Year One: EXPLORE

  • How well are you adjusting to university learning?
  • What are your goals? Have you got plans to achieve them?
  • How do you prioritise your tasks?
  • How do you manage your time?

1. Attend Orientations

Make sure you attend the orientation sessions organised by your Faculty, School, and Department – check your inbox or find the details here external link icon.

2. Meet Your Advisers

Your Faculty Academic Adviser (FAA) is here to support you throughout your time at HKU. Check who your FAA is here external link icon. You can also reach out to a Temporary Academic Adviser (TAA), Faculty Student Adviser (FSA) or Residential Student Adviser (RSA) for additional support. Watch this video external link icon to find out more.

3. Understand Your Curriculum and How to Select Courses

HKU has more than 70 undergraduate curricula, each with its own unique structure. Even students in the same programme may follow different plans depending on their admission years. Always check the curriculum requirements external link icon for your cohort. Pay attention to language, Common Core, pre-requisite and other non-credit-bearing requirements.

4. Get Familiar with Learning Resources at HKU

Beyond your coursework, HKU offers a variety of resources to help you succeed:

5. Devise Your Academic and Study Abroad Plan

Use AASO’s e-Planner external link icon to create a study plan that balances your studies with various opportunities such as studying abroad, internships, service learning, and undergraduate research. Plan ahead to make the most of your time at HKU.

6. Explore Different Study Pathways

  • First Major in Home Faculty: If you need to select a primary major, take time to explore the options offered by your Faculty. Discuss with your FAA for personalised guidance.
  • Second Major / Minors in Home or Non-home Faculties: Interested in broadening your studies? You may choose a second major or one or more minors. Check the list external link icon for the available choices. Read How to Select My Major and Minor external link icon to get started. To explore a subject further, try taking one or two courses, or request a meeting with a TAA external link icon who teaches in that field. Make sure you attend AASO’s Major and Minor event in January for more insights!
  • Consider Relevant Factors in Major Selection: CEDARS’s career consultants offer guidance on how different majors align with potential career paths. Make an appointment external link icon for more in-depth discussions.

7. Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are not just a source of financial support — they also recognise academic excellence and other achievements. In addition to need-based financial assistance, there are merit-based awards and enrichment scholarships to reward a range of accomplishments. Visit this page external link icon for more details.

Tips

  • Enrol in courses: Enrol in courses for BOTH semesters during the course selection period in August. Summer courses are enrolled in during the Add/Drop period in Semester 2 or the June registration period. Read this guide external link icon to ensure a smooth process!
  • Maintain academic integrity: Plagiarism is presenting work as new and original when it is not. This includes unacknowledged use of another person’s work or your own previously submitted work, whether published or not. It is a serious academic offence. Learn what it is external link icon and how to avoid it.
  • Make your own study plan: Don’t blindly follow advice from peers whose circumstances may differ from yours. Take time to identify your own goals and find study methods that work for you.

Student Stories

Adiya Yerenova (BSc, Year 1)
“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” – Napoleon Hill.

I am planning to major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, and minor in Finance. Before arriving in Hong Kong, I set my mind that on a daily basis we are going to be challenged to learn, practice and excel. HKU implements the continuous assessment method, to raise future leaders and experts in different fields. The curriculum is diverse and comprehensive, to ensure that a student has a deep understanding of the program, which is supposed to be challenging and demanding. Therefore, the university environment provides all the necessity to focus on goals and aspirations. If one struggles with studies, the professor and staff are supportive and student-oriented.

For those who are motivated to study or work hard, the place thrives on offers and it is an ideal place for a truly unique experience. HKU understands the importance of raising well-rounded students, and promotes different clubs, provides opportunities and supports initiatives of students. The AASO website provides all of the information that a student can have, and offers one-on-one consultation for further assistance.

Studying at HKU is about finding a balance between your studies and the extracurricular activities, establishing your goals, following your inspirations and trying yourself in numerous fields. HKU has a perfect environment to make mistakes, to ask questions and to grow side by side with your peers. The ambitious and hardworking students at HKU create a friendly collaboration and cooperation to strive for the best.

Fu Hoi Yiu (BEng, Year 1)
Entering college is like going to Disneyland. There are a bunch of amazing things that I am not familiar with. The students, the teachers, and of course, the environment are new to me. No doubt, it is easy to get lost in such a massive and fascinating place during the first year.

Transiting from high school, adapting to the new teaching approaches, balancing study and life, and establishing connections have always been challenging for me as a student returning to Hong Kong after studying abroad. My experience so far, throughout the first semester, is just like taking the amusement park rides, encountering different emotions and handling different tasks each day. It could make me feel a mixture of all the sentiments – intimidating, worrying, exciting, feeling stressed.

