August 16 marked the first day of university life for Tsinghua’s 3,202 incoming freshmen.

During freshman registration, the new students met and visited with Tsinghua administrators and other university leaders including University Council President Chen Xi, Vice President Gong Ke, Senior Administrator Yang Zhenbin, and Vice President Zhang Fengchang.

Lin Zongxi, a boy from Jiang Su Province, will soon start his university life as a student of Department of Electronic Engineering. He feels proud for being a Tsinghua student. “I will work hard and take part in more university activities,” said Lin.

A welcoming ceremony was held for the freshmen on the morning of August 17. President Gu, University Council President Chen Xi, Vice President He Jiankun and other senior administrators attended.

President Gu gave a speech to the students, encouraging them to always aim high and to bear a strong sense of responsibility in their work. He also stressed the importance of learning by doing, and of developing a spirit of innovation.

Altogether 3,202 new undergraduate students enrolled in Tsinghua University in 2005.

Reported by Li Han