FAQs:

Campus Life
FOOD

FACILITIES

1. What food options are available on

campus?
There are plenty of food choices on campus
- from canteens serving Hong Kong
delicacies, outlets serving halal and
vegetarian food to cafes and restaurants
serving western cuisine. Of course, most
outlets have highly discounted prices for
HKU staff and students - in fact, Starbucks
on campus is arguably the cheapest in the
world! Check out a food map here.

1. Is WiFi available on campus?

WiFi is available on campus and at all halls of
residences. Hong Kong has one of the fastest
internet networks in the world so you really
don't need to worry about WiFi here!

2. Do students always eat on campus?

If you do not mind spending a little more,
there are a number of options within
walking distance from the campus. The
neighborhood is bustling with choices Kennedy Town, Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wan
and Central.

STUDENT CLUBS
1. What student clubs and associations are run at
HKU?
There are more than 100 student clubs,
associations and extracurricular groups covering
activities from sports, cultural sharing, dance,
debate, choir, and more. Check out the full list
here.

ORIENTATION
1. What is orientation period and when does
it start?
For non-local students only - The Weeks of
Welcome (WoW) activities will take place in
the last week of August, so time your arrival
accordingly. You will receive more
information closer to the time.
For local students only - You will receive more
information about registration procedures
closer to the time.

2. What other facilities do students have

access to?
All HKU students have full access to sports
facilities at Flora Ho Sports Center, Stanley
Ho Sports Center and gym facilities on and
off campus by the Institute of Human
Performance, as well as health services
provided by the University Health Service
free of charge.

HALLS OF RESIDENCES
1. Where do students live?
Students typically either live in one of HKU's Halls of
residences, with family in Hong Kong, in off campus
housing, or privately rented student flats. We
guarantee a place in a hall of residence for the first
year of study for all incoming non-local freshmen.
More information on hall applications will be
available in May for non-local students and in August
for local students. Click here for more information.
2. What are halls of residences?
Traditional halls of residences are a big part of
students' lives, and not just provision of
accommodation. With each hall's unique culture and
spirit, students residing in these halls are a tightly knit
community through their involvement in hall
activities.
3. What are hall facilities?
The common facilities in each room include:
- Bed and mattress, desk, wardrobe, side table
- AC
The common facilities in each hall include:
- Pantry - hot plate, microwave, fridge
- Laundry - washer and dryer
- Lounge area - TV, sofa, tables

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FAQs:
Life in HK

For non-local students

TRANSPORTATION

MONEY/EXPENSES

1. What is public transport like in Hong

Kong?
The public transport system is very efficient
and well connected. There are also different
modes - trams, public buses, ferries, trains
and cars. The underground train network is
called the MTR and HKU has its very own
station campus!

1. How much money should I bring when I first

arrive in Hong Kong?
It is advisable to bring at least HKD 8,000 - 10,000
in cash to Hong Kong for initial expenses in the
first month. This initial amount can be deposited
when you open a bank account here.

2. How much does it cost to get around Hong

Kong?
Public transportation in Hong Kong is quite
reasonably-priced. A rechargeable pre-paid
'Octopus' card is useful to pay for fares on
public transport - student discounts are also
available.
3. Is there any shuttle bus service?
Yes, shuttle bus service is available for
students traveling between the Main Campus,
Medical Campus and Faculty of Dentistry, as
well as the halls of residences.
3. What is the best way to reach campus
from the Hong Kong International Airport?
If you are traveling with your family and
carrying heavy luggage, take a taxi. It should
cost you around HKD400 from the airport to
HKU or your hall of residence. If you are
traveling on your own, it is best to take the
Airport Express to Hong Kong station and
taxi to campus.

LANGUAGE
1. I do not speak Cantonese or Mandarin. How
would that impact my student life?
On campus, teaching and learning is conducted in
English, with the exception of language courses
offered by our School of Modern Languages. Of
course, with over 100 nationalities in campus,
you'll hear different languages on campus. A
number of student clubs and associations use
both English and Chinese. For the most part in
Hong Kong, people have a basic level of English.
and getting around is not too difficult. It can be
useful to pick up a few words and phrases in the
local language!

2. Should I open a local bank account?

You are recommended to open a local bank
account. Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation (HSBC) and Bank of East Asia (BEA)
have branches on campus and ATM facilities.
3. What is the estimated monthly living expense
in Hong Kong?
Costs may vary depending on student lifestyle,
but a typical breakdown of costs are:
- Living expenses - At least HKD 3,000 4,000 per month
- Miscellaneous - at your own discretion

ENTERTAINMENT
1. What do students usually do in their free time?
You will be living in one of the most exciting and lively
and safest cities in the world. Students utilize their free
time exploring Hong Kong and of course, the rest of
Asia.
There are a lot of things you can do - exploring the
multitude of islands, relaxing by the beaches to take a
break from the city's hustle and bustle. As a world city,
there are always a variety of cultural festivals, concerts
and meet ups going on! Hong Kong is home to the
annual Rugby Sevens and other sports tournaments. As
HKU is located about 10 minutes away from the city
center, you can get around quickly and easily!