Thanks to my course mates and the advisers from AASO, they always try their best to accompany me. They make my college journey more enjoyable and smoother. Whenever I need advice and encouragement, they are the ones I seek help and assistance. Whenever I feel scared, they always listen to me when I am yelling or in trouble. Whenever I feel puzzled, they guide me like a GPS orienting me along the way.

This is just the beginning of my journey as an undergraduate student. I believe there are more awaiting ahead of me.

Year Two: ENGAGE

  • What study strategies work best for you, and which ones do not?
  • Are you focusing on learning for understanding, or on achieving high grades?
  • Are you taking opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and explore new possibilities?

1. Declare Your First Major

Pay attention to the deadline for declaring your first major set by your Faculty Office. Read the Quick Reference Guide external link icon for more information.

2. Track Your Study Progress with Degree Audit

Stay on top of your curriculum requirements by running the Degree Audit report. Go to HKU Portal > Student Information System (SIS) > Academic Records > My Degree Audit. Refer to the User Guide for reference external link icon if needed.

3. Use “What-if” when Considering a Second Major / Minor(s)

Thinking about a second major or minor(s)? Check the available options external link icon, then use the “What-if” function in Degree Audit to see how different combinations fit with your credits.

4. Review Your Academic Performance

Discuss effective study approaches with your FAA, AASO advisers or senior students. Check out the tips for the right start external link icon and exam strategies external link icon!

5. Plan for Study Abroad

Get a head start by attending IAO’s Study Abroad Fairs and briefing sessions. Visit the IAO’s website external link icon for key dates, and read our 3-minute tips on study abroad external link icon for a quick overview.

6. Enrich Your University Life

Join the HKU Mentorship Programme external link icon or lead a student society to enrich your university life. Diversifying your experience and developing soft skills can help you stand out in the job market.

  • Is GPA All That Matters?

GPA is just one of the many factors that employers consider. While some use GPA for initial screening, what they are really interested in is what it reflects about you — such as your time management skills, self-discipline, and ability to balance studies with extracurricular involvement.

  • What do Employers Look for in Fresh Graduates?

Technical skills matter, but soft skills matter just as much. Surveys show that employers value qualities including reliability, responsibility, communication skills, positive attitude, teamwork, problem solving, work ethic, adaptability, dedication, and integrity.

7. Balance Studies, Activities and Sleep

Extra-curricular activities are a great way to build connections and develop valuable skills such as event organisation, teamwork, and social awareness. Remember that your well-being matters too. Balancing studies, activities, and rest is key to thriving at HKU.

8. Look for Experiential Learning Opportunities in Hong Kong and Beyond

Take your learning beyond the classroom.

Tips

  • Transfer credits wisely: Credit transfer from exchange studies may impact your study plan and graduation timeline. Discuss your study abroad plan with your Programme Director or Course Selection Adviser, and contact your Faculty Office if you have questions.
  • Watch out for FY courses: Check in advance whether your programme has any compulsory full-year (FY) courses in Year 2, 3, or 4. Look ahead to avoid timetable conflicts that may affect your exchange or internship plans.
  • Find out requirements for your desired major: Some majors and minors require a selection process for declaration. Consider a back-up plan in case you are not admitted to your preferred major.

Student Stories

Tsoi Yat Fei Jeffrey (BSocSc, Year 2)
Hello, I would like to share with you some of my experiences and insights from the past 2 years.

Please make friends! Friends will not only bring fun to your university life, but also facilitate and help you in the learning process.
There are many resources at university, but you will need to take initiative to find them yourself. At the same time, students need to adjust to a new learning and living environment. If you have friends from different backgrounds, they can provide you with a wide range of perspectives and information that may be just what you need in an effortless way. You can also share the information you have acquired so that you guys can help out each other.

Secondly, I would strongly advise you to step forward and ask your tutor or professor any questions you may have.
The difficulty I encountered in the first semester of my second year of study was that the course content became more difficult, giving me a hard time to understand the content. At first, I spent a lot of time trying to comprehend and find the answers on my own, but this was very unproductive and tiring. Then I plucked up the courage to ask my teacher and I quickly understood and got the answer.
You can ask your teacher questions in class or via email. I am sure that if you are polite, they will be happy to help you.

There is so much more to share about university life. If you have any questions about university life, I would like to recommend AASO, where I have had many of my questions clarified. I would like to wish you all a wonderful and fulfilling university life, where you can learn and grow.

