Experience in Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR) by Pinky

What is it like to live in Hong Kong? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Hong Kong is fantastic in terms of convenience. Basically, you could find all daily necessities, food from all over the world and leisure activities everywhere. Within 15 minutes of transport, you could usually reach a mall or even a cinema.

It is kind of a mix of different cultures. You could find Japanese, Western and Chinese food all over Hong Kong.

I would definitely recommend it. Most of my international friends say there is no place like Hong Kong! It is a place you could find choices from all over the world.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Hong Kong?

It really depends on what kind of student you are.

If you like studying and engaging in extra-curricular activities, you could easily find friends to hang around with you and join the university activities together. My exchange buddy loves taking photos and videos. Now he is enjoying the free video editing class in my university.

If you prefer partying, you could also go to events held by the regular international students. They go clubbing every month and they know where the best places are.

After all, if you do not have to worry about your grades, it is a really nice and convenience places for travelling. Exchange students would group together and travel around Asia. According to my French friend, it costs "nothing" when you are using Hong Kong dollars or other Asian currencies.

How much does it cost to live in Hong Kong?

Living in Hong Kong is not expensive overall, unless you rent your room outside university. It could cost you up to HK$4000-5000 per month but normally universities guarantee exchange students a dorm to stay. It is just HK$8000 per semester.

As I mentioned before, eating and spending money in Hong Kong for leisure activities is cheap because of the currency issue. Normally, HK$1000 is more than enough for basic living. Even local students spend only HK$1500 per month including transportation.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Hong Kong? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not easy to find accommodation in Hong Kong as even local people with lower income can barely rent a room at HK$3800 and the environment is poor. We have housing agents but the fees are not cheap and you have to spend time checking each one of them.

So if you are an exchange student, stay in the university dorm or find a place with the help of the university. There is housing tour outside campus every month that you could join. But I am not sure if faculties would help with it as it is almost a must for you to have a dorm offer.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is very dynamic and you could find anything you want (no matter where you come from) with slight adjustments to suit the local people. But I highly recommend you to try some Chinese restaurants as most of them are pretty delicious and original. You would definitely like it if you can use chopsticks.

But even if you don't wanna try new things, you can always find what you want. The only question is whether it is available in or outside campus.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Hong Kong?

Apart from Ocean Park, Tsim Sha Tsui, you can go to the Hong Kong island where there are many small restaurants. Plus there is 50% chance that you could communicate in English without any help.

You may also go to the Lantau island to visit the Buddha. There are cable cars and nice scenery.

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Last but not least, do check out what is significant in your university. For my university, there is a 10m high cliff that international students like to jump and take videos. There must be something you must try!

Is it good to eat out in Hong Kong? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is highly recommended to eat out in Hong Kong and you can not imagine how many choices there are. Meals from different countries, desserts at different price range. You would definitely love it!

It is really not easy for you to find the shops if you can't speak Chinese, not to mention they don't have a "Western name". But my favourite chicken rice is in Sai Kung; Chinese dim sum in Ma On Shan and Japanese noodles in Tsim Sha Tsui. Download an app called "Open Rice" and you will find whatever you want!

Is the nightlife good in Hong Kong? Where is good to go?

Hong Kong's shops closes very late and you could still enjoy the last movie at midnight. You could go to LKF in Central, a bar street in Tsim Sha Tsui and Soho in Wan Chai. They are the best locations for drinks and party.

I am not that familiar with nightlife but I'm sure you'll be able to find a regular international friends to take you out!

What advice would you give future students heading to Hong Kong?

Learn some Mandarin and how to use chopstick. Be ready for the Chinese culture as it is really a good place to start-off. You could choose to live in the Western style but you would definitely regret it!

There is not much that you must bring as the weather is much less extreme than in Europe and you could buy things easily. You may even be amused that paying in Hong Kong is so simple. We have an Octopus Card to pay for transportation, food and most small payments.

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