When planning a student trip to Hong Kong, there are many things you should take into consideration. From safety concerns to food options and transportation options – there is so much beauty and adventure waiting for you in this vibrant city.
Make use of the MTR system and purchase an Octopus Card, which you can load with money and tap as you board the train. This will save time from having to queue for tickets. You can easily take advantage of a student flights offer from Cathay Pacific.
Accommodation
Accommodation options in Hong Kong for students range from hostels and budget hotels to private rooms and serviced apartments. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in your experience.
Hostels are an excellent option for students on a budget, offering competitive rates and convenient locations in central areas. Though less upscale than hotel options, most of them provide amenities such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
For greater privacy and space, Hong Kong offers studio apartments or one-bedroom flats at various price points. Most have large bathrooms as well.
Student apartments or studios provide more amenities than most other options, such as a kitchen and washer/dryer. Plus, many come with high-speed internet – an invaluable asset when living abroad and needing to stay connected for work or school.
For a more luxurious stay, consider booking a room at a hotel with harbor view. You’ll get to take in the breathtaking sights of Victoria Harbour – often one of visitors’ highlights when in Hong Kong!
For travelers seeking luxury, Kowloon area offers some of the city’s finest hotels and accommodations. For instance, Cordis Hotel is an exquisite place to stay that will allow you to unwind in an idyllic location with spectacular views of the city skyline.
When in Hong Kong, there are plenty of ways to save money and still have an amazing time. By following these tips, you’ll be able to locate accommodation that fits both your needs and budget.
Food
Hong Kong boasts an enviable food scene – it’s one of the most vibrant in Asia with endless culinary experiences to be had. From street food to world class restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out here.
Experience Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary heritage by visiting one of its iconic cha chaan teng restaurants at least once during your stay. These eateries are a testament to its multicultural spirit, serving dishes inspired by ingredients from across Asia.
Many cha chaan tengs also serve Western food, and you’ll find plenty of hearty East-meets-West meals on offer. Luen Wah’s signature breakfast item is macaroni in soup (similar to Chinese noodle soup) served with ham.
Cha chaan teng fans mustn’t miss Cantonese rice cakes, similar to Japanese mochi in texture. With gluttonous rice topped with savory filling, they make for an irresistible accompaniment to steamed meat or seafood dishes.
At Yung Kee restaurant in Hong Kong, tourists must try the famous “siu ngoh” roast duck. Although Yung Kee may not be cheap, their reputation precedes them – they even pack their roast goose as carry-on luggage for departing tourists!
Hong Kong’s favorite dessert, grass jelly, can be had for under HKD 20 at B Boy’s. Served in large bowls, this refreshing treat is sure to please both locals and visitors alike – so bring along at least three people or go as a group to get the most out of it!
Shopping
While on your student travels in Hong Kong, there are plenty of shopping opportunities to be had. Local vendors offer souvenirs, clothes and electronics while malls and department stores carry an impressive variety of goods. Plus there are often sales seasons in Hong Kong where you can save money by shopping during these times.
If you’re in search of some serious shopping, Hong Kong offers plenty of high-end malls and luxury outlets. Harbour City in Kowloon boasts over 400 stores and 50 restaurants – making it the largest mall in Hong Kong for both clothing and food shopping needs.
Pacific Place is another high-end mall in Hong Kong, featuring Harvey Nichols, DFS and numerous designer brands. You could easily spend the whole day here since there are so many restaurants and dessert shops to enjoy.
G.O.D (Goods of Desire) is an interesting store to check out for contemporary jewelry, art and other accessories at affordable prices. Our students love shopping here for its unique items and reasonable prices.
Li Yuen Street East and West in Hong Kong Island offer some great bargains on clothing and souvenirs. Here you’ll find everything from Chinese artwork and silk collectibles to large-sized garments.
Stanley Market is one of Hong Kong’s best street markets, offering a vast selection of clothing, shoes and accessories at reasonable prices. Tourists with limited time should consider visiting as it is just a short walk from the MTR station.
Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is another market worth visiting; it features various stalls selling clothing, shoes, CDs, hardware and trinkets at great prices. A must-visit for anyone visiting Hong Kong!
Transportation
Hong Kong boasts a vast array of transportation options, from buses and trains to ferries and vintage trams.
Public transport in Hong Kong can save you money and time, as well as make getting around easier. But it’s essential to know what your options are before making any purchases.
Public transport is easily attainable throughout most major areas in Hong Kong, with the MTR providing routes that will take you almost anywhere. Ferries also operate between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Outlying Islands.
Another option is taking the bus, which is an excellent way to explore southern Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. There are various routes available and you can pay with cash or Octopus card.
Finally, taxis offer an economical and convenient way to travel within the city or for short trips outside. Taxis can be flagged down on the street or summoned via phone call.
To guarantee a secure ride, make sure you have an up-to-date street map and pay attention to the colour of your taxi. Red taxis typically cover most of the city; green taxis service Outlying Islands while blue taxis only operate on Lantau Island.
Traveling to and from the airport is now much simpler with MTR’s Airport Express train service, which will take you in 23 minutes straight from the terminal to downtown in just 23 minutes. Tickets for this journey cost much less than taxis would charge;
The MTR is an efficient, clean and fast mode of public transport. With 98 stations located around the city, there’s more than one line to cover most journeys. The journey planner on the MTR website gives you a good estimate of travel time between stations as well as fares at each stop along the way.
Language
Language acquisition is one of the most essential elements of studying abroad, and mastering a new tongue can be highly rewarding. It opens doors to travel, employment opportunities, and lifelong friendships around the world.
If you are interested in learning English or Chinese, Hong Kong provides a range of resources. These include specialized language schools, private lessons, and university courses.
The predominant language in Hong Kong is Cantonese, though many universities teach in English as well. If you want to boost your chances of success, take a course in Cantonese!
HKU’s School of Chinese offers a comprehensive selection of language and culture courses for visiting students. These programs can be tailored to any level of Chinese ability and taught in either Mandarin or Cantonese.
Most courses require frequent quizzes and tests, homework assignments, class performance, as well as a final oral and written exam. Attendance is mandatory unless you receive permission to be absent.
Language courses typically last one or two academic years and grades are determined by performance in small classes.
Language courses are an excellent way to learn Cantonese and Mandarin, as they emphasize conversation and listening comprehension. Furthermore, these classes provide a range of classes that focus on practical use of the language.
The Hong Kong government is encouraging students to embark on study tours to mainland China. Schools must organize and fully fund these trips for their pupils as soon as the next school year, after quarantine-free travel resumes.