In August, as autumn subtly emerges in the north, the Nanyan campus of Peking University’s Shenzhen Graduate School remains vibrant with lush greenery. Here, at this intersection of ideas and dreams, the School of Advanced Materials (SAM) joyfully welcomed you—the 2025 freshmen.
You’ve come from all corners of the world, converging for a shared journey of knowledge. At this campus, you’ll experience an innovative ecosystem blending northern and southern influences, where Peking University’s academic heritage meets Shenzhen’s industrial dynamism. You’ll step into a fully open research platform and witness the mission-driven pursuit from cutting-edge foundational exploration to critical technological breakthroughs. We hope you’ll not only excel academically but also dare to push boundaries and step out of your comfort zones as explorers. A new chapter of discovery, creation, and growth is unfolding before you.
Part 1: Everything New, Awaiting You
As dawn breaks,
Everything is quietly prepared.
From meticulously planned welcome procedures
To the bustling figures of teachers and volunteers,
Every detail brims with the school’s anticipation and care.
With heartfelt enthusiasm,
We await a beautiful encounter—
Now bearing your name.
Part 2: Bright Faces, Arriving as Promised
You’ve crossed mountains and seas
To meet at Nanyan Garden.
Fresh faces and sparkling eyes
Become today’s most captivating scenery.
Polaroid snapshots capture warm moments with family and friends.
From this moment,
The story of Peking University’s Shenzhen Graduate School officially carries your name.
Part 3: Warm Welcome, Embarking Together
Senior students guide with patience and enthusiasm,
Professors offer caring words of greeting,
And student union members share glimpses of vibrant campus life.
Every heartfelt gesture
Is meant to help you quickly feel at home in this warm family,
As we envision a future of boundless possibilities together.
Part 4: Gentle Guidance, Nurturing Growth
Leaders of the Shenzhen Graduate School visit the welcome site,
Mingling with students,
Their earnest words like spring rain, nourishing hearts.
They convey Peking University’s deep care
And high expectations for the new generation of “materials scholars.”
May this warmth
Accompany you as you boldly begin this new chapter.
Part 5: Dreams Set Sail
Sun (Student): The August heat in Shenzhen lingers, but the tree-lined paths of the Shenzhen Graduate School radiate warmth. At the registration point, a red banner reading “a warm welcome...” catches my eye, its words brimming with enthusiasm. Clutching my documents, my introverted “i-person” shyness fades as a teacher’s gentle “Welcome to the SAM!” melts my nerves. Volunteers in their vests swarm over, patiently explaining the process with genuine care, making registration surprisingly smooth. Walking toward the lab building, I’m drawn to the research achievement displays lining the corridors—each marked with the prestige of “Peking University excellence.” The sight of students and professors discussing experiments and the hum of lab equipment fills me with pride and anticipation for my future here.
Yan (Student): The first day was so exciting! I met my lovely roommates and completed registration and move-in smoothly. There are plenty of dining options nearby, making life convenient, and the sports field is just steps away for exercise. The campus is covered in lush greenery—exactly the Nanyan I imagined ^_^. I hope to start exercising regularly during grad school, building a strong foundation to contribute to our country for decades! I also look forward to learning from senior students and mastering more expertise in my field.
Yang (Student): First, “warmth.” From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was greeted by enthusiastic seniors tirelessly helping with luggage and directions. Their every “Welcome to Peking University” and helping hand made me feel the close-knit care and unity of this family, easing my initial unfamiliarity and nerves. Next, “excitement” and “pride.” Strolling through Nanyan Garden, I felt the profound historical legacy and vibrant academic atmosphere—a dream coming true. Studying in this bastion of thought and scholarship is an immense honor, filling me with awe and pride for this land. Finally, “anticipation.” I believe today’s warm encounters and excited emotions will fuel my aspirations for the journey ahead. I’m ready to dive into Peking University with enthusiasm and a fresh perspective, embracing a new chapter in life.
Yin (Student): On the morning of August 25, 2025, I arrived at the Shenzhen Graduate School, standing at the starting line of my graduate journey. Amid registration and moving, I noticed the verdant alumni grove and the crescent-shaped Mirror Lake, with the ecological corridor and Dasha River as our spiritual companions. I sampled dishes at both campus cafeterias, delighted by their variety, catering to students from all over. I look forward to savoring more food, making more friends, and exploring uncharted domains in the next three years.
Lai (Student): Today wasn’t filled with grand events, but the quiet warmth eased me into graduate life. The teachers’ and students’ thoughtful help during registration felt like early autumn sunlight—gentle yet heartwarming. Opening the dorm door, a few chats with my roommate dispelled any strangeness. Strolling the campus with new classmates, locating classrooms and cafeterias, the breeze carried a sense of a “new beginning.” There was no expected tension, just a grounded feeling—starting with these small encounters and explorations, turning an unfamiliar place into “my own.”
Chen (Student): On the first day, I was surrounded by enthusiastic volunteers the moment I entered campus. They helped carry my luggage to the registration point, making the process seamless with their patient guidance. The dorm supervisor was warm yet diligent, ensuring safety and comfort. My roommates were easy to get along with, and we hit it off instantly. The campus is beautiful, with chairs by Mirror Lake perfect for studying or relaxing with friends. After unpacking, a McDonald’s meal and an evening campus walk erased my fatigue. This day filled me with both human warmth and excitement for the journey ahead.
Deng (Student): At dawn, I rose as the first light touched my window, like an unopened letter carrying my quiet expectations—especially for my yet-to-meet roommate, her face and voice still a gentle mystery. Fate weaves its threads in unexpected corners. At the rehearsal for the opening ceremony’s flower presentation, amidst the crowd, I stood beside a girl. Three sentences into our chat, I was thrilled to discover—she was my roommate. Though we’d missed each other yesterday, Peking University brought us together under the same spotlight. The morning breeze was crisp, and a long line formed outside the medical checkup building. There, I reunited with friends from summer camp—lively ones from HSBC, composed ones from international law. Like scattered stars aligning in a galaxy, their faces lit up my heart. At noon, the aroma of food wafted through the second cafeteria. Sitting with my research group, teachers, and peers from across the country, chopsticks clinked as sweet and savory flavors merged into a shared “delicious.” I realized “inclusivity” exists not just in lecture halls but in a bowl of everyday life. So, I tucked today’s breeze, laughter, and every heartbeat into my diary. Peking University, Day One—thank you for showing me that all expectations will arrive as promised, and every encounter is a long-awaited reunion.
Yang (Student): The first day was radiant with sunshine! I’ve already mapped out the campus, gotten the hang of my research group’s rhythm, and felt none of the usual first-day jitters. I’m thrilled to meet my roommates and classmates, attend classes, grow together, and join tons of fun activities! New semester, let’s go!
May the southern breeze sharpen your youthful edge,
May the waters of Mirror Lake reflect the starlight of your quest.
Beneath the May Fourth Tower, a new journey begins.
From now on, you are both the legacy of Weiming Lake
And the tide of the Greater Bay Area.
Here, may you pursue truth through meticulous inquiry
And pioneer the future at the forefront of innovation.
On this land, blending Peking University’s heritage with Shenzhen’s dynamism,
We await the opening of your story.
