France
On the 10th of April, during my school trip, when I first received my admission letter to Tsinghua University, I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was excited about getting accepted to a really prestigious university. On the other, I couldn’t stop doubting myself, I was scared to not be good enough or feeling like an outsider. And as a French student stepping into an unfamiliar environment, I was scared of the language barrier and the cultural differences. But from the moment I arrived at Tsinghua, on August 14, those fears began to fade.
My journey started at Tuozhanying, the orientation camp for international students. I remember standing in the group, nervously introducing myself, then having fun with everyone as we practiced Qinghuaquan, Tsinghua’s traditional Kungfu exercise, and having class with all the international students that answered all my questions about the life on campus.
This first experience set the tone for how it was at Tsinghua. I had support from people all around me. It showed me that no one here expected me to be perfect, but just to try and be myself. During my first semester, at Zhishan department, a social science department, there were some moments where I struggled. Because some lectures were hard to follow, or the language barrier was strong. But I was never alone. My professors, teaching assistants and classmates always could notice when I was struggling and always offered to help me without hesitation. One teaching assistant even worked with a professor to make sure presentations included translations in English for me and other international students. That small but meaningful action helped me a lot and made me feel included. I didn’t feel like an outsider but as someone who belonged here.
Looking back, I realize how extra my initial fears were. I was worried about not being smart enough or not fitting in, but Zhishan proved me wrong at every turn. And the friendships I’ve built, the kindness I’ve encountered, and the endless opportunities to grow made this place feel like home. Whether it’s a classmate sharing their notes, a professor adjusting their teaching approach, or a friend inviting me to try new food, I’ve felt supported every step of the way. Tsinghua is more than just a prestige university, it’s a place where you’ll be embraced for who you are. So, if you’re considering joining, don’t let fear hold you back. Tsinghua is a place where not only you will excel academically but discover a true sense of belonging. Come to Tsinghua and let it surprise you.
