HKU&U March Newsletter - FAQs Compiled

8/17/2019 HKU&U March Newsletter - FAQs Compiled

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F O O D1. What food options are available oncampus?There are plenty of food choices on campusfrom canteens serving Hong Kongdelicacies, outlets serving halal andvegetarian food to cafes and res taurantsserving western cuisine. Of course, mostoutlets have highly discounted prices forHKU staff and students - in fact, Starbuckson campus is arguably the cheapest in theworld! Check out a food map here .

Admissions and Academic Liaison Section | RegistryThe University of Hong Kong

F A C I L I T I E S1. Is WiFi available on campus?WiFi is available on campus and at all halls ofresidences. Hong Kong has one of the fastestinternet networks in the world so you reallydon't need to worry about WiFi here!

1. What student clubs and associations are run atHKU?There are more than 100 student clubs,associations and extracurricular groups coveringactivities from sports, cultural sharing, dance,debate, choir, and more. Check out the full listhere .

S T U D E N T C L U B S

H A L L S O F R E S I D E N C E S1. Where do students live?Students typically either live in one of HKU's Halls ofresidences, with family in Hong Kong, in off campushousing, or privately rented student flats. Weguarantee 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 beavailable in May for non-local students and in Augustfor local students. Click here for more information.

2. What are halls of residences?Traditional halls of residences are a big part ofstudents' lives, and not just provision ofaccommodation. With each hall's unique culture andspirit, students residing in these halls are a tightly kni tcommunit y through their involvement in hallactivities.

3. What ar e hall facilities?The comm on facilities in each room include: - Bed and mattress, desk, wardrobe, side table - ACThe common facilities in each hall include: - Pantry - hot plate, microwave, fridge - Laundry - washer and dryer - Lounge area - TV, sofa, tables

FAQs:Campus Life

O R I E N T A T I O N1. What is orientation period and when doesit start?For non-local students only - The Weeks ofWelcome (WoW) activities will take place inthe last week of August, so time your arrivalaccordingly. You will receive moreinformation closer to the time.

For local students only - You will receive mor einformation about registration procedurescloser to the time.

2. Do students always eat on campus?If you do not mind spending a little more,there are a number of options withinwalking distance from the campus. Theneighborhood is bustling with choices -Kennedy Town, Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wanand Central.

2. What other facilities do students haveaccess to?All HKU students have full access to sportsfacilities at Flora Ho Sports Center, StanleyHo Sports Center and gym facilities on andoff campus by the Institute of HumanPerformance , as well as health servicesprovided by the University Health Servicefree of charge.

http://www.aal.hku.hk/admissions/documents/Important%20Notes%20(International).pdfhttp://www.hku.hk/multimedia/hku-student/http://www.hku.hk/multimedia/hku-student/http://www.hku.hk/multimedia/hku-student/http://www.aal.hku.hk/admissions/documents/Important%20Notes%20(International).pdfhttp://www.aal.hku.hk/admissions/documents/Important%20Notes%20(International).pdfhttp://www.aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/hkuu-offer-made-studentshttp://www.hku.hk/multimedia/hku-student/http://www.cedars.hku.hk/sections/campuslife/images/hkufoodmap.jpghttp://www.ihp.hku.hk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=298&Itemid=278


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T R A N S P O R T A T I O N1. What is public transport like in HongKong?The public transport system is very efficientand well connected. There are also differentmodes - trams, public buses, ferries, trainsand cars. The underground train network iscalled the MTR and HKU has its very ownstation campus!

2. How much does it cost to get around HongKong?Public transportation in Hong Kong is quite

reasonably-priced. A rechargeable pre-paid'Octopus' card is useful to pay for fares onpublic transport - student discounts are alsoavailable.

3. Is there any shuttle bus service?Yes, shuttle bus service is available forstudents traveling between the Main Campus,Medical Campus and Faculty of Dentistry, aswell as the halls of residences.

3. What is the best way to reach campusfrom the Hong Kong International Airport?

If you are traveling with your family andcarrying heavy luggage, take a taxi. It shouldcost you around HKD400 from the airport toHKU or your hall of residence. If you aretraveling on your own, it is best to take theAirport Express to Hong Kong station andtaxi to campus.


FAQs:Life in HK

M O N E Y / E X P E N S E S

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

1. How much money should I bring when I firstarrive in Hong Kong?It is advisable to bring at least HKD 8,000 - 10,000in cash to Hong Kong for initial expenses in thefirst month. This initial amount can be depositedwhen you open a bank account here.

2. Should I open a local bank account?You are recommended to open a local bankaccount. Hong Kong and Shanghai BankingCorporation (HSBC) and Bank of East Asia (BEA)have branches on campus and ATM facilities.

3. What is the estimated monthly living expensein 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

1. What do students usually do in their free time?You will be living in one of the most exciting and livelyand safest cities in the world. Students utilize their freetime exploring Hong Kong and of course, the rest ofAsia.

There are a lot of things you can do - exploring themultitude of islands, relaxing by the beaches to take abreak from the city's hustle and bustle. As a world city,there are always a variety of cultural festivals, concertsand meet ups going on! Hong Kong is home to theannual Rugby Sevens and other sports tournaments. AsHKU is located about 10 minutes away from the citycenter, you can get around quickly and easily!

