Fresher’s Fair: something for everyone

This year’s Fresher’s Fair brought together hundreds of students to Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s South Campus this month to explore extracurricular options.

The annual Fresher’s Fair welcomes new students from China and around the world. Credit: Katharina Zhu

The venue was divided into six sections based on the focus of the clubs and organisations, including those dedicated to arts, sports, academics, recreation, community service and functional activities.

More than 150 clubs and organisations participated, each setting up booths to promote themselves and recruit new members. By participating in interactive activities at these booths, students could collect club stamps that could be exchanged for gifts.

A club representative adds decorative graffiti to their booth. Credit: Katharina Zhu

A student consults with a representative of the XJTLU X-Hand Association. Credit: Katharina Zhu

The XJTLU Volleyball Club engages students in games. Credit: Katharina Zhu

The Animal Welfare Club shows off a four-legged friend. Credit: Katharina Zhu

The event also featured a “flash mob” type show, where numerous clubs performed on stage to showcase their talents.

Members of the Clover Dance Club perform “Arriba”. Credit: Katharina Zhu

The SS Music Studio performs “A Jam”. Credit: Katharina Zhu

Joining in

International students at the fair said they looked forward to cross-cultural exchanges, making new friends, and practicing using Mandarin.

“The atmosphere here is very vibrant and inclusive. Despite our diverse backgrounds, I feel genuinely welcomed,” said Anna Klychikhina, a newly enrolled Russian student in BA Digital Media Arts.

Anna Klychikhina. Credit: Katharina Zhu

“I’m impressed by the wide variety of interests represented here. Everyone can find something that suits their passions,” she said. “I’ve also had the chance to learn new things, like getting familiar with WeChat.”

Kane Lindsay, a Chinese language student at XJTLU and a recent graduate of the University of Liverpool, UK, took an active part in the Fresher’s Fair.

Kane Lindsay holding gifts. Credit: Katharina Zhu

“I’ve already joined around five clubs and received millions of gifts by participating in activities,” he said. “My favourite part of the event is being able to wander around, speak to all the representatives of the clubs and enjoy the performances.”

Cross-cultural opportunities

Anastasiya Viahera, an exchange student from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russia, expressed her enthusiasm for learning Mandarin.

Anastasiya Viahera (left) talking to club representatives. Credit: Katharina Zhu

“Since my academic focus is Asian studies, this opportunity to immerse myself in Chinese language and culture is invaluable,” said Viahera, who is from Belarus. “I want to join the Language Partner Union (LPU) where I can participate in language exchange with Chinese students, because I hope to enhance my Chinese skills and meet new friends.”

Julie Aksnes Williams, an exchange student from BI Norwegian Business School in Norway, is spending a year studying international management at XJTLU.

Julie Aksnes Williams. Credit: Katharina Zhu

“Everyone seems so happy to share their interests with others and is eager to get other students involved, which makes me feel very welcome,” she said.

Williams said she is eager to immerse herself in the local culture.

“I’m planning to join the Dance Troupe, the Tea Club, and the XJTLU Chinese Crosstalk Club. I hope to engage more with Chinese students and immerse myself in the activities of this new environment,” Williams said.

New students reading information at the 2024 Fresher’s Fair. Credit: Yunhe Liu

In addition to clubs specifically aimed at integrating international students, such as the LPU, other clubs like the YanJu Theatre Workshop and the Model United Nations Council at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLUMUNC) also attract many international students.

Dian Wang, Financial Director of the YanJu Theatre Workshop, highlighted the club’s international appeal.

YanJu Theatre Workshop. Credit: Katharina Zhu

“Our club includes students from various countries, including China, Russia and the UK. Notably, our vice president is a filmmaking student from Russia,” Wang explained. “Since we are an English drama club, we conduct all our rehearsals in English.”

“We stage both original and classic plays and host special events every term to provide members with the opportunity to act or direct. Last year, we performed ‘Romeo and Juliet’, selected scenes from ‘Friends’, and a segment from ‘Zootopia’,” he said.

Students visit XJTLU’s South Campus for the Fresher’s Fair. Credit: Katharina Zhu

XJTLUMUN, a large academic organisation known for its well-established system and high academic standards, is also popular with international students.

“We host the biannual XJTLU Model United Nation Conference and the Pan-Yangtze River Delta High School United Nations Conference,” said Zhenhe Li, the Secretary-General of XJTLUMUN. “We also send outstanding delegations to participate in high-level conferences at both domestic and international universities.”

Li continued: “International students constitute about 10% of our membership and offer unique perspectives that greatly enhance our performance. They have participated in numerous English-language conferences and consistently achieve excellent results.”

The annual Fresher’s Fair is organised by the Student Club Support Centre and co-organised by the Club Programme Office.

By Katharina Zhu, Year 4, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Edited by Tamara Kaup and Catherine Diamond