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FAQs:
Studying at HKU
TEACHING
1. What will my class schedule be like?
Your schedule will depend on how you
structure your time and credits for completion
of your degree and could be very different
from your friend or classmate's schedule.
Most classes are held on weekdays and
courses are a combination of lectures,
tutorials, practical/lab sessions.
2. When do we select our courses and declare
majors and/or minors?
The first 2 weeks of every semester are known
as 'add-drop period'. This is when students
select their courses (add or drop!), meet with
their advisers and work out their academic
plans for that semester, as well as the degree.
3. What is the Common Core curriculum?
The Common Core curriculum, introduced in
2012, is comprised of courses under 4 areas of
inquiry Scientific and Technological Literacy
Humanities
Global Issues
China: Culture, State and Society
As a part of your HKU education, it not only
connects students and professors from
different disciplines, it is designed to make
connections both to and beyond the chosen
field of study.
4. What can I do now to prepare for my
studies at HKU?
Prepare well for your final high school exams!
If you have already finished your exams, start
to find out more as you enjoy your holidays.
Browse through faculty websites and course
requirements for your programme of study to
get a head start on what to expect!

INTERNSHIPS/JOBS
1. Are there work opportunities on
campus?
Yes, part time opportunities are available.
For non-local students only - Student visa
regulations allow students to take up parttime work up to 20 hours per week. Do
keep in mind to plan your time wisely!
2. What internship opportunities are
available?
HKU, with its long history in Hong Kong
and connections globally has a number of
internship opportunities for HKU students.
Internships typically take place over the
summer holidays, for 6-8 weeks. These
opportunities will be made available
through your faculty and Centre of
Development and Resources for Students
(CEDARS).

OVERSEAS
OPPORTUNITIES
1. What are the overseas opportunities for HKU
students?
Overseas opportunities can include one or more of
- worldwide exchange programmes, faculty level
exchange programmes, summer/winter
programmes, and research fellowships.
2. How and when do I get started on planning for
exchange?
With over 320 exchange partners from about 40
countries, students typically begin to plan for
exchange in their first year of study. Whilst
exchange programmes can vary in length - from one
semester to full academic year - students typically
go on exchange in their second or third year in a
typical 4-year degree. Click here to find out more.

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FAQs:
Need-to-Knows
STUDENT VISA

HALLS OF RESIDENCES

1. When and how do I apply for a student visa?

For non-local students only - For students who need a
student visa, The Center for Development and
Resources for Students (CEDARS) looks after the
visa application process. To get an idea of what is
involved, please take a look here.

1. When and how do I apply for halls of

residences?
Each hall is unique with regards to cost,
location, hall culture and spirit. Find out
more about accommodation in Hong Kong,
click here.

The Admissions Office will also provide more

information on student visa applications from April
onwards.

For local and non-local students - The

Admissions Office will also provide more
information on halls of residence
applications May onwards for non-local
students and in August for local students.

SCHOLARSHIPS
1. What are entrance scholarships?
Entrance scholarships are merit-based awards that
recognize your academic and non-academic
achievements. Entrance scholarships for topscoring students may go up to full tuition fee
waiver, accommodation scholarship as well as a
living allowance per year and are renewable for the
duration of your study. Please check your offer of
admission email for detailed information.
2. What happens if we are not able to achieve the
requirement for the scholarship?
Typically, scholarship recipients perform well at
HKU in terms of academic and extracurricular
activities. Therefore, it is unlikely that these
students will be incapable of meeting the
requirements. If you are unable to meet the
conditions, there may be an adjustment of your
scholarship award.
3. What other scholarships are available for HKU
students?
A number of other scholarship opportunities are
available through faculty/discipline-based
scholarships and student enrichment scholarships.
Click here for more information.

CONDITIONAL OFFER
OF ADMISSION
1. What happens if we are not able to
meet the conditions stated on the offer of
admission?
If you are unable to meet the conditions on
your offer, you may wish to submit an
appeal, after the release of your final exam
results. The admissions committee will
consider the appeal and inform you of their
decision.

SUBMISSION OF
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
1. What do I need to do after accepting the
offer of admission?
For conditional offer of admission holders only
- You will be required to upload final exam
results to your application account online
within 3 days of receiving your results.
For conditional and firm offer of admission holders
only - You will be required to submit the official
or certified true copies of your results by mail
or in person within 2 weeks of receiving your
results
For more information, refer here.

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