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Year 1: Explore
π How well are you adjusting to university learning?
π What are your goals? Have you got plans to achieve them?
π How do you prioritise your tasks?
π How do you manage your time?
Attend Orientations
Make sure you attend the orientation sessions organised by your Faculty, School, and Department β check your inbox or find the detail here.
Meet Your Advisers
Your Faculty Academic Adviser (FAA) is here to support you throughout your time at HKU.
Check who your FAA is here. 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 to find out more.
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 for your cohort.
Pay attention to language, Common Core, pre-requisite and other non-credit-bearing requirements.
Get Familiar with Learning Resources at HKU
Beyond your coursework, HKU offers a variety of resources to help you succeed:
π§ Need help with English?
The CAES provides Communication Support Services.
π§ Want to strengthen your Chinese?
The CLEP Chinese Help Desk is there for you.
π§ Interested in picking up another language?
The SMLC offers credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing European and Asian language courses.
π§ Preparing for exams?
The HKU Librariesβ examination database provides access to HKU past exam papers.
Devise Your Academic and Study Abroad Plan
Use AASOβs e-Planner 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.
Explore Different Study Pathways
π 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.
π 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 for the available choices. Read βHow to Select My Major and Minorβ to get started. To explore a subject further, try taking one or two courses, or request a meeting with a TAA who teaches in that field. Make sure you attend AASO's Major and Minor event in January for more insights!
π Consider Relevant Factors in Major Selection
CEDARSβs career consultants offer guidance on how different majors align with potential career paths. Make an appointment for more in-depth discussions.
Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships are not just a source of financial support β 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 for more details.
Tips
π‘ 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 to ensure a smooth process!
π‘ 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 and how to avoid it.
π‘ Make your own study plan
Donβt 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.
Year 2: Engage
π What study strategies work best for you, and which ones do not?
π Are you focusing on learning for understanding, or on achieving high grades?
π Are you taking opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and explore new possibilities?
Declare Your First Major
Pay attention to the deadline for declaring your first major set by your Faculty Office. Read the Quick Reference Guide for more information.
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
if needed.
Use βWhat-ifβ when Considering a Second Major / Minor(s)
Thinking about a second major or minor(s)? Check the available options, then use the "What-if" function in Degree Audit to see how different combinations fit with your credits.
Review Your Academic Performance
Discuss effective study approaches with your FAA, AASO advisers or senior students. Check out the tips for the right start and exam strategies!
Plan for Study Abroad
Get a head start by attending IAO's Study Abroad Fairs and briefing sessions. Visit the IAOβs website for key dates, and read our 3-minute tips on study abroad for a quick overview.
Enrich Your University Life
Join the HKU Mentorship Programme 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.
π 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 β such as your time management skills, self-discipline, and ability to balance studies with extracurricular involvement.
π 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.
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.
Look for Experiential Learning Opportunities in Hong Kong and Beyond
Take your learning beyond the classroom.
π Through CEDARS, you can participate in co-curricular activities or join the credit-bearing Lead for Life programme.
π HKU Horizons offers mainland and international learning experiences, while the Wong How Man Centre for Exploration takes you on overseas expeditions.
π If you are ready for a longer commitment, the Co-op Programme offers credit-bearing six-month internship placements.
π You can also earn credits with other out-of-classroom activities through the Credit Award Scheme for Out-of-classroom Learning Experiences.
Tips
π‘ 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.
π‘ 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.
π‘ 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.