L A N G U A G E1. I do not speak Cantonese or Mandarin. Howwould that impact my student life?On campus, teaching and learning is conducted in

English, with the exception of language coursesoffered by our School of Modern Languages. Ofcourse, with over 100 nationalities in campus,you'll hear different languages on campus. Anumber of student clubs and associations useboth English and Chinese. For the most part inHong Kong, people have a basic level of English.and getting around is not too difficult. It can beuseful to pick up a few words and phrases in thelocal language!

For non-local students

http://www.aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/hkuu-offer-made-students


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T E A C H I N G1. What will my class schedule be like?Your schedule will depend on how youstructure your time and credits for completionof your degree and could be very differentfrom your friend or classmate's schedule.

Most classes are held on weekdays andcourses are a combination of lectures,tutorials, practical/lab sessions.

2. When do we select our courses and declaremajors and/or minors?The first 2 weeks of every semester are knownas 'add-drop period'. This is when studentsselect their courses (add or drop!), meet withtheir advisers and work out their academicplans for that semester, as well as the degree.

3. What is the Common Core curriculum?The Common Core curriculum, introduced in2012, is comprised of courses under 4 areas ofinquiry - Scientific and Technological Literacy Humanities Global Issues China: Culture, State and Society

As a part of your HKU education, it not onlyconnects students and professors fromdifferent disciplines, it is designed to makeconnections both to and beyond the chosenfield of study.

4. What can I do now to prepare for mystudies at HKU?Prepare well for your final high school exams!If you have already finished your exams, startto find out more as you enjoy your holidays.Browse through faculty websites and courserequirements for your programme of study toget a head start on what to expect!


FAQs:Studying at HK

I N T E R N S H I P S / J O B S1. Are there work opportunities oncampus?Yes, part time opportunities are available.

For non-local students only - Student visaregulations allow students to take up part-time work up to 20 hours per week. Dokeep in mind to plan your time wisely!

2. What internship opportunities areavailable?HKU, with its long history in Hong Kongand connections globally has a number ofinternship opportunities for HKU students.Internships typically take place over thesummer holidays, for 6-8 weeks. Theseopportunities will be made availablethrough your faculty and Centre ofDevelopment and Resources for Students(CEDARS).

O V E R S E A S

O P P O R T U N I T I E S1. What are the overseas opportunities for HKUstudents?Overseas opportunities can include one or more of- worldwide exchange programmes, faculty levelexchange programmes, summer/winterprogrammes, and research fellowships.

2. How and when do I get started on planning forexchange?With over 320 exchange partners from about 40countries, students typically begin to plan forexchange in their first year of study. Whilstexchange programmes can vary in length - from onesemester to full academic year - students typicallygo on exchange in their second or third year in atypical 4-year degree. Click here to find out more.

http://www.aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/hkuu-offer-made-studentshttp://www.aal.hku.hk/studyabroad


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S T U D E N T V I S A1. When and how do I apply for a student visa?For non-local students only - For students who need astudent visa, The Center for Development andResources for Students (CEDARS) looks after thevisa application process. To get an idea of what isinvolved, please take a look here .

The Admissions Office will also provide moreinformatio n on student visa applications from Apr ilonwards.


FAQs:Need-to-Know

H A L L S O F R E S I D E N C E S1. When and how do I apply for halls ofresidences?Each hall is unique with regards to cost,location, hall culture and spirit. Find outmore about accommodation in Hong Kong,click here .

For local and non-local students - Th eAdmissio ns Office will also provide moreinformat ion on halls of residenceapplicati ons May onwards for non-localstudents and in August for local students.

C O N D I T I O N A L O F F E RO F A D M I S S I O N1. What happens if we are not able tomeet the conditions stated on the offer ofadmission?If you are unable to meet the conditions onyour offer, you may wish to submit an

appeal, after the release of your final examresults. The admissions committee willconsider the appeal and inform you of theirdecision.

S C H O L A R S H I P S

S U B M I S S I O N O F

S U P P O R T I N G D O C U M E N T S

1. What are entrance scholarships?Entrance scholarships are merit-based awards thatrecognize your academic and non-academicachievements. Entrance scholarships for top-scoring students may go up to full tuition feewaiver, accommodation scholarship as well as aliving allowance per year and are renewable for theduration of your study. Please check your offer ofadmission email for detailed information.

2. What h appens if we are not able to achieve th erequireme nt for the scholarship?Typically, scholarship recipients perform well atHKU in ter ms of academic and extracurricularactivities. Therefore, it is unlikely that thesestudents w ill be incapable of meeting therequireme nts. If you are unable to meet theconditions , there may be an adjustment of yourscholarshi p award.

3. What ot her scholarships are available for HKUstudents?

A number of other scholarship opportunities areavailable t hrough faculty/discipline-basedscholarshi ps and student enrichment scholarships .Click here for more information.

1. What do I need to do after accepting theoffer of admission?For conditional offer of admission holders only - You will be required to upload final exam

results to your application account onlinewithin 3 days of receiving your results.

For conditional and firm offer of admission hold ersonly - Yo u will be required to submit the o ffic ia lor certifi ed true copies of your results by ma ilor in per son within 2 weeks of receiving y ou rresults

For more information, refer here .
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