Details

• China
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

There are a few things you should sort out before heading to HKUST. First, check which vaccinations are recommended for Hong Kong early enough, since some require multiple doses over several weeks, so visiting a travel medicine clinic a few months before departure is a good idea. Also make sure to get a credit card that works internationally without high fees, as it makes everyday payments much easier. Finally, I'd recommend getting a SoSim card before you fly, since being online from the moment you land is really helpful for navigating and getting settled in.

2. Accommodation

For accommodation at HKUST, there are basically two options: living on campus or at Jockey Club Hall, which is a bit closer to the city. I lived on campus and really enjoyed it. There are plenty of sports facilities right on your doorstep and the canteen is cheap and convenient. If you're worried about missing out on the city, it's really not an issue since getting there from campus only takes around 15 minutes longer than from Jockey. One thing to know beforehand: you share your room with one other person. It feels a bit unusual at first, but you get used to it quickly and it's actually a great way to meet people.

3. Academic life at host university

The academic culture at HKUST is fairly similar to WU. Courses involve a lot of group work, which makes it easy to meet people and work with students from all over the world. The workload is moderate and getting good grades is very achievable. Mostly A's are realistic without too much stress.

5. Every day life in the host country

Hong Kong is noticeably more expensive than Austria, especially when it comes to going out at night. That said, living on campus keeps costs very manageable. The canteen is affordable and you don't need to spend much on a day-to-day basis. The city itself is where it gets pricey, so it's worth budgeting accordingly before you go.

6. Testimonial

My semester at HKUST was an amazing experience. I met a lot of cool people from all over the world and traveling around Asia on the side made it even more special. I'd recommend it to anyone without hesitation.