive handwriting—each signature carrying youthful energy and hope. This was both a wish for the future and a symbolic keepsake belonging to the NHI members. At the photo boards, students stood with their families and captured warm moments that marked the beginning of their journey with the Institute.

Closing

Here at NHI is where we meet and our dreams set sail. Let us keep moving forward with determination and courage, and work toward a future full of promise.