Students from Shandong University wear pink ribbons to raise public awareness of breast cancer. Photo: IC

Some 7.65 million college students - a new record - will graduate in June 2016, Chinanews.com reports.

But because of the economic downturn in China, these new graduates will face big problems in finding employment although most of them are optimistic about their chance. Sensibly they are not anticipating big salaries either - most will be happy earning 5,000 yuan ($763) a month.

Graduates kiss for a selfie on the Bund in Shanghai. Photo: IC

A survey on zhaopin.com, a Chinese recruitment site, revealed that the new graduates were optimistic for two reasons. One was that they have not yet experienced the problems of competing for work in a tough market.

Students from the Anhui University of Science & Technology wear traditional Chinese costumes for their graduation photos. Photo: IC

These students from the Beijing Film Academy seize the day in traditional garb. Photo: IC

The other reason was that, because they live in a more affluent period, they are less concerned about maintaining a standard of living.

With graduation approaching now is the time when students traditionally prepare and preserve their fond memories of college life. Graduation photos have been the method for many decades but these days wearing a traditional academic cap and gown and being pictured chucking the caps in the air is no longer enough for many.

Students at Chinese universities are saying goodbye to their schools in their own creative ways.

Students from a civil aviation college in Chengdu don uniforms and learn about growing rice before graduation. Photo: IC

These graduates in nursing from the Liaocheng Vocational & Technical College wear their career uniforms for their graduation photos. Photo: IC

Choreography students from Hunan Women's University show their elegant moves for their graduation photo. Photo: IC

Global Times
Newspaper headline: Alma mater memories