【Article-soliciting Activity “The Impression of HUST”】
Author: TIAN, XIANG HOU
Nationality: Malaysia
School: School of China-EU Institute for Clean And Renewable Energy
Major: New Energy Science and Engineering (Master Student)
Departed from my home country Malaysia, as a confident Chinese Government Full Scholarship’s recipient with eager anticipation for accomplishing dream of further studying top-tier technology at a renowned world-class university situated at Wuhan of Hubei Province of China, I arrived at Huazhong University of Science and Technology(HUST), where I was unforgettably “welcomed” by a great white statue in homage to statesman Mao ZeDong at South Main Gate facing southwards to the edgeless GuanShanKou Avenue of prosperous Optic Valley of China.
Upon first visitation to HUST, the radiant visage from meeting HUST campus allured me. According to the internet hearsay, HUST is the campus that is heavily embedded inside the shrouds of trees. Indeed, while I was sightseeing along the roads which are decorated by poplars and parasols, the shades of trees that sheltered me from the cruelty of July-August summer truly convinced me of the HUST’s nickname as “Forest University”. Besides, both Lake of Eyeglass and Youth Garden’s Lake of Origin are featured by classical Chinese-styled arch-bridges and floating pavilions alongside blooms of spring-summer’s beautiful pink lotuses, complying elegancy of traditional Chinese culture as well as nurturing a stress-relieving natural environment for greenery-friendly HUSTers. The green hill of YuJiaShan in the rear of HUST main campus is a hotspot for those who are affinitive to the mother-nature. The autumn’s tree leafs are staining the campus in reddish-yellow color prior to their shedding. Spectacular views of silvery snow coating upon the surfaces of vegetation are exquisitely offered during winter. The ever-changing awesome sceneries are brought by the repeating four seasonal transience of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Notably, Garden of World Cultural Giants contains the splendid quotes from memorable philosophers, ranging from ancient Greek Socrates to modern Chinese Lu Xun. Additionally, Chinese Technological Garden infuses an obsessive aura of thriving for prestige among HUSTers by showcasing the briskest images of four famous ancient Chinese inventions which are compass, paper, printing, and gunpowder.
HUST itself is a convenient communal complex that has acquired many residential and commercial functional units including bazaars & supermarkets, groceries & bookstores, banks & bond-financings, hospitals & pharmacies, laundry & tailor shops, and restaurants & cafes. It is very difficult to lose my directions in this huge campus (nearly 5million meter square) since the neat arrangement of HUST’s teaching and dormitory compounds provides the straight-forward avenues that comprise the unique rectangular layout formation of HUST main campus. An affordable transport by means of bicycle or electric motorbike is a must for students going for far-away classrooms, since the intra-school buses are only roaming around main avenues of HUST, therefore, the majestic dominating role of two-wheels has entitled HUST’s territory as “Kingdom of Bikes”. Canteens are essential to keep those “hungry devourers” of HUST well-fed, rumor has it that the number of eateries in HUST is as many as 35 which numerically tops all universities in Wuhan! Plenty of time will have to be spent for tracking genuinely wonderful tastes, in fact, different Chinese cuisine styles of great fame can be found here, HUST is exactly the food-predators’ paradise. Besides to the enjoyable “edible” assets, HUST is within the energetic culture sphere of Chu, immersing yourself in the humanistic memory that is forged by many famous historical stories and heroic figures shall be a great encouragement to personal ambition, the remembrance for those bequeathed legends are being further aroused by the presence of ever-flowing Yangtze River and serene East Lake which are the permanent natural symbols of Wuhan.
Aside to the attractive sceneries available around HUST, learning in HUST’s branded colleges can be a pleasant experience for international students. In my majored school of China-EU Institute for Clean And Renewable Energy, it deeply impresses me that actually HUST’s courses are quite internationalized, you may find out that many international students are attending the same classes as Chinese students do, and the bilingual Chinese students are highly capable of grasping concepts presented in courses delivered via English. There are many prestigious foreign professors from different theaters of the world frequently visiting HUST for conducting informational exchange and academic cooperation with their Chinese counterparts. Under such diligent influence, the students are enthusiastically committing themselves to attain the enlightening knowledge shared by their respected elders. This devoted interaction reflects the HUSTers’ strong desire to prevail in their fields of study and obtain professional laurels in the midst of creating better prospects for the future. In my opinion, building cordial relationships with both Foreign and Chinese academic supervisors as well as fellow classmates is an effective way to address the encountered academic problems, which can be handled by pragmatic solution culminated from amicable discussions. Conducive free thinking atmosphere decisively helps raising rational digestion of newly learnt knowledge whilst both the humble lecturers and students simultaneously proceed with the progressive courses. Hence, the combined effect of both senior and peer group revisions is always best shown by the examination results with flying colors. It will certainly be a pleasure to reminisce the anecdotic good old days in HUST where my joyous tears and brain-juices have been gloriously spilt together with my dear lovely HUSTers!
