A Night of Fun and Connection — Freshmen Welcome Night

On March 19, 2025, the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) hosted Freshmen Welcome Night at Zhizhu Café 2, Jianguo Campus. The event was designed to warmly welcome new international freshmen and provide them with an opportunity to connect with their Study Buddies as well as fellow students. Through games, food, and interactive activities, the event aimed to create a friendly and supportive environment where freshmen could begin building their social connections and feel more comfortable in their new campus life.

The event began with a casual and welcoming atmosphere as freshmen arrived and were greeted by their Study Buddies. A variety of food and snacks were prepared, allowing participants to enjoy refreshments while getting to know one another. This  setting helped break the ice and encouraged natural conversations among students from different backgrounds.

To further engage participants, several interactive games were organized throughout the evening. One of the highlights was a Kahoot quiz focused on Taiwan, where students tested their knowledge about Taiwanese culture, geography, and daily life. The game created excitement and friendly competition, with small gifts awarded to winners, motivating participants to actively take part.

Another group-based quiz activity followed, where students worked together in teams to answer questions. This activity not only strengthened teamwork but also encouraged communication between freshmen and their Study Buddies. At the end of the game, each member of the winning group received prizes, adding to the joyful and rewarding atmosphere of the night.

The Environment throughout the event was lively, welcoming, and full of laughter. The venue was filled with freshmen and Study Buddies actively interacting, sharing conversations, and enjoying the activities together. Many participants expressed that the event helped them feel more at ease and less nervous about starting their new journey in Taiwan. The combination of games, food, and social interaction made it easier for students to connect and form new friendships.

The Freshmen Welcome Night was a successful and meaningful event that achieved its goal of creating a warm and inclusive environment for new students. By bringing together freshmen and Study Buddies in a fun and interactive setting, the event helped foster a strong sense of belonging and community at Tzu Chi University. Participants were able to connect, share experiences, and begin their journey on campus with confidence and excitement.

For future improvement, it is suggested to prepare a wider variety of food options to better accommodate different preferences and enhance the overall experience. Nevertheless, the event was highly enjoyable and well-received, leaving participants with positive memories.

Warmly welcome new international freshmen and provide them with an opportunity to connect with their Study Buddies.
Warmly welcome new international freshmen and provide them with an opportunity to connect with their Study Buddies.
     Another group-based quiz activity followed, where students worked together in teams to answer questions.
Another group-based quiz activity followed, where students worked together in teams to answer questions.
     At the end of the game, each member of the winning group received prizes.
At the end of the game, each member of the winning group received prizes.