Induction Programmes
At the start of every academic year, Faculties, Departments and other University Offices (e.g. the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), Information Technology Services (ITS), the HKU Libraries etc.) organise induction activities for new HKU students. The Induction Programme series of CEDARS, the Inauguration Ceremony, Lead for Life Taster Sessions and Weeks of Welcome (WoW) are just some of the exciting examples on offer. All these activities are designed to help you integrate with the rest of the University and to cultivate your sense of identity as a member of HKU.
Student Body Registration & Hall Information Day
The Student Body Registration & Hall Information Day will be held from 12 to 13 August 2023, depending on your curriculum of study. The Information Day comprises three parts, i) visits to Faculty and Academic Societies; ii) visits to student clubs promoting different cultural, sports and other areas of interests and iii) visits to student booths of residential and non-residential halls and join hall visits.
- 12 Aug - 13 Aug 2023
- HKU Campus
- https://www.studentbodyregistration.hku.hk/
University Registration and Induction Programme 2023-2024
The University Registration and Induction Programme for New Students will be held from 15 to 19 August 2023, depending on your curriculum of study. The Programme comprises three parts, namely Online Talk on Course Selection with Q&A, Faculty Induction Talk and Programme Induction Talk (if any) and CEDARS Non-Academic Induction Talk.
- 15 Aug - 19 Aug 2023
- HKU Campus and/or online platform
- https://www.cedars.hku.hk/registration-and-induction/
Explore Your Campus: HKU Treasure Hunt for Freshers
You are challenged to explore the campus! Complete this treasure hunt for a chance to win $100 worth of campus vouchers!
- 15 Aug - 31 Oct 2023
- HKU Campus
- https://firstyear.hku.hk/treasure-hunt/
HKU Notebook Ownership Programme 2023
HKU Notebook Ownership Programme 2023 offers a wide range of notebook computers and tablets at discounted prices to all HKU students, staff and alumni.
- 16 Aug - 19 Aug 2023
- Loke Yew Hall
- https://firstyear.hku.hk/nop/
CEDARS Non-Academic Induction Talks
Students will be introduced to a wide range of non-academic support and resources to prepare for the new learning journey at HKU. The face-to-face session on 18 Aug will offer an opportunity for you to meet new friends from ten faculties in the student networking and “speed friending” activities. Attendees of the face-to-face session will also receive exclusive CEDARS souvenirs!
For enrolment, please visit the website below and select “programme schedule for individual curriculum”.
- 18 Aug 2023 (4 – 5:30pm) & 19 Aug 2023 (6 - 7pm)
- Lecture Hall II or online platform
- https://www.cedars.hku.hk/registration-and-induction/
Towards Flourishing: Lead for Life Taster Sessions
Want a flourishing life? Start your journey at “Lead for Life”. How? Join the Lead for Life Taster Sessions on 22 and 29 August 2024 to experience an extraordinary learning programme – for first-year undergraduates only! Lead for Life is a distinctive HKU character leadership certificate programme. It is a community where you can make friends from all faculties, connect with industry and corporate mentors, grow in character to be your best selves, and learn to lead for building flourishing communities together. We welcome everyone. Whatever your background, whether you are introvert or extrovert, have perceived abilities or disabilities, or require special needs, Lead for Life inspires you to realise your full potential. Get start to run into this impressive transformational journey now. Come join the taster sessions to get a glimpse of how Lead for Life can lead you towards a flourishing and meaningful life. Enjoy the days at HKU and SIGN UP today!
- 22 Aug (time TBC) & 29 Aug 2024 (time TBC)
- Lecture Hall II
- https://leadforlife.hku.hk/
Orientation Day for Non-local Students and Student Club Fair
This is an orientation session designed for the newly arrived non-local students. Topics include adjustment issues, support services and resources provided by CEDARS, life in Hong Kong and HKU and many more. Apart from introducing you to Hong Kong, the University and our campus, you will also get to know other newly arrived non-local students on the occasion. The Student Club Fair will be hosted afterwards to introduce the new students to various student clubs. You can meet student representatives from different student societies and register on the spot as members of these societies.
- 25 Aug 2023 9:30am - 4:30pm
- HKU Campus
- https://cedars.hku.hk/wow/
WoW Party
Get paired with a friendly and like-minded peer to navigate the ins and outs of university life. New non-local undergraduate students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow students from around the world while enjoying refreshments and alumni sharing.
