'It's a bit sad': Students left forlorn as universities scrap welcome packs

Universities in Korea are reconsidering the tradition of welcome kits for freshmen due to budget constraints and the return to in-person classes, leaving some students to express disappointment at missing out.

Korea University's welcome kit for incoming undergraduate students, given in 2023. The university stopped offering the gifts to its students starting this year. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Amid limited budgets, the million-dollar question is whether universities should continue to offer pricey but popular welcome kits for incoming undergraduates.

A 19-year-old surnamed Hong is set to start as a freshman Korea University this March, although there is one thing bugging him.

Korea University used to offer welcome kits for incoming undergrads, but stopped this year.

"My friend got into Yonsei University, and I heard Yonsei's going to give out a keyboard cover with an eagle on it," said Hong, referring to Yonsei University's eagle mascot. "I looked forward to getting a welcome kit because it's like a gift for students who worked hard to get into university, so it's a bit sad."

Korea University's welcome kit for 2023 consisted of a printed letter from the university's president, a portable power bank and a university scarf. A plush doll of Hoi, Korea University's tiger mascot, and stickers and a mug featuring Hoi were also part of the gift.

Students could also learn about the university's history, as a copy of the April 18 student movement declaration was provided. Following the election of Syngman Rhee in 1960, the university's students launched a nonviolent protest to demand new elections.

A copy of the April 18 student movement declaration, written by Korea University students, were provided in the university's 2023 welcome kit. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Although there were a few universities gifting university merch to freshmen in the past, it became a huge trend during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was a way to help students get in the university spirit during times when they couldn't go around campus or meet other students.

In-person classes have been back for a long time, and some universities think there's no need for welcome kits anymore.

"Because there's no more restrictions about in-person events, we thought it would be good to help students form a sense of belonging by hosting various activities at the university," said a spokesperson for Korea University. "So we increased the budget for student council activities."

Chung-Ang University stopped offering welcome kits in 2023.

The university's last welcome kit, given in 2022, consisted of a printed letter from the university president, a diary and a university badge. A tumbler, stickers, and photo cards featuring its mascot Puang, a blue dragon, were also offered.

"The welcome kit creates the first impression of the university and was a way to get close with other students, so it is a shame that I can't get one," said a 19-year-old student surnamed Koo, accepted to Chung-Ang University this year.

Chung-Ang University's welcome kit given to its incoming undergraduates in 2022. The university stopped giving them out in 2023. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Cost is one of the obvious reasons why some universities are deciding not to offer welcome kits, which costs around 30,000 won ($22) to 50,000 won each.

"You need hundreds of millions won to create the welcome kits, and there's no room in our budget when we're freezing tuition," said a spokesperson for Chung-Ang University. "I heard that other universities are also looking into whether or not they should continue to provide the welcome kits."

Despite the expense, schools assert that they effectively foster student affinity for their university.

Ewha Womans University is one that was early to the trend, offering welcome kits for undergraduate freshmen since 2015.

"It not only helped strengthen friendships among students, but also helped students grow a sense of belonging to the university," said a spokesperson for Ewha Womans University.

Last year's gift set consisted of a diary, lip balm, pencil case and a plush rabbit doll wearing a Ewha hoodie, as 2023 was the year of the rabbit.

Other universities have also used the welcome kit to develop a sense of pride among students.

Yonsei University included a copy of "Sky, Wind and Stars" by poet Yun Dong-ju, a graduate of Yonhi College, the former name of the university. Dongguk University also included a collection of poems written by its alumni.

"If students have pride in their university, there's a lower chance of them dropping out," said a spokesperson for the University of Seoul. "It's also a way to teach students about the university's history and symbols."

BY LEE CHAN-KYU, LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]