Hong Kong is not only a welcoming place but also an intensely vibrant and dynamic city that immediately overwhelms your senses with its energy and atmosphere. For a new scholar, this city is full of contrasts; it’s a top academic destination surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced life. Your journey here will be both challenging and exciting, pushing you to grow and rewarding you in ways you’ll never forget.

The first challenge I had was culture shock. Despite its gleaming skyscrapers and international facade, Hong Kong’s soul is intensely local. You might be surprised that “Asia’s World City” can sometimes feel closed off, and sadly, some people do face racial discrimination here, whether obvious or subtle. This isn’t a city that always makes things easy; it challenges you to adjust and grow.

Then there’s the language. While English works well on campus and in central areas, step into a local market or try catching a cab in a neighborhood, and you’ll quickly face the language barrier. Cantonese is the city’s main language, and Mandarin is becoming more common. However, the language barrier sometimes turns small tasks into a challenge.

And yes, the rumors of Hong Kong’s cost of living is true. The cost of living is no joke. Most of your budget will go into rent. But the goodnews is, you can manage it, and soon, you’ll master the art of finding cheap stuff, hidden food spots, using student transport discounts, and realizing that a tasty bowl of noodles or a ride on the Star Ferry can cost less than a coffee back home.

And while the challenges are real, the challenges are utterly dwarfed by the incredible opportunities. The universities are packed with cutting-edge resources, a launchpad for your success. Take full advantage of it.

Then, get out. Your classroom is also the city. Hike the breathtaking Dragon’s Back trail for a view of the South China Sea, get lost in the chaotic wonder of the Temple Street Night Market, and find peace in an ancient monastery tucked between skyscrapers.

Most importantly, remember you’re not just in Hong Kong. You are at the gateway to Asia. This is your chance to learn Mandarin, the language of the future. Use those cheap regional flights to spend a weekend exploring the temples of Bangkok, life in Macaua, Shenzhen, the streets of Tokyo, or the beaches of Vietnam. Your time here is a unique chance to understand the world’s most dynamic region from the inside.