10 Things You Need to Know about Studying at HKU

Find out all the amazing things you can get involved in to make the most of your time at HKU.

Welcome to HKU! As you embark on a new journey at the University, we understand that you may be feeling both excited and nervous. In this issue, we have gathered 10 essential pieces of information, covering adjustment issues, useful tips, support services, and resources offered by different offices, to help you navigate your study and settle in well at HKU.

We encourage you to take advantage of these resources and get involved in our vibrant university community. Rest assured, the Graduate School will be here to support you through your academic journey. If you have any questions or need further support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or your Faculty.

1. GET FINANCED

Awards

Apart from the Postgraduate Scholarships/Fellowships, HKU provides financial resources to support students to experience learning inside and outside the classroom. The Graduate School administers a number of awards and scholarships to RPg students to recognise their achievements in various aspects, such as the Innovation Award, Publication Award, First Year Excellent PhD Award, Li Ka Shing Prizes, HKU Foundation Award for Outstanding Research Postgraduate Students, etc. There are also various types of funding opportunities to support students in their learning and research. You can also visit the website of the Academic Advising and Scholarships Office to check out the scholarships for current postgraduate students.

If you are interested in embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, check out the incubation programmes and funding resources on the websites of the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) and Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) to grasp the opportunities available to you.

2. SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS

Library essential

HKU has an abundance of learning opportunities for advancing your research abilities, language skills, and other soft skills. The Graduate School offers compulsory coursework and a dynamic array of workshops and training sessions under the Future-Ready Series to help RPg students thrive in their academic pursuits and beyond. Make sure you check our website regularly for updates on upcoming opportunities to expand your knowledge and expertise.

Apart from the face-to-face sessions, HKU also offers a wide range of online courses to facilitate students’ self-paced learning. For example, the Libraries has introduced the “Library Essentials for Postgraduate Students” to help postgraduate students effectively utilise the resources, services, and facilities offered by the Libraries. Check out the full range of online courses offered by the Common Core, CEDARS, the Libraries, and the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC) here.

For those who are interested in internship training, the entrepreneurship internship programmes offered by TEC’s Entrepreneurship Academy and CEDARS’s Intern with Founder and STEM Internship Programme provide good opportunities for you to sharpen your career skills.

3. LEARN THE RULES

RCR As a postgraduate student, there are several regulations and guidelines that you should be aware of, such as the Degree Regulations and Procedures, Policy on Research Integrity, Policy on the Management of Research Data and Records, Good Practices for RPg Students, etc. Check out our Student Handbook for more information. For other University-wide policies, please visit the main HKU website. If you would like to reach out to the University’s major offices to learn more, please click here for contact details.

4. STAY WELL, BE HAPPY

Mental Wellness

Pursuing a research degree is an exciting yet challenging journey. From academic stress to adjustment issues and personal problems, it can be overwhelming for some students at times. Taking care of your mental wellbeing is always important. Here are some resources and support services available within and outside HKU to help you handle new challenges during your studies. The Graduate School has recruited a group of passionate students to serve as Wellness Ambassadors in promoting the University’s wellness initiatives—do reach out when you encounter difficulties and need support!

The University Health Service (UHS) has an on-campus clinic providing health and dental care services to students. HKU provides physical and mental health services and financial assistance to students who are in urgent need. Check out the websites of UHS and CEDARS to learn more.

5. WORK OUT AND CHILL OUT

Gym

The Centre for Sports and Exercise (CSE) offers a wide range of sports and fitness programmes. It also manages the sports facilities at the Stanley Ho Sports Centre at Sandy Bay, which houses the Henry Fok Health & Fitness Complex, Henry Fok Swimming Pool, 6 tennis courts, and 4 pitches. Additionally, you can find fitness centres at CSE Active and HKU B-Active, as well as multi-purpose rooms / a mini-gym at Ho Tim Hall and Suen Chi Sun Hall. Visit the CSE website for details of venue booking and activities that it offers.

CEDARS manages three amenities centres, namely the Chong Yuet Ming Amenities Centre, Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre, and Pokfulam Amenities Centre. These centres provide multi-purpose rooms, and other rooms for meetings, showers, parties, music, prayer, etc. Check out CEDARS’s website to find out more.

6. EAT AND DRINK

Eat abnd Drink

Wondering where to eat on and off campus? There are fast food restaurants and cafes on campus that offer a wide range of local delicacies, Asian cuisines, western food, Halal Food, coffee, pastries, and healthy vegetarian food. We also have grab-and-go counters and kiosks that offer light meals, beverages, and snacks. If you are in a rush, don’t forget to order online in advance to skip the line. Click here to view full details of on-campus catering.

If you are interested in discovering Hong Kong’s local food and delicious spots, you can watch the Weeks of Welcome (WOW) videos to see our students’ top picks.

7. MAKE NEW FRIENDS

PGSA

Peer support is important to the promotion of well-being, especially for students who live far from home. At HKU, there are many registered student societies, including the Postgraduate Student Association of the University of Hong Kong (HKU PGSA), which organises activities such as basketball games, tennis games, social parties, high table dinners, career building workshops, outdoor trips, and lectures of special relevance to postgraduate life. CEDARS also offers various peer support and empowerment programmes ranging from cultural integration to mental health and SEN/disability. Check them out on CEDARS’s website and start building up your peer network.

8. EXPLORE HONG KONG

WOW

Before the beginning of every semester, CEDARS organises an array of orientation and adjustment programmes to smooth the transition of the newly arrived non-local students. No problem if you have missed the activities. You can always watch the Weeks of Welcome (WoW) Videos for their cultural adjustment sessions, city tours, outings, and more.

9. BEWARE OF SCAMS

Lyu Dengping

In view of the growing number of students falling prey to scams, resulting in significant financial losses and severe mental distress, the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) of the Hong Kong Police Force has designed an Anti-Scam online learning package (Chinese version only), particularly useful for newly admitted Mainland Students. We encourage you to complete the learning package to understand how to identify the scams and avoid falling victim to them. If you suspect a fraudulent call, report it directly to the Police by calling the 24-hour helpline at 18222. More useful tips and anti-scam videos are available on CEDARS’s website.

10. STAY CONNECTED

The Graduate School is committed to assisting you in your academic pursuits. Visit the Graduate School’s website and follow us on our social media to receive the latest news and updates relevant to your postgraduate study journey: