About Hong Kong

Hong Kong is always full of surprises!
Here you will find some helpful information for you to live in Hong Kong.
Get ready to explore your unique Hong Kong experiences with Hong Kong Tourism Board now.

Weather

Climate and Clothing

Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical. It is usually hot and humid in summer, and cool and dry in winter. 

Season(Month) Average Temperature
Spring(March to May) 17°C to 26°C
Summer(June to August) 26°C to 31°C
Autumn(September to November) 19°C to 28°C
Winter(December to February) 12°C to 20°C

 

Summer outfit Light clothing such as T-shirts is appropriate for summer. It is advisable to also bring a jacket as most indoor areas in Hong Kong are air-conditioned, including campus facilities.  
Winter outfit Warmer clothing such as sweaters, jackets or coats is recommended for the winter months. There is practically no central heating in most indoor areas, and winter temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F) especially in urban areas.

 

Adverse Weather Conditions

Tropical storms and typhoons occur mainly between May and November.

When there is a heavy rainstorm or typhoon in the vicinity of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory will issue different weather warnings and signals to alert the public of the weather conditions. The warnings and signals  will be broadcasted on TV, radio and the University’s homepage. You can also visit the Hong Kong Observatory's website to obtain the latest weather update.

University operations and classes may be suspended under adverse weather conditions. See University’s guidelines on adverse weather arrangements.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. The majority of electrical sockets allow the use of three-pin square plugs.

Voltage transformers and adaptors are widely available and can be purchased in most convenience stores, supermarkets and even the canteen at the Student Residence.

plug

 

Health & Hygiene

On-campus Medical & Dental Clinic

Young Chung-Yee Health Centre is a medical and dental clinic on campus that provides general medical consultations and dental care services to members of CityU. Service and fees may vary depending on your student type. 

Off-campus Clinics and Hospitals

Healthcare services in Hong Kong are comprehensive, highly professional and people-centred. There are more than 10 private hospitals and more than 40 public hospitals in Hong Kong, which makes it easy to find polyclinics in the community that provide primary care services, including dentistry.

There are 3 hospitals in the neighbourhood of Kowloon Tong: Hong Kong Baptist Hospital (private)Caritas Medical Centre (public) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (public) – all of which provide medical and healthcare services to the public. Fees and charges vary, depending on the medical conditions and treatments. All hospitals and polyclinics in Hong Kong require patients to present and register their Hong Kong Identity Cards or passports upon admission. Students who hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card are eligible to use public hospital services at regular residential rates.

All fees and charges incurred from public and private medical services shall be borne by the students at their own expense. You are thus strongly advised to purchase an insurance that will meet your specific needs.

COVID-19

The Hong Kong SAR Government has lifted all mandatory mask-wearing requirements and social distancing measures. Follow this link for the most updated arrangements announced by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Influenza

People in Hong Kong are vigilant about flu prevention, especially during the peak season for influenza from January to March and July to August every year. For more information, visit the website of the Department of Health.

Water

Tap water in Hong Kong is not fit for drinking. You are advised to drink boiled water or water from drinking water fountains. Bottled mineral or distilled water is available at the food outlets on campus, convenience stores and supermarkets.

Transportation

Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world's most efficient, safe, affordable, and frequent public transport systems. 

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is one of the most convenient means of public transport in Hong Kong. It can take you almost anywhere you want to go. CityU is approximately 5 minutes' walk from Kowloon Tong MTR Station. Trains usually arrive at two-minute intervals. Be aware that the MTR is often extremely crowded during rush hours.

Buses, minibuses, trams, ferries and taxis are also widely used in Hong Kong and you can catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way. Maps and information boards are present in each MTR station to facilitate your ease of travel. A bus terminal is located next to Festival Walk, which is about 10 minutes by foot from campus. For more information on how to get around in Hong Kong, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

Communications

Telephones

As a global communications hub and one of the highest per capita users of mobile phones, Hong Kong thrives on efficient telecommunications. Local calls are free from private landlines and cost only HK$1 per five minutes from public telephones. Hotels usually charge for local calls. If you are living in the Student Residence, you can make local calls for free using the telephone provided in your room.

Mobile phones that use most of the telephone systems around the globe – including GSM 900/1800, CDMA 2000 and WCDMA frequency bands – operate in Hong Kong. However, the GSM 1900 band, which is commonly used in the US, does not work in Hong Kong.

Mobile operators in Hong Kong have roaming agreements with most overseas operators enabling visitors to use their mobile phone when they come to Hong Kong. As roaming service can be expensive, you should check pricing with your network provider before using your phone in Hong Kong. 

Prepaid sim card can be purchased from convenience stores such as 7-Eleven. Service plans, on the other hand, have to be subscribed in person at the branches of service providers.

Post

Postage is inexpensive and the service is reliable. The nearest post office to CityU is located at 11A, Fa Po Street, which is approximately 15 minutes' walk from the campus. The main post offices are next to the Star Ferry in Central on Hong Kong Island, and at 10 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Detailed postage information can be found on the Hongkong Post website.

Languages

English is the teaching medium at most universities, including CityU, but both Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong. English is widely used within the government and also by the legal, professional and business sectors. There is no shortage of well-educated, competent bilingual or even trilingual professionals who speak English, Cantonese and Putonghua.

Working Hours

Financial & Commercial Sectors

Weekdays: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturdays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

 

Government & University Offices

Weekdays: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

 

Shops & Restaurants

10:00 am - 10:00 pm or even longer hours

 

#The working hours listed here are generalised for reference only.

 

Culture

With a population that is mainly ethnic Chinese and a special historical background, Hong Kong is a global city in which Chinese traditions intertwine harmoniously with Western culture. You will find multiple denominations of churches sharing space with Chinese joss houses, temples, mosques, and synagogues. It is not surprising to see elderly residents playing ancient Chinese board games on digital tablets. In Hong Kong, people celebrate the Christmas and Easter holidays with the same fervour as they enjoy Buddha’s Birthday and Chinese New Year. Hong Kong is also an inclusive and innovative city where state-of-the-art skyscrapers are designed in consultation with Feng Shui masters.

Learn more about Hong Kong's customs and culture at www.discoverhongkong.com.

Religion

Hong Kong is a multicultural city where people enjoy the freedom to practise their own faiths. Most religions are represented in Hong Kong including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Jainism, etc. It is easy to find temples, monasteries, churches and mosques in Hong Kong. At CityU campus, a quiet room (R4205, 4/F, BOC) is available for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer. The Opening Hours are 09:00 - 21:00 (Mon-Sat).