To promote a positive learning culture characterized by curiosity, diligence, and effective study habits, the Youth League Committee of Zhejiang University launched the “Most Beautiful” Campus Life Awards in December 2025. Open to all enrolled students, the event encouraged participants to showcase their study methods and approaches to campus life. International students distinguished themselves with their creativity, effective learning strategies, and well-organized lifestyles. Zhang Xuanxuan, a 2022 Veterinary Medicine student from Malaysia, won the Second Prize in the Most Beautiful Notes Competition. Darya, a 2025 Chinese Language student from Belarus, received the Second Prize in the Most Beautiful Daily Schedule Competition, the Best Visual Design Award, and the Second Prize in the Most Beautiful Desk Competition. Zhang Xinyu, a 2025 Communication student from Malaysia, also earned the Second Prize in both the Most Beautiful Daily Schedule Competition and the Most Beautiful Desk Competition, as well as the Best Visual Design Award. Their achievements showcased the unique perspectives and vibrant spirit of ZJU's international student community.

Most Beautiful Notes Award Winner: Zhang Xuanxuan

Featured Courses: Veterinary Internal Medicine & Animal Physiology

Veterinary Internal Medicine and Animal Physiology involve a large amount of knowledge that must be memorized. I believe that relying solely on rote memorization is an inefficient way to learn these subjects. Taking well-organized notes helps me structure the course content, identify key concepts, and makes revision much more effective.

For note-taking, I mainly use GoodNotes for writing and page layout, while Procreate is my preferred tool for creating and annotating diagrams. Combining text with illustrations makes my notes more structured, visually engaging, and easier to understand. Most of my notes are organized in bullet points to eliminate unnecessary wording while highlighting essential concepts and keywords. When comparing similar topics, I often create tables. For example, in Veterinary Internal Medicine, I compare tumor grading and staging, as well as benign and malignant tumors, side by side. This allows me to identify similarities and differences more clearly and helps me answer exam questions more logically.

I also pay close attention to color schemes and page design. By using clean, soft colors to distinguish different levels of information, I can emphasize key points while reducing visual fatigue during long revision sessions. Thoughtful layouts not only improve study efficiency but also make learning a more enjoyable experience.

Illustrations are an essential part of my notes. Rather than copying images directly, I redraw every diagram in Procreate based on lecture slides or reference materials. Recreating these figures helps reinforce my understanding and memory. For instance, when studying vascular physiology, drawing the structure of blood vessels enabled me to better visualize the relationships among different components. Since drawing is also one of my hobbies, this approach makes studying both relaxing and rewarding.

 As for my study strategy, I always begin by building a clear knowledge framework. In Veterinary Internal Medicine, the curriculum is organized around different body systems, starting with anatomy before moving on to diseases, including their causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Organizing my notes according to this structure helps connect scattered information into a coherent system. I also make sure to record the diseases and clinical insights emphasized by my professors, as these are valuable not only for exams but also for future clinical practice.

 Zhang Xuanxuan performed at Zhejiang University's New Year Gala.

Most Beautiful Daily Schedule & Most Beautiful Desk Award Winner: Darya

In my daily life, I have always maintained two simple habits: following a regular schedule and keeping my desk organized. Though they may seem like small routines, they have become the foundation of my productive study life.

Every morning, I get up according to the schedule I planned in advance, and I always make sure to get enough sleep at night. A consistent routine brings stability to my daily life, allowing me to stay energetic during classes and self-study sessions. It helps me concentrate better in class and complete my study tasks more efficiently.

A clean and organized workspace is equally important. I regularly arrange my bookshelf, organize my stationery, and keep every item in its proper place. Without unnecessary distractions, I can settle into study mode more quickly and focus on learning with a clear mind. A tidy environment not only improves my mood but also helps me approach academic challenges with greater clarity.

These seemingly ordinary habits carry remarkable power. A regular schedule keeps me healthy and energized, while an organized environment allows me to stay focused. Together, they create a steady learning rhythm and give me the confidence and motivation to keep moving toward my goals.

 Darya served as a member of the protocol team for the Cultural Gala.

Most Beautiful Daily Schedule & Most Beautiful Desk Award Winner: Zhang Xinyu

I divide my desk into different functional spaces, giving every corner its own purpose. One corner is my “comfort zone,” where I keep several artificial plants and some of my favorite plush toys. Although they may seem simple, they have a special ability to lift my spirits whenever I feel tired or lonely. Every time I look at them, they remind me to keep going because things will gradually get better.

Another corner is dedicated to studying, where I keep my textbooks and notes separately to make learning more organized and efficient. A family photo sits beside them, serving as my greatest source of encouragement. Studying abroad is not always easy, and whenever I feel discouraged, it reminds me why I chose this journey in the first place.

I also created a small relaxation corner with soft lighting, gentle music, and a few decorative items. It helps transform studying from a source of pressure into a sustainable daily routine. Over time, I realized that I was organizing not only my desk but also my mindset and pace of life in a new environment. Life remains busy, but no longer feels overwhelming. My goals are still ahead of me, but I know I am getting closer one step at a time.

As part of my daily schedule, I also attach a photo at the end of each day to capture a real moment from my life and use different emotion stickers to record how I felt. Looking back, I see more than just completed tasks—I see the story of how I have grown through everyday experiences while studying abroad.

To me, this schedule is more than a time-management tool; it is a diary of my overseas study journey. It has taught me how to maintain balance amid a busy life, enjoy each day while staying organized, and cherish this unforgettable chapter at Zhejiang University.

 Zhang Xinyu received an award in The 1st Zhejiang University Campus Basketball (Campus BA) Tournament.

The achievements of ZJU's international students in the “Most Beautiful” Campus Life Awards highlight not only their effective learning strategies and well-organized lifestyles, but also their enthusiasm for embracing campus life and pursuing personal growth. May every student draw inspiration from their experiences, discover learning methods that suit them best, and continue moving forward with passion, perseverance, and confidence while creating their own memorable journey at Zhejiang University.