Cheng Yu Tak Alexzander (BA, Year 2)
What I love the most about HKU is the flexibility and diverse choices it offers to student. As a BA student, I can study a second major in Biological Sciences which is completely irrelevant to my Arts major. This provides me with a wider range of career choices and knowledge from different spectrums. With such an aggressive (and somewhat unconventional) study plan, I have developed a versatile and inventive mindset to tackle courses requiring fundamentally different abilities.

Time management also becomes an indispensable skill. If I had a second chance, I would start earlier with my assignments, especially essays which require lots of preparation. Some Science courses don’t even have regular lectures and students are expected to watch the lecture videos on their own (during the Covid-19 online learning period). I would have performed much better had I not begun watching them only a week before my exam! I admit that I am still building self-discipline and beating procrastination.

Nevertheless, I am excited to go on exchange in Year 3 and enjoy university life in another country. I am also intent on pursuing research postgraduate studies and all the talks/seminars organized by the University have been extremely informative. I want to thank HKU and the AASO for offering me so much help and useful advice throughout my study. I will work hard to achieve my goals and continue to strive for excellence.

Year Three: EXPERIENCE

  • Want to adjust your study plan? Have you considered all factors?
  • Are you developing skills for future success alongside your studies?
  • Halfway through your degree – what areas would you like to strengthen?

1. Use Degree Audit to Stay on Track

Check that your completed and in-progress courses are meeting your degree and major/minor requirements. Use the “What-if” function to explore how changes in your major or minor may affect study progress. For further assistance, contact the ITS Service Desk external link icon.

2. Dedicate More Time to Challenging Courses

Advanced courses require greater effort. Always come prepared for lectures and tutorials, actively seek clarification when needed, and discuss assignment ideas with your professors and tutors. Make use of AASO’s study skills resources external link icon to enhance your academic skills.

3. Go on Exchange

Remember to apply for a leave of absence and credit transfer approval to your Faculty before you go. You can find exchange buddies through the Academic Advising Forum at Moodle external link icon!

4. Explore Postgraduate Studies and Career Options

Not sure what comes next? Talk to your teachers, academic and careers consultants, fellow postgraduate students, or alumni — they are your best sources of advice!

5. Strengthen Out-of-Classroom Experiences

Make the most of your last summer before graduation by gaining valuable experience and skills through internships, short-term abroad programmes external link icon, service learning projects, and more.

Tips

  • Check the combination of introductory and advanced courses: Some degree programmes have specific requirements on the number of introductory and advanced courses to be completed. Make sure you check and meet the requirements!
  • Get academic references: Reference letters from professors are a standard requirement for postgraduate applications. Interact with your professors so they get to know you more — the earlier, the better!
  • Use the GPA Calculator: Wondering how your grades, GPA, and class of honours are calculated? Find out through the GPA Calculator external link icon and plan your studies accordingly!

Student Stories

Li Jiawei (BSocSc, Year 3)
Looking back at my three years of study, I have joyfully overcome challenges and indeed, it was interesting. The most valuable takeaway from my past study journey, or in other words, the advice I would like to give to Year 1 and Year 2 students, is that “don’t push yourself so hard at the beginning.” Since I was afraid of being lagged and underestimated the workload, I chose many advanced courses in Year 1 and Year 2. Most of the time, I found myself taking six courses per semester with four or five major courses and one or two common courses. This made me struggle with balancing each course and challenged my multi-tasking abilities. Therefore, it is advisable not to be so rushed at the beginning. Slowly you would get to know what you want to learn, manage to evaluate the course workload in view of your academic ability, get prior knowledge for advanced courses and schedule courses evenly throughout each academic year.

In addition, I have planned to study abroad since Year 1, as being involved in a diverse learning environment is one of my major goals in university life. I regularly checked emails regarding study abroad plans and made sure not to miss any deadlines. Keeping GPA above a certain level is also essential. As a Year 3 student standing in the second half of my academic journey, I am grateful for everything I have learned in my earlier years at HKU and looking forward to fulfilling my academic goals during the rest of the journey.

Long Feifei (BSc, Year 3)
I am experiencing the most significant change of all during my third year of university study.

I was taking two core courses of my major, which included lots of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the laboratory; meanwhile, I was preparing for exchange in the second semester: applying for a visa, preparing to move, learning a new language… When I was trying my best to get everything on track, I received a call from my family that a loved one was critically ill – at that time, I had not been home for almost two years because of the long-time quarantine policy under the pandemic.