As a consequence of Chinese government’s intensive investment into research and educational sector, the schools of HUST are sufficiently resourceful to gain access to sophisticated tools and devices as well as intelligent brains. In an effort of accelerating HUST’s transformation into a comprehensive university, high availability of top-notched holistic intellectual assets is coupled by remarkable efficacy of utilizing both hardware and software for each of the specialized studies. There are also several key national laboratories of premium quality in HUST upon which the fresh students are inevitably standing in awe at their first glances. Those facilities are aiming for frontier discovery and observation, such as the fundamental energy efficiency research bases of State Key Labs of Photovoltaics, Coal Combustion, Pulsed High Magnetic Field as well as the salient applications of Automation & Manufacturing for the prioritized purpose of lowering power consumption, they are truly the pioneers for significant technological improvements. The presence of reliable and precise instruments sustainably motivates the ongoing production of internationally-ranked academic publications contributed by outstanding HUSTers. Friendly educational administrative staff are very considerate and ever-ready to provide technical support to international students who are unfamiliar with the instructions as well as rules and regulations. Due to HUST’s requirement for multidisciplinary cooperation and scientific investigation into the research projects, logical formulation of testified analyses and cohesive team spirits are much needed, thus expect favorable change upon your personality and professionalism by a very large margin in this HUST’s melting pot of enlightenment! Undoubtedly, HUST’s manifestation for steadfast, gradual ascension to the throne of unparalleled technological might in engineering and reputed academic excellence in social sciences is achieved collectively by the blood and sweat of all proud HUSTers.
Youthfulness can be found everywhere in the campus alongside the classical buildings of HUST. Post-class recreations in HUST can be very delightful, as there is a shopping paradise named Optic Valley Walking Street that extends for 1.4km long, covering all sorts of architecturally marvelous buildings and nightlife activities. Vibrant campus culture is obvious even to the HUST’s visitors as there are countless propaganda events, talent recruitment drives and job interview sessions throughout new semesters. Societies and activities are helpful for those who are interested in developing their personal skills and social circles. Moreover, fresh perspectives and new ideas from all corners of the world are warmly welcomed. Emergence of Wuhan as a regional rapidly industrializing powerhouse provides a myriad of internship & job opportunities and HUST as a distinguished hub of creativity is able to meet the hiking demand for high-end talents. Factually, HUST’s courses are not only imparting reputable state-of-the-art philosophy but also the necessary personal soft skills to enable students’ high competitiveness in human resource market. HUST is an exemplary incubator that consolidates proactive attitude towards entrepreneurship, students are encouraged to broaden career horizon and augment innovative minds during their precious study period in HUST. As an effect, I have joined the result-oriented Graduate Base of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is willing to introduce business norms and promote innovative mindsets to young HUSTers who are desirous to instantly join the booming Wuhan’s knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, hardworking and perseverance are seen as virtues among the fellow HUSTers. The magnificent scenes of students advancing towards libraries and revision rooms are reminding people of the HUST’s motto of “Emphasis upon Virtues and Pursuit for Knowledge, Seeking for Truth and Innovation of Great Originality”, serving as the embodiment of HUSTers’ ever-lasting fortitude in the lifelong expeditionary pathway for continuing successes and breakthroughs on all fronts.
In the tide of Wuhan’s vigorous rise to prominence in central China, the city is shifting itself towards a center of advanced productivity. Wuhan possesses clusters of intellectual institutes that play a vital role in the delivery of talented manpower. Undeniably among those institutes, HUST has been serving as a fountain that infinitely generates driving force for the growth of Wuhan. In conclusion, as an international student seeking good impressions of central China’s value and beauty, HUST of Wuhan is indeed a right choice worthy of meticulous exploration by your joint-effort together with senior HUSTers!
PostScript: Be advised that the drastic fluctuations of Wuhan’s temperature due to seasonal transitions may be a primary cause for falling ill. To avoid this, it is a vital objective of local acclimatization for all international students (coming from different climatic regions) to properly fend for yourself by preparing warm clothes, thermo-bottle and buy some drinkable Chinese herbal medicine.
