Students spend a lot of time in dormitories, the smallest unit that facilitates their daily life and interactions with others, besides attending classes in classrooms, studying in the library or dining at the canteens. At UIC, the residential area consists of eight Halls with unique cultures, becoming students' second home.
UIC held the annual Hall High Table Dinner in late September, discussing the future of Hall Culture.
UIC President, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences, Prof Tang Tao, stressed that UIC has been forming its Hall Culture and building a lifelong learning community since 2011. With the joint efforts by the Wardens and the Hall Student Committee, different Halls have been organising various activities to help students develop a sense of belonging. Prof Tang looks forward to seeing students and teachers shape a distinctive UIC Hall Culture.
Warden of Innovative Education Hall, and Assistant Professor of FHSS, Dr Xia Chuanli said that the Hall is more than a place to live and learn. It is also a channel for students to learn more about the world and cultivate innovation and leadership.
Fang Yujing from Xiamen, Fujian Province shared her experience of holding "mooncake gambling", a traditional festive activity of her hometown, at the Hall during her first Mid-autumn Festival at UIC. Later on, she became part of the Hall Student Committee as a resident student tutor.
Warden of Excellence Education Hall, Prof Johnston Wong of FHSS, pointed out that Hall Culture reflects the motto of UIC. For example, the selection of a special activity called "Excellent Students from Excellence Education Hall" taught students that never measure success by a student's grades.
Prof Johnston Wong attends the "Excellent Students from Excellence Education Hall" activity
Warden of Literary Education Hall, and Associate Professor of FHSS, Dr Maggie Tang, often organises literature and Chinese traditional cultural activities and conducts Hall Gathering annually, inviting teachers from various majors to share their knowledge.
Dr Maggie Tang (third from right) at Hall Gathering of Literary Education Hall
She also engages in the daily work of the Hall and is always ready to be a warm helper when students encounter difficulties.
Wang Yingqiu has been a Residence Tutor at Innovation Education Hall for four years. She said the Hall wishes students to be independent, and discover beautiful things and their true selves.
Students participate in a DIY activity
Sun Yue (First from left) attends the Hall Gathering of Scientific Education Hall
Sun Yue, who has served as resident student tutor of the Hall for two years, thinks student tutors are essential in communication between the College and students. She decided to pass on the kindness she had received before, and from here, she also made many friends.
Ultimately, UIC aims to bring students and teachers from different places and cultures together at Hall, creating a loving home and learning community.
From MPRO
Reporter: Wang Qianhan
Photos: Season Li, Zhang Chen, He Jieying, as well as provided by the interviewees
Editors: Covee Wang, Deen He
