A D V E N T U R E S
Ok so final project presentations are here! Next is revision week! Then finals! Finishing up my final group presentations at the moment (we won for my event marketing class that is like a competition between event management companies trying to propose themes and execution plans to a client! YAY!). I will be going to Thailand (Phuket and Bangkok) for a well-needed break during the first half of revision week. The 8 days that follow will be for reviewing for my classes on Dec 13, 15, and 16--yes, my last exam is on a Saturday. I will probably be super stressed during my Thailand trip but I cannot wait to explore a country and culture that I am strangely very familiar with (probably because of all the thai dramas that I watch haha). I can finally practice some of my Thai! Haha
I am starting to feel stressed about exams, but what actually stresses me out more is the prospect of leaving such an incredibly colorful and adventure-filled life that I have spent here for a relatively myopic and homey life on a small island in the middle of the vast Pacific ocean. Culture shock was nonexistent in the beginning of my semester abroad, but I am sure that reverse culture shock will hit me profoundly in the coming weeks when I return.
Photos by Josh Rasay
Still Stressed
1) Internet Connection
The internet connection is a lot better if your dorm is closer to the common rooms, but it is not always the same case for all the dorms. If you end up being far from the common room, it is best to buy a cheap router at Mong Kok. Usually, there is someone you can ask (your Resident Tutor should know) to help you set it up.
2) Octopus Card
This is your go-to debit card at 7-11 even at H&M. Just make sure you have 50HKD and 100HKD bills to fill it up at the MTR stations. You can go to 7-11 to fill it up with non-50HKD and 100HKD bills. MTR information centers take up to 50HKD in coins (you will be getting a lot of coins!) to fill up your card. Use your coins there since coins are not as useful as they are in other countries.
3) Join a group with more local students for class projects
Local students are more aware of their grades than exchange student. Still, this is not an excuse to slack off. Make sure to choose the correct local students because there is somewhat of a culture of getting the bare minimum C from some students.
4) Travel Visas Required: Vietnam, Mainland China
All countries in Asia are fine with just a US passport EXCEPT Vietnam and Mainland China. Get them if you plan to go there!
5) E22 Bus to Airport
Do not take a taxi or uber or train to the airport! It will cost you around 100-200HKD. When you get your temporary student Octopus card (the one with your face on it), you will just have to pay 18HKD to get to the airport by bus. E22 stops across the street from the dorms by Shek Kip Mei park, just go down Hi-Bye bridge. The stop has red railings and has a sign for E22. The bus takes about 40 mins to get to the airport so plan accordingly so you can save money!
6) Use the HK Resident Lines While Travelling
Since you have a Hong Kong visa, you are considered a Hong Kong resident (not permanent). Still, you are qualified to go to the shorter line when going through customs! Many customs officers tell me to go there whenever they see my visa!
7) Use Mandarin as a Last Resort
There is still tension between mainland China and Hong Kong ever since the handover in 1997. Mandarin/Putonghua will be received with a little animosity in some local food joints. Better to use English but if they cannot understand you, just use your Mandarin/Putonghua. You might get some glares.
8) Books are Cheap!
Books are cheap here! Textbooks are only about 40USD at most from what I saw.
9) Follow Dorm Curfews
Many students—including myself—complained about it but do not break it. Make sure to tap out of the dorm when you are visiting your friends’ dorm. You do not want to be mistaken for having stayed past midnight in a dorm tower that is not yours. You might get banned for a week or two. The rule is that you cannot stay in a dorm tower that is not your dorm tower past midnight (they give you until 12:10 to get out).
10) AC1 – Quick Meals
Graba quick and cheap bite at AC1 (main school building) level 5 (second level from the ground floor). There is cheap siu mai and bread (I recommend the coconut bread or the sausage/cheese rolls!) as well as boxes of tea. If you are feeling extra hungry, get a bowl of congee to warm you up! Get it with turnip cake!
TOP 10 HELPFUL HINTS FOR FUTURE CITY U EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Weeks 14 & 15 | November 25 - December 8, 2017