- 30 Aug 2024 6 - 8.00pm
- HKU Campus
- https://wp2.cedars.hku.hk/wow-party/
Inauguration Ceremony for New Students
The Inauguration Ceremony for New Students, organised by CEDARS, is the University’s formal welcome to all first-year students at which they will meet the principal officers and senior academics of the University. The Ceremony also consists of a Robing Ceremony which signifies the official induction of the new students to the University family. All new students are expected to attend.
- 30 Aug 2023 10 - 11am
- Grand Hall
- https://www.cedars.hku.hk/InaugurationCeremony/
Financing Your University Studies
You’ll find guidance on managing your finances, information on searching for internships and part-time jobs, details about government and university financial aid programs, the First-in-the-Family Education Fund, and other helpful resources.
- 28 Aug 2024 2:30 - 5pm
- MWT1, Meng Wah Complex
- http://cedars.hku.hk/campuslife/talkonfinance/
Weeks of Welcome (WoW) for New Non-local Students
The Weeks of Welcome (WoW) is comprised of a series of fun and fact-finding activities to assist the new non-local students to settle down, induct into the local way and get to know about the new environment and people. We have prepared a series of pre-arrival Zoom sessions and local tours to help prepare your arrival to HKU and explore HK. Local students will serve as student hosts to lead WoW tours and introduce local culture and HKU to new students.
- Pre-arrival Zoom Sessions: 1 and 2 Aug 2024
- WoW Tours: 20 Aug - 8 Sep 2024 & one week before the 2nd semester
- Various locations or online platform
- https://cedars.hku.hk/wow/
ITS Orientations for New Staff and Students
To provide new students with useful information on the wide range of services offered by ITS, seminars including an introductory session will be conducted.
- Aug/Sep 2024
- HKU Main Campus or online platform
- https://its.hku.hk/events/
- ithelp@hku.hk
First-Year Experience at HKU Libraries
Discover, Learn and Thrive with HKU Libraries!
Join the engaging activities and valuable courses designed to introduce new students to the exceptional library services and facilities that will support and enhance your studies. Cultivate information literacy, digital literacy and AI literacy by learning with libraries’ resources.
Make the most of your First-Year Experience (FYE) at the Libraries!
- Sep 2023
- HKU Libraries or online platform
- https://lib-instruction-events.hku.hk/fye_hkul/
- Email-a-Librarian (To: Library Training)
GE Enrolment Day
GE Team provides non-credit bearing general education programmes to all HKU students covering a broad range of lectures, workshops, outings, as well as student-curated activities. Join our Enrolment Day to explore more and register for our programmes and meet new friends!
- Early Sep 2024
- GE Gatherland (MB240, 2/F, Main Building)
- https://cedars.hku.hk/ge
- gened@hku.hk
CEDARS Global Career Springboard Scheme (CGCSS)
By offering International Internships, Career Exploration Programmes and career-focused Intercultural Leadership Programmes, CEDARS Global Career Springboard Scheme (CGCSS) enriches your global exposure and international career learning experience. The programmes typically range from 2 to 8 weeks or more, scheduled during semester breaks in various locations.
Programme details will be announced on CGCSS website and through “Daily Jobs & Career Events” emails from CEDARS.
- 1st Semester
- HKU Main Campus or online platform
- http://cedars.hku.hk/careerspringboard/
- careerspringboard@cedars.hku.hk
Career and Job Fairs
Large and small-scale career fairs with different themes are organised for you to get a glimpse of the world of work. You may interact with the insiders of your desired industries and companies, and apply for internships and graduate jobs on site. Types of fairs include annual Career Fair, Startup Job Fair and other industry and theme-based career events.
Event details will be announced in “Daily Jobs & Career Events” emails from CEDARS.
- HKU Main Campus or online platform
- careers@hku.hk
Career Engine Builder (CEB)
Career Engine Builder offers ongoing support to students of all levels and years of study in their career preparation. Through professional seminars, you will learn fundamental career planning tools and critical job application techniques. The comprehensive approach of CEB ensures a successful transition into the workplace by helping you explore your interests, build your career goals, and enhance your employability skills.
