Details

• China
• MAEXINT-24
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

When preparing my exchange application, starting early and staying organized helped a lot. I made a simple Excel list with all the partner universities and their requirements, which made it easy to compare options and keep track of everything without missing details. For my ranking, I didn’t put the most competitive university first. Instead, I chose destinations where I felt confident about my chances and where the academic offer and location really suited me. This took away a lot of stress and ensured I’d be happy with the outcome no matter where I ended up. Having realistic backup options is key. The WU fact sheets and additional PDFs were very useful, especially for understanding course compatibility, language requirements, and administrative rules. I also checked the partner universities’ websites, which helped me get a better overall picture. I highly recommend booking a proper appointment with the International Office. It allowed for more detailed questions and clearer answers than quick drop-in visits. For the motivation letter, I focused on being honest and personal. I explained why I genuinely wanted to study at that university and what I could contribute, rather than writing something overly formal.

2. Accommodation

Since I was enrolled in a postgraduate program, on-campus housing or dorms weren’t an option for me, so I had to organize accommodation on my own. For the first month, I stayed at Y Loft Youth Square. This area felt much more nature-oriented, with nearby beaches and hiking trails. The neighborhood was very quiet and residential, not a lot going on, but it was close to the MTR and several bus lines that connect both to the city center and the campus. For most of my exchange, I lived in a serviced apartment called Weave Studios Olympic, close to Mong Kok and Olympic Station. The area felt safe and lively, with lots of restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and everyday shops nearby. The MTR was only a 5–10 minute walk, which made getting around very easy. In general, rental prices in Hong Kong are quite high, and apartment sizes can be much smaller than what most Europeans are used to, so it’s important to be mentally and financially prepared for that. My apartment was about 15–20 minutes away from the city campus. The main campus in Clear Water Bay is more outside the city and takes around 45–55 minutes to reach by MTR and bus. Overall, public transport in Hong Kong is excellent, and everything is well connected. As a recommendation, I’d suggest looking at areas on Hong Kong Island from Sheung Wan to North Point. These are close to the city campuses and still well connected to the main campus, plus you’re right in the middle of everything, from markets, cafes, and sightseeing to bars and clubs. Kowloon is also a great option and feels more local and traditional. Areas like Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, and Tsim Sha Tsui are all very well connected by MTR and have everything you need nearby. For apartment hunting, I mainly used Booking.com, Airbnb, Habyt, and Weave Studios.

3. Academic life at host university

HKUST has a huge and very well-equipped campus located in Clear Water Bay. The facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a running track, gym, BBQ/grill areas, a large library, and plenty of different study spots, both quiet and social. There are also several restaurants and fast-food options directly on campus, so you don’t need to bring food with you every day. In addition to the main campus, some courses are also held in the city center. Classes take place in locations such as the Hong Kong Club Building as well as the United Centre. The classrooms are modern, spacious, and very well air-conditioned, which is essential in Hong Kong. One thing to be aware of: the AC can be quite strong, and quite a few students got sick at the beginning because of it, so bringing a light sweater is definitely a good idea. Most courses are held in person, depending on the professor. Active participation is expected in around 90% of the courses and usually counts toward the final grade. Group work and presentations are very common, especially in the MBA program. There is a strong emphasis on interaction, both academically and socially and students tend to exchange a lot with each other beyond class. HKUST places a lot of value on connecting theory with practice. Many professors have extensive professional experience and are real experts in their fields, which makes the lectures very practical and insightful. You can really tell that most of them have spent years working in or researching their respective areas. The teaching style itself is quite similar to WU's. Professors usually lecture from the front, sometimes supported by case studies, group discussions, or presentations. Almost every course also included very interesting guest speakers. In addition, the university and student organizations regularly host fireside talks and networking events. There are also many university clubs you can join. These are mostly run and organized by students themselves and are a great way to meet people outside your program. In terms of difficulty, the courses at HKUST are not significantly harder than those at WU Vienna. From my experience, if you attend classes regularly and take participation seriously, the exams are very manageable. Attendance is mandatory and checked in every course. One difference worth mentioning is the schedule: many courses start in the evening, often around 7 p.m., and therefore also end later.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Hong Kong is extremely efficient, reliable, and easy to use. The MTR, buses, and trams are well connected and cover almost the entire city, making it easy to get around both for daily commuting and leisure activities. Even longer distances, such as traveling between the city center and the main campus, are manageable and well organized. In terms of safety, Hong Kong felt very safe throughout my stay. Even late at night, I generally felt comfortable using public transport or walking around the city, including in busier areas. This makes everyday life and social activities much easier and more relaxed. Hong Kong offers a wide range of social and leisure activities. There are countless restaurants, bars, cafés, and rooftop venues, as well as clubs and nightlife options across both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. At the same time, nature is always close by, beaches, hiking trails, and islands can be reached easily and are perfect for weekend trips or short escapes from the city. The university and student organizations regularly organize social events, networking events, fireside talks, and cultural activities, which makes it easy to meet people and build connections. There are also many sports options available, both on campus and in the city, including gyms, swimming pools, running tracks, hiking groups, and various university sports clubs that students can join.

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Hong Kong was a very special experience for me. The city is extremely vibrant, and it feels like there is always something new happening. Even after some time, everyday life never became boring, as you constantly discover new places, neighborhoods, or small details that make the city unique. Hong Kong is very different from Vienna, but surprisingly, I felt at home there after just a few weeks. What stood out most to me were the people and the atmosphere. Despite being such a global business hub with skyscrapers and a fast-paced lifestyle, there is a very down-to-earth and respectful culture. It was completely normal to see business professionals sitting in a traditional cha chaan teng, sharing tables with strangers, which really reflects the everyday culture of the city. I never felt like I didn’t belong there, on the contrary, people were very open, friendly, and welcoming, which made settling in much easier. I also really appreciated the freedom the city offers. It felt natural to just walk around, explore, and enjoy the city without being constantly approached or disturbed. At the same time, Hong Kong offers an incredible variety: you can go from the city to the beach, hiking trails, or outdoor sports facilities within a short time. On top of that, there were many public events throughout the year, from cultural festivals like dragon shows to fake snow on Christmas events, all of which made the stay even more memorable. Combined with the friendships I made during the exchange, this mix is what truly made Hong Kong a unique and unforgettable place for me.