Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Hey everyone, it’s Alex and welcome to my blog post that I quickly put together before flying off to China.
A bit about me, I’m a 3rd year student studying a Bachelor of Business (marketing major) Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (business information systems management major) and I’m doing a semester of exchange at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
I’m going to write about three things:
- Hong Kong in general
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) – where I’m doing my semester of exchange
- And finally tips for anyone reading this who is considering doing their exchange in Hong Kong
Let’s begin…
Having been to Hong Kong before, one thing always stood out to me was its infrastructure – it’s amazing!!! The towering skyscrapers will leave you in awe every time you take a stroll in the city or catch a bus somewhere. Not only are the buildings awesome but every night they’re lit, Vivid all year round! Catching public transport is also a breeze, much better than Sydney (and cheaper). There’s no stressing about missing your train because they come every 3 minutes. Besides the city, Hong Kong also has many cultural experiences on offer which aren’t too far away. I was particularly fond of the Big Buddha for its sacredness and stunning scenery which could easily make one forget the city was only a short train ride away. The Mid-Autumn Festival lantern display at Victoria Park was also a highlight, showcasing Hong Kong’s Chinese culture. I could go on about the natural landmarks as well but I’ll leave some things for you to discover yourself.
Moving onto life at PolyU, my experience so far has had its ups and downs, mostly ups. Positives, the campus feels like an actual campus with all the buildings in one spot, it’s very close to transportation, there’s plenty of accessible facilities (food) and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. The only major challenge I had to face was enrolment, heads up if you’re doing a combined degree, there might be some complications, but it all worked out in the end with the help of both PolyU and UTS staff. Some minor things that can take some getting used to might be the small living space and being the best English speakers in class.
And finally some tips.
Before exchange: attend all the exchange information sessions at UTS; communicate with the yellow team and UTS International; have some backup subjects ready.
During exchange: get an Octopus card at the airport; stick to the right when walking; download the MTR and CityBus apps; don’t lock yourself in your room, there’s so many sights to see; be social; travel to some other countries; hit up Lan Kwai Fong; study hard (but not too hard); take lots of photos; and just make the most of this amazing city while you’re here!!
Alex Vongtongtip
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong
Australian Government New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient.
For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program please visit: www.global-exchange.uts.edu.au
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