Afternoon of September 25, 2026, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) hosted “Nice to Meet U 2026” under the theme “Connect, Experience, Belong”, welcoming nearly 100 international students from 10 countries who have come to Vietnam to study, take part in exchange programs, conduct research and undertake internships. Beyond providing practical information for the journey ahead, the event created a vibrant space for cultural exchange, where students from around the world celebrated the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival together, formed new friendships and began writing their own unforgettable university stories at USTH.
A New Journey Begins
To help international students settle into life in Vietnam, USTH organized “Nice to Meet U 2026” as a warm welcome to its newest members. The event also offered students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the learning environment, connect with the wider student community and gradually adjust to life in their new home.
During the program, international students were introduced to USTH and received essential information about academic programs, accommodation, university regulations, student support services, extracurricular activities and the many student clubs they can join during their time at the University.
The information was presented in an approachable and accessible way, helping students gain a clearer picture of academic and everyday life in Vietnam. Through interactive discussions and a question-and-answer session, they were also able to share their concerns, seek answers to practical questions and learn where to turn whenever they need assistance.
Alongside the dedicated guidance of USTH lecturers and staff, the involvement of Vietnamese students brought an even warmer and friendlier atmosphere to the welcome event.
By sharing study tips, advice on adapting to life in Hanoi and recommendations on food, transport and student activities, the Vietnamese students became special “local guides”, helping their international peers discover their new surroundings through authentic stories and everyday experiences.
A Welcome Filled with the Colors of the Mid-Autumn Festival
Held amid the joyful atmosphere of the eighth lunar month, “Nice to Meet U 2026” placed the Mid-Autumn Festival at the heart of its cultural exchange activities, bringing international students closer to the traditions and cultural life of Vietnam.
In addition to learning about the meaning of this festival of reunion, students had the opportunity to make traditional star-shaped lanterns, enjoy a lively lion dance and share a Mid-Autumn feast filled with familiar Vietnamese flavors.
For many of them, this was the first time that images previously encountered only in books or on social media had come to life before their eyes. Star lanterns, the rhythmic beat of lion-dance drums and a traditional full-moon feast were no longer cultural symbols observed from afar; they had become part of the students’ earliest memories of Vietnam and its people.
Despite differences in language and cultural background, the simple joy of making a small lantern together became a thread connecting new friends. Each star-shaped lantern reflected the creativity of its maker while preserving moments of shared laughter and togetherness from their first gathering at USTH.
The atmosphere grew even more energetic as the lion-dance drums began to echo through the hall, bringing the unmistakably festive rhythm of the Mid-Autumn celebration. The spirited performance, enthusiastic applause and cheerful photographs with new friends filled the afternoon with excitement and laughter.
After these lively experiences, the international students gathered to share the Mid-Autumn feast, enjoy traditional treats and discover more of the cultural stories associated with one of Vietnam’s most cherished celebrations.
Helping USTH Become a Home Away from Home
“Connect, Experience, Belong” was more than the theme of “Nice to Meet U 2026”. It also reflected USTH’s commitment to building an open and international learning environment where every student can discover new possibilities, grow as an individual and find their place within the community.
Through “Nice to Meet U 2026”, an annual event held to welcome new international students, USTH aims to provide the most practical and useful information to help students quickly become familiar with the University, Vietnamese culture and everyday life in the country.
More than a welcome event, “Nice to Meet U” marks the beginning of USTH’s journey toward becoming a home away from home for every international student – a place where they feel cared for, supported and confident as they adapt to a new academic and cultural environment.
The program also creates more opportunities for international and Vietnamese students to meet, exchange ideas and learn about one another’s cultures, lives and perspectives. Through these connections, USTH seeks to nurture a diverse, open and close-knit student community where everyone can learn from one another and create lasting memories throughout their time at the University.
