Studying abroad isn’t just about what you learn inside the classroom. The experience encompasses many aspects that influence and shape your future. Therefore when deciding on which university to attend, one of the essential aspects to research is the campus life, including the facilities, environment, activities and support services.
Take Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) for example, a renowned institution in Suzhou that is known for its incredible, vast campus that goes above and beyond to enhance the student experience.
This article provides a glimpse of the facilities, activities, and services that contribute to the ideal university campus life.
About XJTLU
XJTLU is a unique and innovative university that combines the best of East and West. It is the largest joint venture university in China, established in 2006 by Xi’an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool. It offers a dual degree from two prestigious institutions, one from China and one from the UK. It also delivers a bilingual education in English and Chinese, allowing students to learn and master both languages. Moreover, it prepares students for a successful career in the global market, with a curriculum that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and employability skills. But what makes XJTLU stand out is its campus life, which is full of service and support for its students.
Campus Facilities
XJTLU’s campus is sprawled over an area of 800,000 square meters in the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (SEID) of Suzhou Industrial Park. It was carefully designed to serve as a conducive environment for learning and personal growth, offering students a blend of academia and lifestyle. From the classrooms to the laboratories, the facilities aptly represent XJTLU’s themes of innovation and advancement. The spaces are equipped with the latest technology and ergonomic design to support immersive learning experiences.
The campus is divided into the North Campus and South Campus, both offering distinct environments tailored to different aspects of academic pursuits. The North Campus serves as the university’s academic heart, consisting of stunning buildings and landscaped gardens dotted with modern art. Some of the highlights include:
- The Central Building: This distinctive landmark is where you will find the library, the administrative offices, the lecture theatres, and the student center. The design has won several awards for its architectural excellence and sustainability. The architects like to describe it as “a big horizontally stratified cube with big random holes punched into it,” adding that the exterior suggests the sternness of academia, while the wind passing through is representative of the flow of learning.
- The Sports Center: this spacious complex includes a gym, a swimming pool, a basketball court, a tennis court, a badminton court, a table tennis room, and a yoga studio. The space is also used to host events such as the XJTLU Sports Festival, the XJTLU Cup, and the XJTLU Marathon.
- Design Studios: these creative and collaborative spaces are equipped with modern tools and technologies, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and VR headsets.
- Catering Facilities: the campus has over 20 cafeterias, restaurants, and cafes, offering Chinese, Western, Korean, Japanese, and Halal food. There are also several convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines.
The South Campus features a contrasting architectural design, and offers teaching and learning spaces, as well as more accommodation and recreational facilities. The campus also includes the brand new XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), which was built to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among XJTLU students and graduates.
Campus Activities
XJTLU’s campus activities are an incredibly enriching aspect of student life. Covering academic, cultural, and social aspects, there are a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. They also encourage you to develop your skills and interests, with plenty of opportunities to try out new experiences that reflect diversity and innovation.
Academic Events
XJTLU organizes workshops and seminars on various topics and disciplines to complement classroom learning. These events allow you to gain valuable insights from experts, exchange ideas, showcase your work, and challenge yourself. Some examples of academic events are:
- XJTLU Research Festival
- XJTLU International Conference
- Innovation Challenge
- Model United Nations
- XJTLU Entrepreneurial Dream-Chasers Competition
Cultural Festivals
Throughout the year, XJTLU hosts many cultural events and performances that showcase the diversity of its student body and faculty. From traditional Chinese festivals to international celebrations, these are memorable opportunities to learn about, appreciate, and connect with different cultures and traditions. Examples include:
International Cultural Festival
- Chinese New Year Gala
- Mid-Autumn Festival
- Global Village
- International Culture Bazaar
Sports Competitions
Sporting events encompass a variety of games and physical activities to cater to different interests. The events are a fun way to exercise and engage in healthy competition with other students. Some events you can look forward to are:
- XJTLU Sports Festival
- XJTLU Cup
- XJTLU Marathon
- XJTLU Inter-University Games
Student Clubs & Organizations
XJTLU has a diverse array of extracurricular student clubs and organizations to cater to a wide range of interests, hobbies, and causes. From academic and professional societies to cultural and recreational clubs, they are a great way to meet new friends, pursue your interests, and contribute to society. Examples include:
- Student Union
- Music Society
- Photography Club
- Volunteer Association
Campus Services
XJTLU ensures that students are supported with their academic and personal needs, and throughout the campus. You can always count on professional and friendly support services for various issues, including:
- IT service support: technical assistance, software installation, network access, and online learning platforms. The IT service support center in the Central Building also offers computers, printers, scanners, and copiers for your use.
- E-support: a one-stop online portal that allows you to access various information and resources related to your study and life at XJTLU. You can use e-support to check your timetable and grades, and to register for courses, apply for scholarships, book facilities, and join activities.
- Career center: prepare for your future with career guidance, resume and interview tips, internship and job opportunities, and employer events. You can also join career development programs, such as the XJTLU Career Mentor Scheme, the XJTLU Career Academy, and the XJTLU Career Fair.
- Counseling center
- Health center
- Visa and immigration service
In addition to these services, XJTLU also offers extra support for international students, such as:
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation check-in
- Health check
- On-site registration
- Workshop and induction
- Residence permit application
Learn More & Apply
If you are interested in learning more and applying to XJTLU, you can browse the programs and submit your application directly on our platform. Our student advisors are also available answer your questions and guide you through the process when you book a call with us.
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