September is back-to-school season in Dongguan, and this year, universities and primary schools alike rolled out the red carpet for their newest students. From laptops to calligraphy scrolls, and even a robot dog hauling luggage, local schools found creative ways to make their freshmen feel right at home. 

01 A laptop for each freshman      

At Great Bay University (Songshan Lake campus), the very first cohort of 80 undergraduates arrived to an unexpected gift, each received a brand-new laptop. The donation, made by a Peking University alumnus, was personally handed out to students on registration day. 

"I didn't expect this at all. It feels like such a warm welcome," one freshman said with a smile. 

Meanwhile, across the lake, City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) hosted an "English Camp" to help new students ease into full-English teaching. Fun, interactive lessons reduced the anxiety of language barriers and gave students a confidence boost for the semester ahead. 

02 Calligraphy and a robot dog      

In Humen Town, primary school students were welcomed in the most traditional and futuristic ways. 

At Nanzha Primary School, 88 older students picked up their brushes and gifted handwritten calligraphy works to the first graders, each scroll filled with motivational phrases such as "Diligence pays off" and "Never stop learning." 

Just down the road at Humen Foreign Language School, a four-legged "robot dog" helped carry new students' luggage into dormitories. The mechanical helper climbed stairs, avoided crowds, and impressed both children and parents. "So cool! I want to control it someday!" one student exclaimed. 

03 A first lesson full of adventure      

At Binhaiwan Future School, more than 200 new primary schoolers started their journey not with textbooks, but with adventures. Their "first lessons" included rock climbing, piano practice, Lego-building, and science experiments. The school aims to make learning feel like play, and to turn nervous first-day jitters into excitement. 

In Tangxia, police officers, teachers, and volunteer parents all joined forces to escort kids safely into school, while law education officers delivered fun "first-day lessons" on safety and responsibility. 

From thoughtful gifts to high-tech helpers, Dongguan schools are proving that education is not just about academics, it's about creating a supportive, inspiring environment where students can grow.