Orientation 2026
Congratulations on joining CityUHK as a postgraduate student.
Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies (SGS) warmly welcomes you to our vibrant academic community. We are deeply committed to supporting you in every aspect of your academic and personal journey. We strive to help you navigate your time at CityUHK with confidence and thrive in your overall well-being and professional development.
This Orientation Webpage is designed to help you transition smoothly into postgraduate life, connect with peers and faculty, and access essential resources for success.

Omar ISMAIL (Egypt)
PhD in Mechanical Engineering | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) Awardee
From developing clean water technologies to advancing green hydrogen solutions, Omar shares his research journey and experiences as an international PhD student at CityUHK.
Dewie Saktia ARDIANTONO (Indonesia)
PhD in Systems Engineering | Recipient of LPDP scholarship from the Indonesian Ministry of Finance
Learn how Dewie is leveraging systems engineering to tackle complex challenges faced by SMEs, transforming research insights into practical solutions with real-world impact.

- Academic Honesty Declaration
- New students are required to complete an online tutorial regarding academic honesty, take an online quiz and fill out an online declaration.
- Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism

Deception comes in various forms, including misinformation, disinformation, phishing, and social engineering. Take the time to learn about different scams and obtain resources needed to identify and combat deception effectively:
- Letter from Commissioner of Police (English Version/ Chinese Version)
- Resources and Recommended Tools:
For scam checks on suspicious calls, online sellers, friend requests, job ads, investment websites, etc., Scameter+ is a one-stop scam and pitfall search engine for scams and pitfalls. You can enter an online platform's account name or number, payment account, phone number, email address and URL to assess the risk of fraud and cybersecurity.
- Reporting and Responding to Deception:
You can also call the 18222 Anti-Scam Helpline of the Hong Kong Police Force for assistance or simply call 999 in case of emergencies.
- Compulsory Online Learning Modules for all new CityUHK students – Anti-Deception:
CityUHK requires all new students to complete the Anti-Deception Quiz to foster a safe campus environment. Detailed instructions will be sent after enrolment, and the quiz must be completed no later than 30 September 2026. Incompletion will result in suspension of access to digital services. The Anti-Deception Quiz, requires 100% accuracy, increases your awareness of scams. Visit the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre for more information.
CityUHK is committed to providing a harmonious environment for staff and students, and adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual harassment.
- Compulsory Online Learning Modules for all new CityUHK students – Prevention of Sexual Harassment
CityUHK requires all new students to complete the Online Training Module on Prevention of Sexual Harassment to foster a safe campus environment. Detailed instructions will be sent after enrolment, and the module must be completed no later than 30 September 2026. Incompletion will result in suspension of access to digital services.
The Online Training Module for Prevention of Sexual Harassment, which requires completion of all sections, enhances understanding and response to sexual harassment. More details are available on the CASH website.

