August 29, 2025
Autumn sunshine spills over the red walls and green tiles of Xiamen University Campus,
while the sea breeze brings along the vibrant energy of youth，
Hailing from across the nation, the Cohort of 2025 freshmen of the Institute of Creativity and Innovation(ICI),
Carrying a passion for creativity and longing for the future,
Step into the gate of Xiamen University.
On this land that nurtures inspiration,
They will take original aspiration as their ink and innovation as their brush,
To begin their own chapters of dream chasing.
PART 1:
First Glimpse of Xiamen University campus: Capturing Warm Encounters
Online Orientation
Prior to enrollment, the institute selected outstanding senior students to serve as "Peer Mentors" for the Cohort of 2025 freshmen. Acting as "campus guides", these mentors sharing their academic insights and life tips—from cafeteria recommendations at the Zhangzhou Campus to strategies for previewing professional courses, and from ideological guidance to solutions for practical doubts. With their warmth and hospitality, the experienced peers helped freshmen alleviate pre-arrival anxiety, integrate quickly into ICI’s "big family", and planted the seeds of the Institute’s culture of unity and mutual support even before in-person meetings.
Onsite Orientation
As dawn broke, the orientation stations at the Zhangzhou Campus were already bustling with volunteers. Dressed in ICI-branded apparel, these volunteers weaved through crowds, becoming the most vivid highlight of XMU’s early morning. Shortly after 7:00 AM, the first 2025 freshman arrived with luggage. Guided by volunteers, they completed the entire process—check-in, receiving welcome materials, and locating their dormitories—officially kicking off the orientation.
In this well-coordinated "relay race" of welcome activities, teams divided responsibilities and collaborated efficiently:
Supply Team: Meticulously verified each welcome package, handing out custom canvas bags printed with "CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION" and exclusive badges to every freshman.
Reception Team: Held Institute signs while navigating intersections, patiently answering questions like "How do I get to the dorm?" and "What documents do I need for check-in?"—their smiles easing freshmen’s nerves.
Registration Team: Conducted rigorous reviews of enrollment credentials, ensuring a seamless and efficient flow of procedures.
Logistics Support Team: Unfazed by sweat soaking their clothes, they pushed luggage carts shuttling between the storage areas and the dormitories, helping freshmen move belongings and organize their rooms.
Publicity Team: Moved through the campus with cameras, capturing the smiles of freshmen and parents, and preserving every precious "first moment at XMU".
Parents on Campus: A "Reassurance Tour"
On the orientation day, ICI specially invited parents to tour the campus. Guided by volunteers, they visited the ICI’s main building, teaching facilities, and dormitory areas. From the design-focused classrooms to tidy and comfortable dormitories, parents snapped photos of the spaces where their children would live and learn—their eyes brimming with hope for their kids’ futures.
PART 2
Time Capsule Wall – Writing Wishes to Your Future Self in 4 Years
This year, ICI upgraded last year's “Blind Box Wall” to a more ceremonial “Time Capsule Wall” for check-in. The wall features ICI’s self-designed artistic typography—vibrant and youthful—with a stylized "WELCOME" as its centerpiece. The modern, fluid lettering, paired with bright colors, conveys ICI’s philosophy of openness, inclusivity, and boundless creativity, letting every freshman feel the Institute’s enthusiasm and vitality the moment they step on campus. Brightly colored sticky notes served as "letter paper" for the time capsules, waiting for freshmen to pen their wishes.
“I hope to stand on the stage of international competitions with my own design works in four years.” “May I keep my passion for art and become someone who tell stories through creativity.” “I want to meet like-minded friends at XMU and create meaningful designs together”… One by one, the freshmen picked up pens, wrote down their future aspirations and self-reminders earnestly, then carefully attached the notes to the wall.
As the wall gradually filled with sticky notes, it became not just a "Collective Wish Board" for the 2025 cohort, but a series of "letters to the future." The Institute will preserve this wall carefully and reopen it during the freshmen’s graduation season in four years—allowing them to look back on the sincerity and courage they held upon entering XMU, and to fulfill the promises they made to themselves.
