As autumn arrives, the Xiamen University campus is filled with youthful energy and anticipation. On September 1, 2026, the Institute for Financial and Accounting Studies (IFAS) welcomed its incoming Class of 2026. Students from across China and around the world gathered on the beautiful Xiamen University campus, bringing with them their aspirations and enthusiasm as they embarked on a new chapter of their academic journeys.

At the registration site, Teaching Secretary Ms. Zhou and student volunteers assisted new students with enrollment procedures and patiently answered questions about academic and campus life. Despite the bustling atmosphere, the registration process proceeded in an orderly manner. The new students’ faces reflected their excitement and expectations for the years ahead.

On the morning of September 7, 2026, IFAS held its first class for the incoming Class of 2026 in Room 501, Jiageng Building II. Professor Hu Jinshuai, Vice Dean of the Institute for Financial and Accounting Studies, extended a warm welcome to the new students on behalf of the Institute and congratulated them on joining the IFAS community. He then introduced the Institute’s faculty, research achievements, teaching accomplishments, student composition, and graduate career destinations. The presentation helped students gain a comprehensive understanding of the Institute’s academic strengths, educational characteristics, and achievements in talent development.Professor Hu also addressed common questions concerning academic arrangements, campus life, and future career development. In his concluding remarks, he encouraged students to pursue their dreams and make the most of the next three to five years of their studies. He urged them to accumulate knowledge, strengthen their skills, and build a solid professional foundation for the next stage of their careers.

Figure 3: Professor Hu Delivers the First Class

On the evening of September 9, 2026, the IFAS New and Returning Students Exchange Meeting and Class Committee Election for the Class of 2026 were held in Room 501, Jiageng Building II. The host, Wang Luyi, warmly welcomed the new students. The meeting then began with the first session: experience sharing by master’s and doctoral students.

The first speaker was Wang Luyi, a master’s student representative, who shared her academic experiences. Drawing on her own journey, she introduced the master’s program curriculum, supervisor selection, and important milestones such as the thesis proposal and final defense. She also offered advice on internship planning and job-search channels. Next, master’s student representative Zhang Ruobing shared practical experiences covering clothing, food, accommodation, and transportation. Her suggestions provided useful guidance for new students adapting to life at Xiamen University.

Doctoral student representative Chen Xiaoqiu then shared his experiences in doctoral study and daily life. He introduced the doctoral curriculum and research output requirements, and discussed communication with supervisors, research planning, and balancing their studies and daily life. His insights offered valuable guidance to students considering further academic study.

Figure 4: Opening of the New Student Welcome Meeting

Figure 5: Master’s Student Representative Zhang Ruobing Shares Her Experiences

Figure 6: Doctoral Student Representative Chen Xiaoqiu Shares His Experiences

During the self-introduction session, new and returning students took turns introducing themselves, sharing their interests and expectations for their future studies and campus life. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere helped the students get to know one another and quickly brought them closer together.

Figure 7: Self-Introduction Session

The meeting then proceeded to the class committee introduction session. Members of the Class of 2025 class committee explained their respective responsibilities and daily duties in detail. They also shared their experiences in class development, student services, and activity organization.

Figure 8: Ding Wanxin, Deputy Secretary of IFAS Party Branch of the Class of 2025, Introduces Her Responsibilities

Following the class committee introduction, the meeting moved to the Class of 2026 committee election. Students interested in serving their classmates took the stage to share their practical experiences and present their ideas for future class development. Through the election and voting process, the new class committee was successfully formed, bringing fresh energy to class activities and student services in the new academic year.

Figure 9: Students Deliver Campaign Speeches for the Class Committee

The final session introduced the IFAS Graduate Student Association. Members of the Class of 2025 presidium and department heads presented the Association’s organizational structure, departmental responsibilities, and daily work. They also shared their experiences organizing student activities and encouraged new students to participate according to their interests and strengths, thereby developing their overall capabilities.

Figure 10: Zhang Ruobing, Executive President of the Class of 2025, Introduces the Graduate Student Association

The exchange meeting concluded with warm applause, followed by a group photograph of all participants.

Figure 11: Group Photograph

With this, the 2026 new student orientation series of the Institute for Financial and Accounting Studies at Xiamen University has successfully concluded. A new chapter has now begun. May the Class of 2026 cherish their time, stay diligent in their studies, broaden their capabilities through exploration, and pursue their dreams with determination and perseverance.

Text: Zheng Xiyan

Photography: Deng Cai