Unless you hold the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), you must obtain a valid visa or entry permit to study here. We strongly recommend applying well in advance, as the Immigration Department’s processing time for student visas/ entry permits can take eight weeks or longer. For more details, please visit the website of Admission Office.
Non-local students must have adequate insurance for the entire study period at CityUHK.
- University-contracted Insurance Plan: Available to all non-local students, this plan provides basic coverage. For more comprehensive protection, students should purchase insurance policies on the market that meet their specific needs.
- Chinese Mainland Students: Enrolment in the University-contracted insurance plan is mandatory, as most insurance plans obtained in the Chinese Mainland are not valid in Hong Kong.
For details, please visit the website of the Admissions Office.
CityUHK is dedicated to enriching the student experience by offering a variety of high-quality accommodation options. Our residences provide a comfortable and supportive living environment, fostering academic success and personal growth for students at all levels.
- CityUHK Student Residences
- Off-campus Accommodation Advising
For details, please visit the website of Student Residence Office.
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 Temperature can exceed 35°C during heatwaves. |
| Autumn (September to November) | 19°C to 28°C |
| Winter (December to February) | 12°C to 20°C |
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 broadcast 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 the University’s guidelines on adverse weather arrangements.
Hong Kong boasts an efficient and well-established public transportation system. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is renowned for its speed and reliability, serving most areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. CityUHK is conveniently located just approximately 5-minute walk from the Kowloon Tong MTR Station.
In addition to the MTR, buses, minibuses, trams, ferries, and taxis offer excellent options for exploring the city and its surroundings.
The Octopus Card, Hong Kong's versatile smart card, provides a seamless way to pay for public transport fares and is widely accepted across various modes of transportation.
Hong Kong boasts a diverse array of cuisines that blend traditional Chinese flavours with international influences. While Chinese cuisine remains a popular choice, the culinary scene also features a rich selection of Western options alongside Asian favourites. Additionally, the vibrant streets are filled with enticing street food and dim sum—small plates of various dishes, often steamed or fried, that make for a delightful meal or snack.
For information on on-campus catering outlets, please click here.
- Telephones: Hong Kong is a global communications hub with highly efficient telecommunications services. Local calls are free from private landlines, and mobile phones using the GSM 900/1800, CDMA 2000, or WCDMA frequency bands work in Hong Kong. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, while monthly service plans require an in-person subscription at a service provider's branch.
- Post: Postage in Hong Kong is inexpensive and reliable. The nearest post office to CityUHK is located at 11A Fa Po Street, approximately 15 minutes' walk from campus. Detailed postage information can be found on the Hongkong Post website
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. It is easy to find temples, monasteries, churches and mosques in Hong Kong.
CityUHK has expanded and upgraded the Prayer Room facilities at the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Complex (BOC) for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer. The Opening Hours are 09:00 - 21:00 (Mon-Sat).
- Brothers' Prayer Room (Room No. R4205)
- Sisters' Prayer Room (Room No. R4210)
To streamline your experience in Hong Kong, including receiving stipends and studentships (if any), paying tuition and other student fees, and managing daily life, opening a personal bank account is recommended.
How to Open a Bank Account in Hong Kong:
- On-campus Options:
Hang Seng Bank (CityUHK Branch)Location: 3/F, Yeung Kin Man Academic Building Opening Hours: Mon to Fri - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays - ClosedServices: Banking services, CityUHK Credit Card Enquiry: 2198 5825 (Tel)
Bank of China (Hong Kong) (CityUHK Banking Services Centre)Location: 3/F, Yeung Kin Man Academic Building Opening Hours: Mon to Fri - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays - ClosedServices: Banking services with cyberbanking mode Enquiry: 3988 2388 (Tel) - Nearby Options: Banks at Festival Walk, a shopping mall close to Kowloon Tong Campus.
- Other Options: Visit any bank in Hong Kong. For a full list of 20 major banks, refer to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's (HKMA) website.
Required Information:
- Identification:
- Hong Kong Identity Card/ passport/ travel document
- Non-local students can use PRC ID cards (students from Mainland China) or passports (overseas students) for opening bank account.
- Residential Address Proof:
- Residential address as printed on PRC ID card, original bank statement issued in the last three months, driving license with current residential address, utilities bill, etc.
- Student Status Proof:
- Admission letter or CityUHK Student Card (if available)
Note: The required information set out above is for reference only. According to the actual circumstances (such as the backgrounds of the applicants, the requested banking services, etc.) and their risk assessments, banks may require applicants to submit other types of or additional information and documentation, e.g. information and documents related to Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (AEOI), etc. You may contact banks directly or visit their websites for specifics.
Mobile Account Opening:
- For PRC ID Card Holders:
- Many banks offer online applications while you are physically in Hong Kong. However, activation may require a branch visit.
- Some virtual banks allow account opening via mobile banking apps using PRC ID card. Check HKMA’s website for details.
- For Holders of Other Travel Documents
- Some banks, like The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), accept overseas passport holders to open bank account in Hong Kong via their mobile banking app from abroad. Visit HSBC’s website for details.
Account Opening Witness Service:
- Students from Mainland China with accounts at major Chinese banks (with Hong Kong branches) can check if their banks support this service for opening bank accounts in Hong Kong before arrival. Contact your bank in China for availability.
Scheduling an Appointment
- To avoid waiting, schedule your appointment online via the bank's website or use the e-ticketing service on the mobile banking app.


