【Article-soliciting Activity “The Impression of HUST”】

    Author: Waqas Ghazi

    Nationality:  Pakistan

    School: School of  Law

    Major:  Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law (Master Student)

It was a pleasant night of august when my cab drove through neatly arranged trees. They flanked me on either side to form a shadowy corridor. I was successfully ported to what is known as the ‘MIT’ of China. There was much to explore. I was rightly informed of the weather conditions of Wuhan. My first purchase after arriving at HUST was an umbrella. And it proved to be the most useful and cost effective purchase, worth every dime for the frequency of its use.

The weather was pleasant with showers after every few hours. The view was breathtaking. It was like a green had been sprayed all over the campus. And in that green, there were some protruding buildings and houses. The scenic beauty has only grown and has never failed to captivate me.

I was of the view that there would be only a few international students in HUST. I was proved wrong. It is the most culturally rich campus I have ever visited. This is the product of the welcoming nature of china and the embracing attitude of HUST. One fails to feel excluded. There is a strong sense of nostalgia. I, for one, have not felt away from home since I came. And I think I will not be the only one who feels that way.

Initially, a few days were spent sorting through registration process. Every student’s documents were verified most efficiently and some basic instructions were given to them individually. To host such a large number of students and, to also narrate guidelines as per the needs of each individual is a demanding task. However, it was done in a praiseworthy manner. In the orientation ceremony, we were introduced to a society dedicated to facilitate international students. It is the same society that deputed its members along with me so I could fill in my forms for registration, lodging etc. The campus is huge enough to easily get lost in. I lost my way a couple of times. But, you will always run into a board telling you directions. It is essential to learn some basic words of Chinese especially so you can commute with ease. Although there is a huge crowd of students but, there is strange and peaceful silence as you navigate through HUST. The calm all around helped me dissolve into HUST and I felt a HUSTer the very next day I arrived. The remarkable comeliness of the campus of HUST stirred up the poet in me. The first few verses I wrote when I came to HUST read as follows:

Being touched by the breeze

In the midst of giant trees

Through the green tunnel, comes down the rain

Into the valley with a pretty stain

The wind again, shuffling through with a gust

There is spring resisting the autumn’s rust

I am at home, I am at HUST.

Waqas Ghazi and his friends in the East Playground