National United University Welcomes 1,358 Freshmen at 2026 Freshman Orientation
National United University (NUU) held its freshman orientation program for the 115th academic year today (August 31), welcoming 1,358 freshmen to the Daping Mountain Campus Auditorium as they embarked on a new chapter of university life. President Hou Ti-Kuang, along with first- and second-level administrative supervisors, deans, and department chairs, welcomed the new students to the NUU family. Under the theme of “Redefining Yourself: Your First Day,” President Hou encouraged students to make the most of the next four years by exploring boldly, building their capabilities, and finding their own direction in a rapidly changing world, becoming better versions of themselves along the way.
At the opening ceremony, President Hou noted that entering university is not simply about moving to a new school or entering another stage of learning; it is also a new beginning for getting to know oneself. He invited freshmen to start by asking themselves three questions: “Who am I? What kind of person do I want to become? Four years from now, what do I hope will be different about me?” He encouraged students to find their own answers through four years of learning and experience.
With the rapid development of AI and continued changes in technology, industries, and the nature of work, President Hou also pointed out that university education can no longer focus solely on accumulating professional knowledge. More importantly, it should cultivate the ability to face the unknown and create the future. He therefore shared three key words with the freshmen—“Discover Yourself, Create Yourself, and Surpass Yourself”—and expressed his hope that every student will gradually discover their own direction and possibilities during their four years at NUU.
President Hou emphasized that “discovering yourself means not setting limits on yourself too early.” He encouraged freshmen to step outside their familiar surroundings during their four years at university by taking courses in different fields, participating in activities and competitions, engaging in projects and laboratory work, and taking opportunities to enter industries and experience the real world. Every new attempt can become an opportunity to better understand oneself. At an unexpected moment, students may suddenly realize, “This is what I truly enjoy.”
In addition to exploring themselves, students should also build skills that they can truly carry with them into the future. President Hou particularly reminded freshmen to accomplish at least three things during their four years at university: “Improve your English, strengthen your physical fitness, and develop your AI skills.” Beyond professional expertise, cultivating language abilities, a healthy body, and AI literacy, while further broadening their horizons through interdisciplinary learning, industry experience, and international exchange, will help students build the confidence and capabilities needed to face future changes.
To help freshmen make a smooth transition from high school to university, this year’s freshman orientation program was held over two days, from August 31 to September 1. Centered on two major themes—“Adapting to Campus Life” and “Academic and Career Navigation”—the program brought together resources from university administrative units, departments and programs, and senior students. Beginning with issues that freshmen care most about, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, interpersonal relationships, and mental well-being, the program gradually expanded to learning planning, interdisciplinary skills, AI, industry, career development, and international mobility. From their very first day on campus, freshmen were encouraged to begin mapping out their university journey for the next four years.
The first day focused on “Getting to Know NUU and Adapting to University Life.” Activities included “Career High-Tech Beyond the Textbook,” “Let Senior Students Show You the Way,” “Walking with Your Emotions, Encountering Yourself,” campus traffic safety, the NUU Guide to Food, Clothing, Housing and Transportation, health promotion, and multiculturalism. These sessions provided freshmen with essential information for university life. The “NUU New Voices (VOICE)” general forum also established a two-way communication channel between students and the University. In the evening, the lively student club recruitment fair invited freshmen to step outside the classroom, explore student clubs, discover their interests through diverse participation, and expand their social networks.
The second day, September 1, moved from “Adapting to Campus” toward “Planning Your University Journey.” Morning sessions introduced student affairs resources, course selection procedures, interdisciplinary learning, and “Respect, Boundaries and Safety—Gender Equality Issues You Need to Know, from Dormitories, Student Clubs and Friendships to Online Interactions.” These activities helped students develop an understanding of independent learning and a safe, friendly campus environment. In the afternoon, students returned to their respective departments for faculty-student meet-and-greet sessions, course selection briefings, and career exploration with alumni. Through sharing from faculty members, senior students, and alumni, freshmen gained a deeper understanding of departmental courses, academic pathways, and future career development, allowing them to begin planning their own learning paths at an early stage.
Freshman orientation is only the first stop on the university journey. The 115th academic year Freshman Week will also feature a student club fair, senior-freshman exchange sessions, a welcome concert, and other activities. From daytime campus and academic navigation to evening opportunities for social and youth exchange, the series of events aims to help every freshman get to know NUU, become part of the NUU community, and find their own way of experiencing university life in the shortest time possible.
