Rory Wilson

Host University: University of Hong Kong
Year of Study Abroad: 2010-11

Where did you live? Would you recommend it?

Accommodation, anywhere at HKU is not up to Sheffield standards and you will probably have a roommate, although on the plus side University owned accommodation is very cheap. I stayed in Suen Chi Sun Hall, which is part of the Jockey Club Student Village II, however I would not recommend it. While the halls in this student village are newer the residents are overwhelmingly local Hong Kong students, as a result the hall culture can feel exclusive as all meetings and activities are conducted in Cantonese. Instead I would recommend the older halls, the have a very diverse international community.

Which department(s) did you study in?

Politics and Public Administration

How does the workload/classes/teaching styles vary to Sheffield?

The workload is quite heavy, but having English as a first language is often a advantage. In my department allot of marks where given for active class participation, so it was always worth saying something. There where also a good number of essays set, some of which where quite long compared with those typically set in Sheffield.

What did you do for fun at the weekends and during the holidays?

Hong Kong itself is far larger than most people realise and as well as everything the city has to offer there are plenty of hikes to do as well as small towns, villages and outer island to visit. Macau, home to a gambling industry four times the size of Vegas, is a short ferry ride away (you will need your passport) and probably worth visiting- if only once. Hong Kong is very well connected and air travel throughout the region is comparatively cheap. Overland travel into Mainland China (and beyond) is also possible, with Chinese trains being a cost effective way of getting around. During various holidays and reading weeks I traveled China, South Korea, Cambodia and Vietnam. In addition travel to Taiwan, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Thailand is also easy from Hong Kong.

Did you join any societies or clubs?

HKU has a good range of student societies covering a range of Eastern and Western sports, cultural activities, arts and subject related matters. I personally did not join any University related clubs, although I was made a member of the British Chamber of Commerce.

Describe the University/City/things to do

This city itself has thousands cafés and restaurants offering food from all over the world. There is also lively nightlife centred around cobbled streets of Lang Kwai Fong and the area of Wan Chi near the Happy Vally horse racing course. There are also art galleries, museums, cinemas and tourist attractions. The University has extensive sports grounds, gyms and swimming pools that are free for students.

Could you give any travel or immigration tips?

Travel to Hong Kong is very easy. You are unlikely to have any Visa problems and if your Student Visa is not ready in time you will still be able to get into Hong Kong (on British, and most other, passports).

Could you give any advice or tips to a student preparing to go or tell them anything you wished you knew in advance?

If you get a place at any Hong Kong University apply for the British Council Scholarship for Excellence, it is extremely generous.

Buy an Octopus card (similar to London's Oyster card, but with a far greater range of applications) as soon as possible.

Would you say it is cheaper or more expensive to live than Sheffield?

Some things in Hong Kong are cheaper, while others are more expensive so direct comparison is difficult. Accommodation is allot cheaper, however there is always allot going on in Hong Kong and the opportunities to travel mean that on balance you will probably spend at least as much as if you where in Sheffield. Although in my view the nature of the opportunities made available to you by exchange means you get better value for your money.