On August 30, Renmin University of China (RUC) welcomed over 6,000 graduate students, who registered at the university's Tongzhou, Zhongguancun, and Suzhou campuses, embarking on a new stage of study and research.

On registration day, RUC President Ma Huaide visited the welcome sites to learn about the registration process and support services and speak with the new students, their families, and student volunteers. University leaders Zhu Xinkai, He Li, Zhi Xiaoqiang, Qinggeletu, Wang Xiaohu, and Gao Yanyan also attended the welcoming activities.

During his conversations with the incoming students, Ma encouraged them to explore their fields of study in depth while maintaining an open academic mindset. He urged them to remain engaged with real-world issues and societal needs, and to continue discovering new possibilities through study, research, and practice. He also emphasized that RUC will continue to provide an open and diverse academic environment where students can strengthen their professional expertise, broaden their perspectives, and find the path best suited to them.

To help the new students complete registration smoothly, RUC arranged shuttle services connecting major transportation hubs in Beijing and Suzhou with its campuses. More than 200 shuttle trips were made, with over 250 student volunteers participating in the welcome effort. Volunteers welcomed the incoming students, provided directions, answered questions and helped students with their luggage.

The university also organized a series of orientation activities to introduce the new students to RUC's history, academic traditions, and campus culture, helping them adapt to university life and begin the next chapter of their academic journey.

At the registration sites, many students shared their hopes and expectations for graduate study and campus life.

Twin sisters Yuan Mengwei and Yuan Chenwei from Zhejiang province reunited at RUC after completing their undergraduate studies at Zhejiang University and RUC, respectively. They are now pursuing their master's degrees in the School of Economics and the School of Finance.

"Even before classes begin, we've already felt the warmth of the university," said Yuan Mengwei. Looking ahead to graduate life, she is excited not only about new academic experiences but also about once again sharing everyday campus life with her sister. "We’re looking forward to moving into our new dormitories, trying the new dining halls, attending classes together, taking walks and watching the sunset on the new Tongzhou campus."

Another pair of twin sisters, Zhang Yuyan and Zhang Yutong, chose to continue their studies at RUC after completing their undergraduate degrees at the university. Now enrolled in the Renmin Business School and the Renmin Law School, they described their graduate school studies as both a new beginning and a continuation of their four-year journey at RUC.

"This time, registering feels calmer and more confident. It truly feels like coming home," they said.

For Sun Qing, a doctoral student from the School of Ecology and Environment, joining RUC marks the realization of a long-held dream. Inspired by an undergraduate econometrics research project on climate issues, she gradually developed research interests in energy economics, green finance, and biodiversity. During her doctoral studies at RUC, she will continue her doctoral research in sustainable development management.

"I'm finally here at the university I've long dreamed of attending," Sun said. "I hope to make the most of every learning opportunity, remain rigorous and grounded in my research, and keep striving toward even greater goals."

As the new academic year begins, the new graduate students will continue to expand their knowledge, broaden their perspectives through research and exchange, and embark on a rewarding new chapter of learning and personal growth at RUC.