ZJU creates first-class learning communities for students

On August 18, Zhejiang University officially welcomed the Class of 2023 into campus. Prior to their arrival, it had renovated residential halls so as to create first-class learning communities for incoming freshmen and promote a sense of unity, experience and acquisition.

Every residential hall has a gym, an art studio, a LED display, a student services center and a dormitory refurbishment project. Every dormitory building is also well-facilitated, including a discussion room, a self-study room, a self-service kitchen, a laundry room, etc.

So far, Zhejiang University has renovated a total of 3,600 m² of space and increased space for students’ activities by 174%. “First-class learning communities will play an essential role in promoting students’ ability in self-management, self-service, self-education and self-supervision,” said QIU Limin, dean of Qiushi College.

“Courses at Zhejiang University include a lot of open discussions after class, thus rendering it necessary for students to have ample space to gain a broader perspective and grasp a bigger picture in learning communities,” said QIU Limin.

These communities are distributed in different residential halls. They operate on an open-loop and open-source basis and are accessible to faculty and students. An online booking platform and a facial recognition system will also be introduced into learning communities.

First-class learning communities depend on first-class management. Through self-management, self-service and self-supervision, students are able to fulfill the goal of self-education. “Our gyms will be operated by students and at our services centers, students will provide convenience for others,” said QIU, “Students will thus be able to grow and thrive via hands-on experience.”