The journey to China itself was a challenge for me. All the more so, erstwhile I left to start college in China, I went there for the first time in my life. I was flying from Europe to Nankin with a transfer to Guangzhou Airport. First impressions? Huge. It turned out that 2.5 hours for a briefing and a transfer was not enough. In order to make the local flight to Nanking, we had to be given a ride to the right exit with an electrical car.
At Nankin airport, we were met by a guardian from a Chinese organization that provides support services to abroad students and, most importantly, has accreditation of the Chinese Ministry of Education. Since I arrived the day before the authoritative date of the party, I assumed I would spend the first night in China at a hotel. However, it turned out that the university besides accepts students on Sunday. So from the airport I went consecutive to the university, without a moment's remainder – the academic year in China began already the next day, which was on Monday, September 1, 2025.
My college
I decided to go to college. Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) – University of Aviation and Astronautics in Nankin.
- Annual budget: $1.3 billion !!!
- Total number of students in regular studies: Over 38,000.
- Number of abroad students: over 800 from over 100 countries
- Area: 540 acres – is equal to an area where about 306 full-sized football fields could fit.
NUAA is 1 of the leading Chinese state universities, straight under the Ministry of manufacture and Information Technology. He specializes in engineering, especially in aviation, astronautics and mechanics, being a key investigation and educational hub for the Chinese aerospace industry.
The university was founded in 1952 as a consequence of the consolidation of aviation departments from respective another renowned universities, including Nanjing University, Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. For decades, it has developed to meet China's strategical defence and space technology needs. present it is part of the prestigious “Double First-Class” task that identifies and finances the best universities and technological disciplines in China.
Campus Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
The university has 3 major campuses:
- Ming Palace campus (将军路): Main campus, named from close ruins of Ming Palace. Most departments, dormitories and modern facilities are located here.
- Jiangjun Road campus (明故宫): Historical campus, located closer to the city center, where any departments and investigation institutes are located.
- Tianjin Lake campus: The latest campus, offering modern teaching and investigation infrastructure.
Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
NUAA offers a wide scope of programmes at all levels of education, but its strength lies in the following areas:
- Aviation and Astronautics: Aeroplane design, aircraft engines, rocket technology, space vehicle design, flight mechanics.
- Mechanical engineering: Mechatronics, precision engineering, robotics.
- Material engineering: Advanced composite materials, materials for high-temperature applications, nanomaterials.
- Computer discipline and Information Technologies: Artificial intelligence, automation, control technology, computer science.
- Strict Sciences: Applied physics, computational mathematics.
- Management and Economics: Management engineering, logistics, global trade.
The university has over 20 schools and departments, including among others.:
- College of Aerospace Engineering
- College of Energy and Power Engineering
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- College of Materials discipline and Technology
- College of Automation Engineering
- College of global Education
NUAA investigation successes and achievements
NUAA plays a key function in China's national air and space programs. Her achievements include:
- Participation in projects: The university was active in the improvement of Chinese passenger aircraft (e.g. ARJ21, C919 and AG600 series), unmanned aircraft (UAV) and in the Moon Exploration Program (Chang’e). She besides developed the microsatellite "Tianxun No. 1", which successfully completed all verification tasks in orbit.
- Pioneer Research: He conducts advanced investigation in aerodynamics, jet drives, stealth technology, intelligent materials and satellite technologies.
International cooperation and programmes for abroad students
NUAA is very open to global cooperation. He runs student exchange programs, joint education programs (e.g. 2+2, 3+1) and joint investigation institutes with more than 50 universities worldwide.
- College of global Education (CIE): It offers full programs in English at undergraduate and master's level (e.g. in aviation, mechanical engineering, global business).
First day at NUAA: Hot reception and instant acclimatization
My adventure at the College of global Education (CIE) began with an highly warm and efficient reception. The registration process was arranged in a flash – staff and volunteers they were highly helpful, and all the formalities were done smoothly and without unnecessary queues.
However, real student life has already made itself known in the dormitory. Turns out there's no sheets in standard equipment. This is simply a typical situation for Chinese dormitories, where students frequently complete specified accessories themselves. There's no bad thing that didn't work out for good: I had an excuse for the first small trip.
Thanks to the support of the guardian (tour) the case was resolved at an express pace. In just an hour, I managed not only to buy a starting set offered by the university, but besides to arrange a local SIM telephone card with a peculiar promotion for students. This aid was invaluable and immediately dispelled all concerns about setting up in a fresh place.
As shortly as I unpacked, it was time for a meal. The caretaker offered to visit the student cafeteria. This place turned out to be the heart of everyday life. The cafeteria is practically open all day, serving meals 7 days a week. Breakfast, lunches and dinners students can eat in accordance with their own agenda of classes.
This first day – although intense – was an perfect introduction. He showed that NUAA is not only a prestigious college, but besides a place where efficient procedures go hand in hand with human kindness, and tiny challenges rapidly turn into pleasant, inclusive experiences.
To be continued!
Written by Marek Rosin and Grzegorz Sośnicki Rosin
Editorial: Leszek B.
Email: [email protected]
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