New generation, new campus life

The recent intake of college students have a different mindset from those who went before and this is reflected by what they bring to their dorms and the lifestyle they choose to lead. Cao Chen reports from Shanghai.

Jin Zilong added something special, besides the essential requirements, like important documents, clothing and stationery, to his packing list for college fresher year.

Jin packed items to decorate his dorm with, including posters and fitness equipment such as yoga mats and dumbbells.

"I want my personality to be reflected in my dorm room. That is where I will spend the most time during college," said Jin, a student at East China Normal University.

"When the dorm is cozy, our life at campus and our relationship with roommates - vital parts of our university life - will be easier for us to adjust to," he added.

His college life was further enhanced when the 18-year-old set up a study group and invited a few classmates to join.

"We plan to discuss questions related to our major, education, during spare time in the dorm or study rooms, said Jin.

Jin, born in this century, is representative of a new generation who grew up in an era enriched with economic, scientific and social breakthroughs.

Just a few years separate freshmen from the older students but the differences in attitude are clear. Li Tianhang, president of the student union at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, said she saw a cyclist carrying a guitar and a ukulele during registration at college's welcome week.

"They care more about fashion and personality than students of my age," said the 21-year-old.

According to data from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, over 68 percent of new students, accounting for approximately 2,800, were born this century. The youngest, born in 2004, is only 14 years old, and the oldest was born in 1994.

At Fudan University, the percentage is even higher, more than 75 percent.