What happens the first week of school?

[sndchang]

Hello,

I would like to apply to Yunnan University for Fall 2008 which begins September 1st, but I am not able to make it to China until about 1 week after school starts.

What usually occurs in the 1st week of the Semester of any university? I was thinking that maybe a physical examination, introduction to the school, introduction to the area, etc would occur. Furthermore, perhaps it is required for me to attend the first week or else I'll get dropped out or something.

If its really important stuff I'll be missing, I may just decide to go to another school that starts later, though I was really hoping to go to Yunnan University.

[adrianlondon]

To study what?

What type/duration/level of course?

Usually not good to miss the first week of anything as you'll miss the first opportunity to get to know everyone and make friends.

[roddy]

Doubt you'll miss anything vital. Might be a bit more hassle - for example they might bus everyone to go and get the medical and walk you through the process, while you'll have to make your own way there and figure it out yourself.

[sndchang]

I'll be studying Chinese in the beginner level. Do they test your placement in the first week as well? That might also be a problem for me.

Thanks for your replies!

[adrianlondon]

If you've not studied Chinese before then you already know your placement result. "total beginner" ;)

In the first week, assuming classes are on that first week, you'll miss an intro to chinese characters and an expanation of how "pinyin" works. Read up yourself about pinyin before you start to sort that out.

You'll also not know where the canteen is, where the classes are etc.

[nicefreak]

When I was studying in Dalian, I also didn't make it to the first week. I let the university know in advance and it was no problem at all.

During the first week you had a chance to switch classes as often as you wanted, so you could check out the teachers. Apart from this opportunity I did not really miss a lot.

[Lu]

Don't know about the official stuff, but I wouldn't worry too much about making friends or finding where the canteen is. People will still be very busy making friends in the second week, and will probably be happy to show you the way to the canteen and the local bar. Few things feel as good as helping others with your new-found knowledge :-)

[sndchang]

Thanks for all your replies. They have really eased my stress. Looks like I have no other reasons not to attend Yunnan University. Hopefully I'll see some of you there.