It was hard for me to decide suspending or continue studying in this semester. On the night of making the decision, I bought the air ticket to go back home, listed different options for my academic road (what if I try to get back to attend final exams? what if I defer graduation and take a gap semester for professional improvement? or what if I give up the exchange program?) I booked a consultation with AASO Adviser to check on the university regulation and whether I could get any support for my different assumptions/ options.

That night, I realized that being a Year 3 student also means that after a two-year “internship” of being an adult, what we should face and take responsibility is not only the academic tasks and career exploration but also the life circumstances and the responsibility of taking care of your family. You will always learn and try to balance all aspects. And the most important quality in effective problem solving is to be emotionally stable and always have a plan B.

Year Four: EXCEL

  • Final year can be demanding. How do you maintain your well-being?
  • Are you making well-informed decisions about further studies or employment?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?

1. Final Chance to Change Major/ Minor Options

The Add/Drop period of the first semester is your final opportunity to declare or change your major or minor. No further changes will be accepted thereafter.

2. Check the Degree Audit Again

Run the Degree Audit to ensure you are on track to fulfil all programme requirements. For any concerns or questions, reach out to your Faculty Office promptly.

3. Work on Your Capstone Course

The Capstone course is a compulsory component of all HKU majors. It can take various forms, including a Final Year Project (FYP), internship, essay, and more. Consult your supervisor, instructor, or groupmates to clarify expectations and get started.

4i. Finalise Your Postgraduate Studies Application

Finalise your research proposal and application documents early to stay ahead of the application deadlines. Interested in continuing your studies at HKU? Check out the Graduate School external link icon for research degrees or this website external link icon for taught postgraduate programmes.

4ii. Apply for Jobs and Attend Interviews

Take advantage of the career support services available to you. CEDARS external link icon offers a wide range of services, including one-on-one career advising sessions, to help you prepare for employment.

5. Graduate and Stay Connected with HKU

Congratulations on completing your journey at HKU! As a member of the HKU alumni community, you may enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits. Visit the Development and Alumni Affairs Office (DAAO) external link icon to find out ways to stay connected with HKU.

Tips

  • Plan Your Time Wisely: Final year can be overwhelming with capstone projects, job applications, and graduation preparations. Create a personal timeline or checklist to keep track of important deadlines. Stay organised and avoid last-minute stress!
  • Make Good Use of Career Resources external link icon : Besides PIQ, CEDARS provides practical career resources to support your transition to the workplace.
  • Apply for Exit Documents: You can apply for various official documents to facilitate your postgraduate study or employment applications. Visit the Academic Services Office external link icon for more details.

Student Stories

Gan Ruyi (BBA(IS), Year 4)
Being a final year is the last year for me to take up the role as a student at university where studying is no longer the most important thing. Different people have different priorities: Some are busy with the Autumn intake recruitment, while others plan to continue their postgraduate studies. To be honest, I consider the final year as the most stressful period during my university journey, because I’m always hesitant between various options and paths, and doubt whether I’m making the right choice.

At first, I insisted on only pursuing one specific goal (e.g., being recruited by the top-ranked company) and took it for granted that I would succeed based on my previous experience and achievements. However, after several unexpected failures, I generally realized that in order to come up with the well-informed decision, I should be exploring different opportunities and finding out the most suitable one. For example, I dreamed about entering the financial industry just like what our famous alumni did during my early years in the university. However, after some coincidental consulting experience, I began to consider whether I have been chasing an unmatched goal. Until now, I’m still not sure about my final interest, but I am willing to be open and explore more.

Therefore, the sincerest advice I would like to give to my fellow students, is to take advantage of the rich resources of the University and its extremely flexible academic policy, to explore as much as you could during these four years. Be it about your studies, work or life. Don’t think that it’s a waste of time. It may be the most valuable four years in your life in search of your ultimate goal.

Ho Mun Kay (BBiomedSc, Year 4)
As a current final year student, I am grateful for all the resources made available to me as an undergraduate student in HKU. I believe the guidance and opportunities I was given at HKU has made my experience rich and colorful.

In Year 3, I was lucky enough to conduct a semester long exchange in Singapore at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It has been a challenging journey to study and develop myself in a completely foreign learning environment but I am thankful to have had the opportunity to do so. With the support of the School of Biomedical Sciences, I was also able to complete my internship abroad with a lot of advance planning. All this would not have been possible without the guidance and assistance from AASO Advisers and HKUMed Wellness Counsellors.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take it easy and always remember to plan for the future but live in the present. Give everything you do your very best, then let it run its course. University is the best platform to discover your passions, so when you find something that matches your interest, give it a go!