Sias University has been committed to the reform of the framework of higher education. It began the work towards the creation of residential colleges in 2011, implemented trials in August 2016, and established the residential college system in June 2018, with a focus on nurturing sophisticated and practical talent with an international vision. Under Sias' educational system that features "liberal arts education + holistic education + integrated education", the residential colleges seek to utilize their strengths, resources, and hard work in combination with the university's tripartite educational philosophy to create a long-term mechanism of collaborative education between the academic schools and the residential colleges. The goal is to give students an interdisciplinary perspective for professional integration with an exposure to the arts and sciences that would also enhance the relevance and effectiveness of ideological and political education. Sias has founded 9 residential colleges, with over 30,000 students, forming the largest and most complete residential college system in Central China. They have provided a foundation for student management and a springboard for educational reform.

    A notice from the Higher Education Department at the Ministry of Education on the distribution of key points of the work of the [Higher Education] Department in 2021 pointed out that the "Top Students' Training Plan 2.0" should be implemented thoroughly with Chinese characteristics and a world-class training system. A diversified exploration should be promoted and the "three systems" (academy system, credit system, and tutorial system) of colleges and universities should be supported. The notice says that training methods should be reformed, mechanisms for exchanges and discussions should be improved, and policies should be coordinated. The Ministry of Education, along with 8 other departments, has pointed out in "Opinions on Accelerating the Establishment of Ideological and Political Work Systems in Colleges and Universities" that the creation of management and service systems should rely on the academies, dormitories, and other student platforms, to explore avenues for the reform of student organizations, management methods, and service mechanisms.

    The Residential College System is a new initiative with regard to student management at Sias. It was implemented to aid in the comprehensive development of students and to address their needs. Through the setting up of these student communities, the Residential College System has been able to address the daily issues for students and focus on their ideological and moral education, behavioral development, mental health education, and employment guidance. It also works toward providing students with an alternative learning environment for their academic and personal development.

    Sias’ Residential College System is based on the ancient Chinese Academies and the Western Residential College System. Its distinctive feature is the integration of the “humanistic spirit” of traditional culture, with the “liberal education” of Western colleges, forming a unique blend that serves to focus on students’ professional and personal development. Students from different majors, grades, and backgrounds register to live together in a Residential College. Through this system, they are given an education outside the classroom with regard to their comprehensive development and their adaptation to society after graduation.

    The 9 residential colleges have specific themes with each one emphasizing different attributes - Zhixing Residential College (science and knowledge), Zhiyuan Residential College (an eagerness to learn), Zhishan Residential College (innovation and practice), Siqi Residential College (leadership), Boya Residential College (multiculturalism), Mingli Residential College (cultural heritage), Boyi Residential College (physical and aesthetic arts), Huanyu Residential College (an international vision), and Qixian Residential College (global competence). With the dormitory at the center, the residential colleges aim to build an educational community in which students and tutors live and study together. Through tutorial guidance, peer learning, environmental protection, practice, and self-improvement, students are encouraged to implement a high level of self-management, self-service, self-study, and self-supervision, to promote an environment that fosters holistic growth and improvement in the residential college.

    Each residential college is equipped with a tutor consultation room, Communist Party and Communist Youth League activity rooms, coffee rooms, club activity rooms, discussion rooms, library and study rooms, psychological counseling rooms, employment & career planning guidance rooms, and self-service laundry rooms. Each residential college has been built with unique characteristics, complete with exhibitions and common areas that showcase their culture, goals, and honors.