Study in Hong Kong: Tips from an Insider

Thinking of study in Hong Kong? As a totally-non-bias-Hong-Konger, I think you’ll have a blast. This Special Administrative Region is home to over 7 million people and some of the world’s best universities. Its international appeal and stable economy is also attracting  graduates from around the world to try their luck at ‘making it’ in the ‘Far East‘*

But how much do you know about this ex-British colony that was  declared a “barren rock”  by Captain Charles Elliot of the British Royal Navy in 1841?

Well, for starters, if you think it’s still barren or resembles a giant rock in any way, you’re in for a bit of a shock. You’ll also be in for a shock if you thought Hong Kong was in Japan as you’ll be landing at the wrong airport. (You’ll be surprised how many people have said ‘Oh! I’d love to visit Japan’ once they know of my Hong Kong roots…)

Here are five tips to ensure your study in Hong Kong experience goes as smoothly as possible.

*First piece of advice: Don’t say ‘Far East’ to anyone from Asia, it reeks of imperialism and it’s only “East” if you consider yourself to be at the centre of the universe and refuse to fly in the other direction. The Earth is round after all.

1) Ask yourself: ‘How well do I cope with humidity?’

If you’ve got “Monica hair”, bring serum…

“Bah! I can deal with a bit of heat!” you say. That’s all very well, but have you ever experienced extreme humidity combined with 30+ degrees Celsius? Do you even know what humidity is? (Europeans, I’m talking to you especially!)

“Humidity is what makes the air feel like a sauna, full of wet steam. More scientifically, it’s actually the measurement of water vapour in the air, with 100% being the maximum. “

Just be warned; if you study in Hong Kong in the peak of summer, you will start sweating profusely the second you leave the comfort of air conditioning so don’t even think about trying to ‘run-to-the-shop-before-your-lecture, it’ll-only-take-five-minutes’. Not unless you want to return with your shirt completely see-through and stink out the poor person sitting next to you (they won’t hide their disgust either, but I’ll get to that later).  Just take a cab, or at the very least, an air conditioned bus. A spare can of deodorant in the school bag would make you popular as well.

2) Don’t ever cough or sneeze in public

“What? I don’t want to get SARS!”

If the irony that Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HK SAR) had a severe outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (otherwise known as…SARS) in the early 2000s has managed to escape you, let me tell you now that it has not escaped the rest of the Hong Kong population.

Even though this outbreak happened around 20 years ago, people have retained the sense of paranoia around those who cough in public since then; mask-wearers, such as the ones demonstrated above, are not uncommon sights around Hong Kong. This is especially the case after the COVID-19 pandemic, but even before COVID it was considered a “courtesy” measure.

If you must cough or let out a sneeze in public, be sure to cover your mouth with a TEESHOO (unofficial Cantonese for ’tissue’- more Cantonese lessons to follow). People will still probably: move away from you, audibly mutter some words of disgust at you, or give you the death stare, but at least you’ve tried your best! (Just don’t ever do it again!)

3) Account for traffic time, at any time of day

Must…not…sneeze…in…public

Got a lecture you need to get to but you’re in the wrong side of town? Even though Hong Kong is relatively small and not many people drive, we’re capable of producing some truly world-class traffic jams. If you’re taking public transport at “peak” times, take into account the sheer volume of people you need to fight through in order to get ON said transport. Add on a bit of extra time if you need to be somewhere important.

4) Ladies, there’s never a need to buy drinks…

Free drinks! And you don’t even need to be single!

No, I’m not suggesting anything anti-feminist here; by all means, feel free to splash out on drinks if you wish. Hong Kongers hold many crazy traditions dear to their hearts, but one that’s particularly close to mine (and many students’ who study in Hong Kong), is Ladies’ Night.

Perhaps the city’s bars want to thank womankind for all their contributions to this world…or maybe it’s because it gets the men out spending money. Whatever the reasons are, you will be able to find a place which gives away free drinks for ladies on most nights of the week. Sorry if you think this is unfair, men, but we got child birth… we deserve this one.

5) A bit of Cantonese will help, just a little

NB: Dodgy grey tan not always necessary

Yes, Hong Kong is an extremely cosmopolitan city and the vast majority of people will know how to speak English. But if you want to go the extra mile and make others’ lives easier while you study in Hong Kong, here are a few useful Cantonese phrases to throw in.  I won’t bother explaining tones (life’s too short). Even if you mix it up with English, people will most likely find your efforts endearing.

Oh! If you know some Mandarin, good for you! But not many Hong Kongers do, plus it might cause offense to some locals… try English first.

Pronounce phonetically (emphasis on the capital letters):

MMGoy

Please, or thank you (only for minor things like someone keeping the door open for you).

DorZhe

Thank you (for bigger things, e.g. if someone gave you a gift).

HoSic

Delicious! (You will be saying this a lot!)

LeeDoh (MmGoy)

Here (please). Ideal for telling minibus/taxi drivers where to drop you off.

And there you have it! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any other questions, I could rant about home all day.