Details

• China
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

When applying for a semester abroad, it’s important to prepare a strong motivation letter that clearly explains why you want to go abroad and what you hope to learn. This also helps in the interview, which tends to be relaxed and friendly – the interviewers want to see that you are motivated, so there’s no need to stress too much. Before applying, research the partner universities thoroughly and consider how challenging you want your semester to be. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, choose a university known for a lighter workload. WU provides useful resources, such as the “Let’s Talk About Semester Abroad” session organized by the student group and accompanying slides, which give practical insights into the application process and the universities. Most universities handle visa arrangements, and insurance is generally provided through the host university. I personally opted for private insurance, which worked well. Budgeting is crucial, as cities like Hong Kong are more expensive than one might expect, especially if you don’t live on campus. Make sure to plan your living costs realistically. Language courses are optional – you can take them if you wish, but they are not required. Academically, courses may not always be very demanding; at City University of Hong Kong, for example, the courses were manageable but included group work in every class. Be prepared to dedicate time to these collaborative projects.

2. Accommodation

I found my accommodation through the university, which provided a list of different options. I chose Weave Studio Olympic and booked it via email – it’s important to act quickly, as rooms can get booked up fast. I had an 11 sqm room with a private bathroom. The location was convenient: about 25 minutes to the university and 25 minutes to Central, where most of the nightlife is. Hong Kong is generally very safe, which made the experience even more enjoyable. One of the main advantages of Weave Studio was its proximity to both the university and the city center. The flat included a kitchen, and the other residents were very friendly. On the downside, it takes over 10 minutes to reach the MTR station to get to the university; in comparison, Weave Studio Price Edwards is better located for commuting. There is also another MTR line going to Hong Kong Island, which can be very convenient. I decided against the university-provided student dorms, which are located 45 minutes north of the campus and farther from the city center. In the dorms, students share a 10 sqm room with one roommate and a bathroom with the entire floor, which felt less convenient and less private for me. Tips I wish I had known: Book accommodation as early as possible, especially if you want a private room. Consider the commute to both the university and the city center when choosing your accommodation. Check whether the dorms’ shared facilities and locations fit your preferences, as they can be far from campus and the city. Getting a local eSIM is easy and very cheap via Trip.com – this is an absolute must for staying connected. Download the WU VPN before you go, as some apps won’t work in Hong Kong or when traveling to mainland China. Don’t bring too many hygiene products like shampoo, conditioner, or skincare; it’s better and often cheaper to buy them locally.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus infrastructure at City University of Hong Kong is quite modern, but the libraries are freezing cold, and the study spaces aren’t really designed for tall people. The canteen is also quite basic, so I wouldn’t rely on it for a great food experience. The academic culture is generally relaxed in terms of student-professor relationships – you can address professors by their first name, and they are approachable. However, the local students can be very competitive, sometimes putting their own success above teamwork and they wil through you under the bus to get a better grade. On the other hand, other exchange students are extremely friendly and collaborative, making group projects much more enjoyable. The teaching style varies by course. I mostly had lectures and one course with mandatory attendance and active participation. Every course included group projects and often in-class assignments. Exams typically counted for a maximum of 50% of the final grade. While the courses themselves were generally easier than at WU Vienna, the exams were often more challenging because professors didn’t provide practice materials and the format was different than expected. Group projects are usually manageable if you have a good team, but local students often contribute very little, and language barriers can make communication tricky – some locals have limited English, and some professors have strong accents that are hard to understand. Tips for future students: Prepare for group work in every course and try to find motivated team members, ideally fellow exchange students. Don’t expect WU-style preparation materials for exams; be ready for a different format. Take advantage of interactive courses with participation components, as these can boost your grade even if the exams are hard. Be aware of language barriers with both locals and some professors – it may require extra attention during lectures.

5. Every day life in the host country

Getting around Hong Kong is very convenient thanks to the well-developed public transport network. I mainly used the MTR, as Hong Kong is quite large and walking isn’t always practical. Buses are also reliable. I had an Octopus Card, which can be used for the MTR, buses, and even some shops. Alternatively, you can use a Visa card for the MTR, but for minibuses and some other transport options, cash is still required. Overall, I felt very safe in the city at all times, both during the day and at night. Hong Kong offers a wide range of social and leisure activities. I traveled a lot, went to the horse races on Wednesdays, visited Shenzhen by train, explored cafes, restaurants, and bars, and went hiking. There’s really something for everyone. The university and the exchange student club organize WhatsApp groups where you can join activities like hiking or sports, which makes it easy to meet people and stay active. For sports, the university gym is available but not very appealing, so I didn’t use it. Instead, I got ClassPass, which allowed me to take Pilates and yoga classes at various studios across the city – this was a great way to stay fit and explore different neighborhoods. Tips for future students: Get an Octopus Card as soon as possible; it makes getting around much easier. Use WhatsApp groups to join social or sports activities – it’s a great way to meet other students. Take advantage of Hong Kong’s hiking trails and nearby cities for weekend trips. Consider ClassPass or other fitness apps if you want more variety than the university gym.

6. Testimonial

Hong Kong was by far the best experience of my studies. I met so many open-minded, lovely people, traveled a lot around Southeast Asia, and got to know China much better, which surprised me the most. The mix of Chinese and Western influences makes Hong Kong truly unique, especially the contrast between intense city life and nature. This combination is what made my exchange so special.