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In recent years, universities and colleges have been upping their designs for acceptance letters (and packages!)—especially in China.
Postal workers hand-deliver the acceptance letters, which require the new student to sign that they have received it.
It's a rush of pride when a student opens their acceptance letter, but done right, that moment is elevated from ordinary mail to an unforgettable experience.
That's exactly what's happening in China—and increasingly in the US—where acceptance packages have become symbols of identity, creativity, and belonging.
These packages carry the weight of ceremony.
They don't just say "You're in." They say "You belong here."
So what's it about?
Is it attracting more students to apply? Adding prestige and the ‘wow' factor to the school? A way to be more unique? Going viral on social?
Well, it's all those things really. Here's what's behind these bold moves and how your institution can adopt a few smart ideas.
Why these packages matter
These acceptance packages are more than delightful novelties; long before orientation or the first lecture, they offer a sense of identity, a way to differentiate, and a way to create shareable visibility for your university.
Belonging
At their core, these designs foster a powerful sense of belonging.
When a student receives a package made of bamboo, a letter printed on mushroom paper, or a branded cap tucked inside a keepsake box, they feel recognized and celebrated as part of something larger than themselves.
That early connection can ease the transition into university life and spark genuine pride.
Differentiation
They differentiate the brand, where, in a crowded market, a standout unboxing makes an institution unforgettable.
They also act as an expression of institutional identity. The materials, symbols, and stories woven into each package tell students something meaningful about the university they are joining.
A carbon-fiber letter communicates research and technological achievement, while a white coat acceptance package signals a student's entry into a profession as much as a campus.
These packages make values tangible in a way that traditional communications often cannot.
Virality
From the examples below, you'll see how they amplify organic social media buzz, when students share these moments online, turning admissions into free marketing.
Standout creative examples from China
In China, the significance of acceptance packages is magnified by the role of the Gaokao, the highly competitive national college entrance examination taken by nearly 13 million students each year.
For many, the Gaokao is the culmination of years of preparation and family sacrifice, with university admission viewed as both a personal achievement and a moment of collective pride.
Receiving an acceptance package after such a demanding process carries immense emotional weight. It's a confirmation of success but it's a cultural milestone, often celebrated with family, neighbors, and entire communities.
That's why universities in China invest so much creativity into these packages: they honor the student's journey while turning the acceptance into a shared celebration.
This perhaps explains why China has been leading the way in reimagining what an admissions package can be.
Each design tells a story, often rooted in heritage, sustainability, or innovation.
Here are some that have made headlines and gone viral on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Students admitted to the Beijing University of Chemical Technology receive an admission letter made of a lightweight carbon fiber composite invented at the University.
It's used in space launch vehicles and orbital stations. Students like to celebrate by cutting up fruit and vegetables.
Tsinghua University
New students at Tsinghua University receive intricate 3D paper models of the university's second campus gate, crafted with laser engraving and traditional splice joints.
The package blends fine craftsmanship with architectural heritage, offering students both a keepsake and a symbol of entry into one of China's most prestigious institutions.
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
SUSTech captured attention with its "mystery black box."
When lit, the base of the box ignites to reveal the university's motto in flames—Cultivate virtue, Seek truth; Renew daily, Strive for self-improvement.
An AR layer animates the flames on smartphones, merging spectacle with digital interactivity.
Zheijiang Sci-Tech University
Packages from Zheijiang Sci-Tech University are embroidered in traditional brocade, with each student's name stitched into the design.
The technique honors regional textile heritage while offering students a deeply personal memento.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Widely shared clips of Shanghai Jiao Tong University show admission letters accompanied by elegant packaging and branded keepsakes, reinforcing the university's reputation for academic tradition paired with modern presentation.
Ocean University
Ocean University of China's package combines symbolism and sustainability: a pendant filled with Antarctic seawater, collected by the university's polar research team, paired with tea leaves from Yunnan province.
Together, they represent global exploration and local connection, inspiring students to embrace both horizons and roots.
Renmin University of China
Renmin University of China's package is inspired by the caisson ceiling of traditional Chinese architecture.
Inside, students find a lamp in the shape of a red book that glows with the phrase "Your future is so bright."
Accompanying texts, bookmarks, and a digital QR-onboarding experience tie heritage to innovation.
Jilin Agricultural University
Students admitted to Jilin Agricultural University receive letters printed on mushroom mycelium paper, handcrafted by their peers in mycology.
These edible, biodegradable designs celebrate sustainability, craftsmanship, and the University's applied agricultural expertise.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AlXcWE3Anh0
Mudanjiang Medical University
Acceptance letters from Mudanjiang Medical University arrive in the form of a white medical coat, complete with a stethoscope motif. It's both a playful and powerful way of welcoming students into the medical profession while affirming their new academic home.
Designing your own standout package
For institutions thinking about elevating their admissions experience, here are a few practical ideas:
- Showcase your identity: Reflect your history, mission, or local culture in the design.
- Think sustainably: Incorporate regional craft, recycled materials, or nature-inspired inserts.
- Add a digital layer: Add QR codes for personalized welcome videos, portals, or AR experiences can extend the moment.
- Encourage sharing – Design with unboxing in mind (make them photo-friendly) so students want to post their experience.
- Balance wow with purpose: Creative doesn't need to mean wasteful.
Ultimately, the most memorable acceptance packages strike a balance between creativity and purpose.
They surprise and delight, but also align with institutional values, budgets, and sustainability goals. Done well, they create a first impression that lasts far beyond delivery day.
How can your acceptance package add a little extra touch to make students feel at home from day one? Share your ideas with us on our social media channels.