Details

• China
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Choosing the right destination/university - Talk to former exchange students/read exchange reports to gain more insight into their exchange experience - Take a look at the "Credit Transfer Online Database" -> does your university of choice offer the courses you want to take Interview - Think about why you applied for an exchange & why you listed your preferences (universities and location) - What makes you suitable for an exchange - Previous work and academic experiences to highlight your strengths and suitability Application and Arrival process -WU and the host university provided more than enough information to navigate through the application and arrival process. It made preparations easier and the students were given all the necessary details in advance - Connect with fellow exchange students from WU -> they face the same processes and challenges at WU and the host university

2. Accommodation

Exchange students are guaranteed a spot in one of the halls. You can choose between on-campus or off-campus accommodation. I stayed in one of the on-campus halls (Hall 2). There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of accommodation in my opinion and ultimately it's up to personal preference if you want to live closer to the city or enjoy campus life. Exchange students are usually allocated a spot in Hall 8 or 9 as those (currently) are the newest ones. Halls 10-13 have been under the final stages of construction during my stay, so I expect them to be in use soon. All rooms are shared with a randomly allocated student (exchange students are paired up with other exchange students). I was lucky with my roommate but if you don't get along with your roommate at all, there is a period at the beginning of the semester where you can swap room(mates) with others.

3. Academic life at host university

Add/drop period - don't worry too much at first if you didn't get into your desired courses -> I only got into 2/5 courses in the beginning but ended up taking all 5 - attend lectures in the beginning no matter if you got into the course or not and talk to the professor -> course spots are oftentimes increased during/after add/drop period Courses - participation, assignments and group projects are more important than at WU - a lot of exams are single-choice and easier to pass than at WU, be aware though, some professors ask very detail oriented questions - easy to gain participation points because locals (=majority of students) are often very shy when it comes to speaking in front of the class whereas international students are rather extroverted in comparison - set percentage ranges per grade (e.g. 10-15% A+/A/A-, 15-25% B+/B/B-, ..., 0-5% F), professors usually want everybody to pass; it is a bit more difficult to get an A in courses with curved grading Campus infrastructure/life - a lot of food options (canteens, McDonalds, Starbucks, Subway, Döner in Business Building, two vegetarian places) - post office on campus - busses to MTR/city - sport facilities (gyms, indoor/outdoor pool, football field and running track, tennis courts, squash courts, table tennis,...)

5. Every day life in the host country

Hong Kong always felt safe and there is a lot to explore. Even after a few months we found new fun activities to do.

6. Testimonial

When I first arrived in Hong Kong I couldn't have imagined a better exchange semester. The semester was filled with meeting amazing people, travelling to beautiful and exciting places, exploring the city and having a lot of fun. Hong Kong offers a unique mix of city life and nature, which made it a great place to experience the fast-paced city life and the many hiking trails that led to spots with a great view on the city. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing and I'm very grateful that I got to experience Hong Kong and the chance to meet new friends for life.