邂逅华中大
扬帆启程自南洋，万里迢迢至江城。何其幸运，得益于中国政府奖学金的资助，我从马来西亚来到了这片欣欣向荣的神州大地。怀揣着留学深造的梦想，我满心欢喜地抵达了这所文理相辅且工科见长的大学。初入南大门，伟岸的毛主席塑像向南而立，热情地向我和我身后繁华的关山街招手问好。初来乍到，此情此景，无比难忘。
时值夏末初秋，校园里的景象一片欣欣向荣。网传华中大乃一所被林荫庇佑的高等学府。今日一见，诚然如斯。当我游走于校园的林荫小路，两旁的梧桐、杨树撑起一顶巨大的绿色帐篷，无私无畏地抵御着暑日的余威，竟感受不到一丝酷热的蹂躏。华中大“森林大学”的美誉果不虚传也！此外，风景如画的眼镜湖、源湖不仅为华中大人提供了解压舒绪的归处，其间的拱桥浮台、园林景致相伴着春夏盛开的粉色荷花，不经意间就流露出了中华古典文化中的风雅。主校区后方的瑜伽山乃运动避暑与自然环境爱好者的绿色胜地。每至枯叶纷飞之际，校园变成一片红黄相杂的奇特海洋。等到了冬天，当白皑皑的雪花覆盖于植被与楼宇表面之时，想必会为华中大更添一份神圣清丽。一年四季分明的气候造就了华中大四时独特的景致。
世界文化名人园里，写着古今中外哲人们寓意深长的名言警句，前有苏格拉底后有鲁迅。中华中大技园里，刻着中华古代四大发明的生动形象。这些校园人文景观鞭策着华中大人拼搏向上的精神。
华中大校园本身是个居住与商贸兼具的巨型社区。集贸、超市、杂货铺、书店、银行、医院、药房、洗涤店、裁缝铺、餐厅、咖啡屋等等都在这里聚集，你所需要的一切应有尽有。笔直纵横的街道与错落有致的教宿分区让人很快熟悉校园布局。据说校区面积大于五百万平方米，由于校车只沿主干道行驶，借以代步的自行车与电动车充斥着校园的每个角落。二轮支配的世界也让华中大有“自行车王国”之称。林立的食堂是华中大人专有的福利。坊间传闻，华中大的食堂总数有超过35家，数量远超其他高校！不论真伪，齐集了区域内各类美食的华中大真不愧是吃货们的天堂！除了舌尖上的荆楚盛宴，华中大的校风亦深受楚文化圈的影响。楚天风物、史迹丹青，无不述说着曾经的故事；壮阔的长江和静谧的东湖承载着一段段动人的历史记忆，这是将昔日故楚遗风和今日创新争优连接的地理标签。
“学在华工”绝不是一句口号，华中大的名牌专业们至今尚在发光发热呢！对于国际留学生来说这种体会更是深刻。以我所在中欧清洁能源学院（CEICARE）为例，课程教学十分国际化，中外学生同班上课。英语授课环境下的中国学生思维也异常活跃，总能抓住重点举一反三。授课的教授来自五湖四海，来到华中大访学和科研交流的各国人才济济一堂。在这样的氛围中，教与学有序进行。和来自各国的师生互相学习精合作是求索进步的不二法门。在和睦的讨论里，疑难困惑总能迎刃而解。这里有渐进式教学活动、互动式资讯的共享平台、亦师亦友的师生关系……当看到同学们鱼贯进入图书馆与自习室的“宏伟”场面时，我有理由相信在这样的学习环境中，华中大人会在各自的专业领域里有所建树，他们的明天必将光明。
有赖于中国政府对科教事业的大力投资，华中大的教学研资源相当丰厚。在向综合性大学发展的进程中，华中大对软硬件设备、教学条件非常重视，并使之高效运用于高精尖的研究当中，这是有目共睹的事实。这些实验设施让我这样的新生叹为观止。华中大的国家重点实验室就有好多个，如国家光电实验室、煤燃烧实验室，脉冲强磁场实验室等等。除了尖端的软硬装备，各类教职员工也提供了尽心尽责的技术支援，他们总是耐心友善地为国际留学生解疑答惑。参与科研项目时经常需要多学科交叉，逻辑慎密的分析推理与强力向心的团队就成为必备条件。华中大正是一个多学科交叉的大熔炉，长期的训练将会使个人的品格与专业素养迅速调高。
除了严谨的科学态度，华中大人也是青春活力的。这里的课余生活充满了欢乐。位于光谷的欧陆风情购物街是华中大人的入夜常去处。校园文化活动用“璀璨夺目”来形容也绝不过分，花样繁多的社团招募、表演、竞赛以及商业征聘宣讲会等，让人目不暇接。华中大对各类新奇的事物都保持着开放包容的心态。事实上，华中大不仅满足于传授硬实力的专业知识，同时也鼓励学生们培养个人软实力技巧。学校官方和校内学生组织都致力于培养学生的创新创业意识，这里有很多科技孵化基地和创业团队。耳濡目染下，我加入了华中大研究生创新创业基地（GBIE），在研创未来企业家训练营内我获益良多，不仅结交了新朋友也得到了项目活动的历练。
在中部崛起的大背景下，江城正迅速地变成一座科技之城、智慧之城。武汉高校群芳竞艳，华中大就是最明艳的那一支。作为一位国际留学生，欲品味武汉之瑰丽印象，必先与最具“追求卓越、敢为人先”的华中大人一同探密华中大的独特魅力！
