Ho Chi Minh City National University dormitory welcomes new students during September 2nd holiday, parents are unexpectedly moved

Even though it was the National Day holiday on September 2, the dormitory of Ho Chi Minh City National University still opened its doors to welcome thousands of new students to complete the admission procedures, surprising and touching many people.

The dormitories of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City welcomed new students throughout the September 2nd holiday. Despite it being a holiday, many parents and new students came to complete the registration procedures for dormitory area B. - Photo: TRAN HUYNH

While many places temporarily suspended operations due to the National Day holiday on September 2nd, the dormitories of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City remained open to welcome new students from all over the country, preparing for the new academic year.

Unexpectedly, the dormitory was open throughout the holiday, accepting new students as usual.

Beyond its normal functions, the dormitory has become a warm and welcoming haven, thanks to the dedication of staff working throughout the holidays and the enthusiastic spirit of student volunteers.

From early morning, Block B of the dormitory was bustling with the sounds of cars, laughter, and the excited calls of newly acquainted friends. The corridors of the buildings on campus were crowded with suitcases, backpacks, and eyes filled with both excitement and anxiety—an unforgettable start for new students and their families.

Many families from the central and northern provinces have traveled hundreds, even thousands of kilometers, to bring their children to Ho Chi Minh City to prepare for the new school year.

Ms. Tran Thi Luyen ( from Nam Dinh ), mother of a new student at the University of Information Technology (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), shared that this is the first time her son has left his hometown to study in Ho Chi Minh City, so the family is understandably anxious and worried.

Despite her busy schedule as a teacher with the new school year approaching, she still made time to arrange everything to accompany her child to Ho Chi Minh City to complete the enrollment procedures, hoping to support and encourage her child in this first step of their life.

"I thought the dormitory would be closed during such a big holiday, but unexpectedly, it was still accepting students as usual, and there were even student volunteers providing thoughtful support. I was so happy I almost cried!", Ms. Luyen said emotionally.

"I feel much more at ease."

For many students who are away from home for the first time, being warmly welcomed by the dormitory during the holidays helps alleviate their anxiety and apprehension.

Phan Huong Giang (Da Nang), a new student at the University of Health Sciences (Vietnam National University), said emotionally: "At first, I was worried because I arrived on a holiday and feared no one would accept me, but when I arrived, everyone was so supportive, and I felt much more at ease. I hope to adapt to the new environment soon and try my best to study well."

Not only did the dormitory management keep the doors open throughout the holiday, but they also increased the number of staff on duty continuously, without lunch breaks, and coordinated with student volunteer teams to ensure the reception process went smoothly and safely.

The atmosphere in buildings B2, E3, C5... was lively with laughter, chatter, and calls among new friends. Besides the check-in procedures, new students were also guided by dormitory staff and volunteer students on tours, introduced to the facilities on campus such as the canteen, dining hall, study rooms, and even escorted to their rooms.

Staff at the Ho Chi Minh City National University dormitory worked throughout the September 2nd holiday to welcome new students - Photo: TRAN HUYNH

There are no days off when students need them.

According to the Dormitory and Urban Management Center of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, to support new students and their parents in settling in during the holiday, the unit has arranged staff to be on duty throughout the holiday, increased the number of student volunteers, and prepared facilities in advance.

The entire process, from guidance on check-in procedures and room assignment to assistance with daily living, was carried out systematically and thoughtfully, just like any other day, ensuring that no new student had to wait or worry.

According to Mr. Tang Huu Thuy, director of the center: "Specifically, this year, the admission of students to the dormitory has been standardized to use the university entrance exam results and the student's confirmation of enrollment on the Ministry of Education and Training 's general admissions portal as the basis for dormitory registration."

We recognize this as a crucial time for new students. Even during a holiday, the dormitory will operate as usual so that no one has to wait or worry about not having a place to stay."

In addition, hundreds of student volunteers arrived very early, with friendly smiles, ready to help carry luggage, guide through procedures, and even give new students a tour of the dormitory campus.

Free buses and metro services warm the hearts of parents.

A notable highlight during this period was that many bus routes connecting to the Ho Chi Minh City National University area continued to operate throughout the holiday, especially with a policy of free fares for new students and their parents when arriving at the dormitories.

According to observations by Tuoi Tre newspaper, bus routes 8, 99, 50, 33, 19… passing through the Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area operated continuously on September 1st and 2nd.

On September 2nd, people traveling on Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) only need to scan their chip-embedded citizen ID card at the gate to receive a free ticket.

Therefore, it is very convenient for new students and their parents to travel to the dormitory and explore the entire Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area.

Ms. Thu Tam, a parent from Da Nang, shared: "My family took bus number 8 from the Eastern Bus Station all the way to the dormitory. We were surprised and touched to hear that the service was free for all new passengers. It's just a small detail, but it warmed our hearts amidst the initial unfamiliarity."

Dormitory of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Area B - Photo: TRAN HUYNH

Vietnam's largest dormitory.

The Ho Chi Minh City National University dormitory complex is located in the Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area, covering approximately 42 hectares. It comprises Zone A and Zone B, with 47 high-rise buildings and full amenities such as a canteen, library, parking area, common rooms, and sports fields. This is one of the largest dormitory systems in the country.

It is projected that the dormitory will accommodate 35,500 students in the 2025-2026 academic year, with 10,500 places allocated to new students from member universities of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and affiliated universities and colleges.

In addition to providing accommodation, the dormitory also implements many programs to support students' lives, studies, and skill development, especially targeting disadvantaged groups.

Recently, a "Student Shared Canteen" located on the ground floor of building C5, dormitory area B, was inaugurated with an investment of approximately 1.16 billion VND. Each meal costs 25,000 VND, of which students only pay 15,000 VND. This is a new model that contributes to the formation of a sharing culture among students, businesses, and society.

TRAN HUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ky-tuc-xa-dai-hoc-quoc-gia-tphcm-don-tan-sinh-vien-xuyen-le-2-9-phu-huynh-bat-ngo-xuc-dong-20250903075837207.htm