Dorm Visits: Heartfelt Care for New Arrivals
On the afternoon of orientation day, a "Welcome Delegation"—comprising Institute leaders, international faculty, and class advisors—visited each freshman dorm.
“At ICI, dare to experience and make mistakes—creativity is born from constant exploration!” said Ms. Wang Yi, Chair of the ICI Council, , as she shook hands with freshmen. She encouraged them to uphold XMU’s motto, "Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection" and innovate boldly in their studies.
International faculty shared academic tips in warm chats, while advisors offered, “You can always reach out to me if you have any problem”—words that eased freshmen’s homesickness and boosted their confidence for university life.
PART 3
New Voices– Messages & Aspirations
From Freshmen
On the eve of my trip to XMU, I felt a surreal sense of excitement. Even after traveling all the way from Taiyuan to Xiamen and stepping onto campus, it still felt like a dream. As a 17-year-old who just graduated from high school, being admitted to this prestigious "985 Project" university is both an honor and the greatest reward for three years of hard work.
While I still have room to grow in interpersonal skills, I’m eager to connect with like-minded peers sincerely—and express myself through art rather than words. I look forward to building a solid foundation at ICI and finding my unique creative style. I believe diligence can make up for shortcomings, and I’m ready to double my efforts to improve.
Tomorrow, I will embark on a brand-new university journey. With the resilience inherent of Northerners, I hope to grow steadily under the phoenix trees of the South. Xiamen University, I’m ready—prepared to paint the most precious four years of my life with a genuine heart.
— Qiao Zijun, 2025 Cohort, Environmental Design
This summer, I arrived at Egret Island (Xiamen) for the first time. From the moment I took a taxi to my hotel, the driver’s warmth made me feel the city’s hospitality. Whether it was the detailed guidance from advisors or introductions from senior students, everyone I have met embodied the humanistic care that permeates XMU. Over the next four years, I hope to pass on this kindness—ensuring "Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection" shines not only in academic pursuits but also in personal growth.
— Wang Jiaqi, 2025 Cohort, Visual Communication Design
Upon arriving at Xiamen University, I finally understood the saying, “Xiamen’s romance goes beyond its seas.” The campus blends artistic charm and a rich academic atmosphere. Driven by my passion for art, I’ve stepped into the world of Digital Media Art. I hope to transform digital media from cold lines of code into an artistic medium filled with human warmth. What excites me most is the freedom of university life. I look forward to meeting like-minded friends, unleashing creativity in classroom, and immersing myself in the art of exhibitions. I am ready to embrace every new challenge with enthusiasm and create digital imprints that define our era.
— Duan Youran, 2025 Cohort, Digital Media Art
From a Parent
To our dear child, these four years of university will be a journey full of hope and endless possibilities. Xiamen University is a renowned institution, and the ICI’s bilingual education gives you a chance to broaden your horizons and engage with the world. We hope you’ll not only sharpen your bilingual skills but also gain achievements in the promising field of digital media. Whether you’re aligning with international standards or exploring cutting-edge industry trends, may you move forward bravely. May you always stay confident, self-reliant, and courageous—and while growing, may you also find joy and happiness that’s uniquely yours.
— Parent of a Freshman Representative
From a Volunteer
As an orientation volunteer this year, I hope freshmen adapt quickly to campus life and dive into their studies. In their eyes, I see eagerness for the future and excitement for university life—it’s a touching sight. I wish them academic progress and continuous personal growth.
— Liang Zheng, 2023 Cohort, Visual Communication Design
From a Faculty Member
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Institute of Creativity and Innovation! My name is Duncan, and it’s a pleasure to meet you here. I’m very much looking forward to teaching you in your second and third years. This is a great time to join ICI: we have an excellent teaching team, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous collaborative projects underway. Best of all, our students are truly outstanding.
— Duncan Breeze, International Faculty, Institute of Creativity and Innovation
As autumn deepens, dreams set sail.The story of ICI’s 2025 freshmen at Xiamen University has already begun—with the first wishes written on the "Time Capsule Wall."
May you take creativity as your sail and perseverance as your oar,
On the fertile ground of the Institute of Creativity and Innovation,
Chase the light, become the light,
And in four years, emerge as more accomplished versions of yourselves.