Starting today, all 1,358 freshmen officially become members of the NUU community. Over the next four years, the University looks forward to accompanying every student as they discover themselves, create themselves, and surpass themselves at NUU. Through each exploration and new experience, students are encouraged to find their own path and begin a vibrant and fulfilling chapter of university life.
(This article and its imagery were provided by the Office of the President.) August 31, 2026
At the opening ceremony, President Hou noted that entering university is not simply about moving to a new school or entering another stage of learning; it is also a new beginning for getting to know oneself. He invited freshmen to start by asking themselves three questions: “Who am I? What kind of person do I want to become? Four years from now, what do I hope will be different about me?” He encouraged students to find their own answers through four years of learning and experience.
With the rapid development of AI and continued changes in technology, industries, and the nature of work, President Hou also pointed out that university education can no longer focus solely on accumulating professional knowledge. More importantly, it should cultivate the ability to face the unknown and create the future. He therefore shared three key words with the freshmen—“Discover Yourself, Create Yourself, and Surpass Yourself”—and expressed his hope that every student will gradually discover their own direction and possibilities during their four years at NUU.
President Hou emphasized that “discovering yourself means not setting limits on yourself too early.” He encouraged freshmen to step outside their familiar surroundings during their four years at university by taking courses in different fields, participating in activities and competitions, engaging in projects and laboratory work, and taking opportunities to enter industries and experience the real world. Every new attempt can become an opportunity to better understand oneself. At an unexpected moment, students may suddenly realize, “This is what I truly enjoy.”
In addition to exploring themselves, students should also build skills that they can truly carry with them into the future. President Hou particularly reminded freshmen to accomplish at least three things during their four years at university: “Improve your English, strengthen your physical fitness, and develop your AI skills.” Beyond professional expertise, cultivating language abilities, a healthy body, and AI literacy, while further broadening their horizons through interdisciplinary learning, industry experience, and international exchange, will help students build the confidence and capabilities needed to face future changes.
To help freshmen make a smooth transition from high school to university, this year’s freshman orientation program was held over two days, from August 31 to September 1. Centered on two major themes—“Adapting to Campus Life” and “Academic and Career Navigation”—the program brought together resources from university administrative units, departments and programs, and senior students. Beginning with issues that freshmen care most about, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, interpersonal relationships, and mental well-being, the program gradually expanded to learning planning, interdisciplinary skills, AI, industry, career development, and international mobility. From their very first day on campus, freshmen were encouraged to begin mapping out their university journey for the next four years.
The first day focused on “Getting to Know NUU and Adapting to University Life.” Activities included “Career High-Tech Beyond the Textbook,” “Let Senior Students Show You the Way,” “Walking with Your Emotions, Encountering Yourself,” campus traffic safety, the NUU Guide to Food, Clothing, Housing and Transportation, health promotion, and multiculturalism. These sessions provided freshmen with essential information for university life. The “NUU New Voices (VOICE)” general forum also established a two-way communication channel between students and the University. In the evening, the lively student club recruitment fair invited freshmen to step outside the classroom, explore student clubs, discover their interests through diverse participation, and expand their social networks.
The second day, September 1, moved from “Adapting to Campus” toward “Planning Your University Journey.” Morning sessions introduced student affairs resources, course selection procedures, interdisciplinary learning, and “Respect, Boundaries and Safety—Gender Equality Issues You Need to Know, from Dormitories, Student Clubs and Friendships to Online Interactions.” These activities helped students develop an understanding of independent learning and a safe, friendly campus environment. In the afternoon, students returned to their respective departments for faculty-student meet-and-greet sessions, course selection briefings, and career exploration with alumni. Through sharing from faculty members, senior students, and alumni, freshmen gained a deeper understanding of departmental courses, academic pathways, and future career development, allowing them to begin planning their own learning paths at an early stage.
Freshman orientation is only the first stop on the university journey. The 115th academic year Freshman Week will also feature a student club fair, senior-freshman exchange sessions, a welcome concert, and other activities. From daytime campus and academic navigation to evening opportunities for social and youth exchange, the series of events aims to help every freshman get to know NUU, become part of the NUU community, and find their own way of experiencing university life in the shortest time possible.
Starting today, all 1,358 freshmen officially become members of the NUU community. Over the next four years, the University looks forward to accompanying every student as they discover themselves, create themselves, and surpass themselves at NUU. Through each exploration and new experience, students are encouraged to find their own path and begin a vibrant and fulfilling chapter of university life.
(This article and its imagery were provided by the Office of the President.) August 31, 2026