Living Matters

PRE-ARRIVAL MATTERS

There are a lot that you have to prepare for your study abroad trip. Read this section to get yourself started.

HKUST Study Abroad
HKUST Study Abroad

Living Matters

EXCHANGE BUDDY

HKUST Exchange Buddy Program pairs you up with a HKUST student, who might be your first friend in Hong Kong. Your buddy will provide you with useful information before your arrival and help you familiarize with the campus and Hong Kong, and meet new friends.

 

UNIVERSITY HOUSING

Undergraduate exchange students are provided with university housing available on and off-campus. To be eligible, you must indicate your intention to live on-campus on the HKUST application form.

There are nine on-campus halls and one off-campus hall for undergraduate students. Exchange students will be placed in one of these halls. You can find information about the student halls here.

Room facilities include:

Most undergraduate halls are designed for double or triple occupancy. Facilities in each room include the following:

  • Air conditioning (operated by Mobile App)
  • Desk, chair, bookshelf
  • Bed and wardrobe
  • Mini refrigerator

Common shared facilities include:

  • Showers and toilets
  • Television
  • Pantry with microwave
  • Telephones
  • Washing machines and dryers (operated by Mobile App)

Internet connection via the HKUST network can be done with a LAN cable or through a wifi connection.

In-room air conditioning and shared washing machines and dryers are operated by a Mobile App exclusive for HKUST hall residents. You will need to download the Mobile App to pay the air-conditioning and laundry charges online.

Note that personal items, such as bedding, are not provided by the halls. You may wish to bring these with you to Hong Kong, or purchase them on arrival.

For more information about residential life, please visit the Student Housing and Residential Life Office website.

 

What to bring

Documents
Funds
Clothing
Other items
  • Decision letter issued by HKUST (downloadable on HKUST MyStudyAbroad System)
  • Email or letter issued by HKUST confirming your student hall place, so that you know into which hall to check in
  • Your university transcripts and other academic records, in case you need it for course selection, claiming credits, etc.
  • Your passport with a minimum of six months' validity
  • Your student visa label issued by the Hong Kong SAR Government
  • Your identity documents
  • Proof of residential address in your home country (such as letters issued by banks, utility companies, the government, etc.)
  • Passport-sized photographs suitable for application for hall resident cards, travel visas, etc.
  • Travel/health insurance policy documents
  • Photocopies of your passport, identity documents, credit cards, for back-up needs
  • It is a good idea to bring sufficient funds with you, enough to last one whole term. We recommend that you budget HK$25,000-40,000 for one term. Living expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle choices.
  • Ideally, you should bring a combination of cash, travelers' checks and credit cards. It is not a good idea to bring large amounts of cash.

The Hong Kong climate is sub-tropical with distinct seasons:

  • Spring (March to April) 17-26°Celsius
  • Summer (May to August) 26-33°Celsius (with high humidity)
  • Autumn (September to November) 19-28°Celsius
  • Winter (December to February) 10-20°Celsius (can drop to below 10°Celsius)

It would be prudent to bring a good variety of clothing. Layering is recommended. University buildings and most buildings around Hong Kong are air-conditioned. However, note that although the temperature can drop to below 10°C in the winter, buildings are not heated. So, it is a good idea to bring warm clothing if you will be here in the winter.

Casual dress is appropriate for most university activities, while there will be occasions that call for formal dress. The list below is recommended:

Suitable all-year round

  • Jeans/pants
  • T-shirts
  • Runners
  • Sandals
  • Dark-colored suit
  • Dress shirt, tie and dress shoes (for men)
  • Blouse and dress shoes/pumps (for women)

Suitable for winter

  • Sweatshirts/sweaters
  • Scarf/Tunic
  • Warm jacket
  • Wind- and water-proof jacket (especially if you plan personal travels or participate in outdoor activities)
  • Bedding (blanket and pillow) is not provided in student halls as it is categorized as a personal item, so most students bring their own. You can also purchase it upon arrival.
  • Personal hygiene items, such as toothpaste, toothbrush, bath towels, etc., are not provided in student halls. You should bring these items with you.
  • Wifi connection is provided. There are computing facilities throughout the campus, but if you wish to use a computer in your student hall, you should bring a laptop.
  • The voltage in Hong Kong is 220V/50Hz AC. The plugs are three-pin square and you can purchase adaptors in Hong Kong.
  • If you are taking any medication, it is a good idea to bring enough to last at least the first month. That would provide you enough time to source it after you settle in Hong Kong. Before you leave home, it is advisable that you check with your medical practitioner at home to ascertain whether your medication is available in Hong Kong.
  • Please bring an umbrella with you as it rains hard in Hong Kong.
  • You may bring personal items that would make you feel at home: photos of family and friends, music, etc.