- HKU Main Campus or online platform
- https://cedars.hku.hk/ceb/
Person Enrichment (PE) Programmes
Enrichment workshops are offered to help you navigate the multifaceted challenges of university life and promote holistic development. These workshops, led by experienced trainers and psychological professionals, cover a range of topics aimed at helping you develop core generic skills to support your mental well-being, thrive in your personal life, and excel in your studies. Key topics include:
- Developing self-awareness and personal growth
- Improving time management and productivity
- Building resilience and managing stress
- Enhancing social connection and well-being
- Improving communication and interpersonal skills
The CoPE Ding Ding Student-oriented Outpost offers fun and enjoyable handicraft workshops, ideal for students seeking new friendships and a short break from their studies. Spark your creativity and become part of a community of like-minded students! You can also collaborate with CEDARS-CoPE as student artists to showcase your talents and enhance your ability to plan and lead your own workshops.
Peer Support Programmes
- Peer Impact Network (PIN) – A flagship programme that promotes peer support and facilitates university adjustment through three major areas: Cultural Integration, Mental Health, and SEN Awareness.
Contribute as Peer Supporters to build supportive networks and foster an inclusive community at HKU and beyond.
Join as Seed Members to connect with students from across disciplines and gain insights and support from your peers.
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – Gain basic knowledge and skills to support your peers with mental health issues before professional help is available.
- HKU Main Campus or online platform
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): https://www.cedars.hku.hk/cope/peer/mhfa
- Peer Impact Network (PIN): https://cope-pin.cedars.hku.hk/
- cedars-cope@hku.hk
Happy Thursday – Tea from Around the World
This cultural exchange programme has been curated since 2017, and student hosts from different places have shared the tea and snacks of their hometowns. You can know more about your HKU international peers and their home countries’ cultures and traditions with tea! Or be one of our student hosts!
- GE Gatherland
- https://cedars.hku.hk/ge/
- gened@hku.hk
Music Salon & Performance
Music Salon is a hub for all of our music lovers. Each semester, three sessions of Music Salon with different themes would be curated to welcome students with various musical tastes and interests. What’s more, lunch time concerts and busking around campus will also be organised!
- GE Gatherland / HKU Campus
- https://cedars.hku.hk/GE-FACE/
- gened@hku.hk
HKU Holistic Urban Farming – Herb Garden Monthly Meet-up
Holistic Urban Farming offers students opportunities and inspiration to engage in organic farming, horticultural practices, and interdisciplinary studies. The ‘Herb Garden Monthly Meet-up’ provides participant a chance to harvest fresh herbs while learning more about them through a guided tour. Participants will also receive free herbs, seeds, and cuttings to try planting at home.
- Rooftop Farm & Herb Garden on HKU Campus
- https://cedars.hku.hk/ge/
- gened@hku.hk
F:A:C:E: Choice & Sharing
(F:A:C:E = Fascinating Arts and Cultural Experiences)
Let’s enrich campus life and learning with more intimate, interactive, vivid and face-to-face encounters of arts and culture. There are various salons and workshops that you are guaranteed the most enjoyable learning experience. Here you can find like-minded souls to discover this enchanting world together.
- GE Gatherland & Various locations
- https://cedars.hku.hk/ge/
- gened@hku.hk
GLOCAL Connect
GLOCAL Connect is a programme that promotes internationalisation and integration of local and non-local students through friendship-building, cultural exchange, and exploration of local cultures. The programme’s four components include GLOCAL Connectors, Greater Bay Area Discovery Tours, ConnectHK activities, and a Student Advisory Group. Through interactive, experiential, and inclusive approaches, the programme fosters mutual learning and ongoing interactions between local and non-local students, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Various locations or online platform
- TBC
- nonlocal@hku.hk
CEDARS Peer Connect & High Table
CEDARS Peer Connect and High Table, a flagship programme for first-year undergraduate students entering HKU, puts new students from different faculties and countries of origin into small groups. It comprises four non-academic induction activities, namely Goal Setting, Inspirational Activities, High Table, and IG Challenge on Adjusting to HKU Life.
Upon completion of CEDARS Peer Connect and High Table, you can redeem your own Green Gown, one of the most wanted HKU collectables that is available nowhere else!
- 24 Aug - 29 Aug 2024
- HKU Main Campus and various locations
- TBC
- induction@cedars.hku.hk
Faculty Academic Adviser Sign-up
Every HKU undergraduate student will be supported by a Faculty Academic Adviser (FAA) throughout your study journey at HKU. The FAA is an academic staff from your Faculty and will provide advice and guidance on your academic-related issues.
Students from the Faculties of
Architecture
Arts
Business and Economics
Engineering
Law
Medicine (only for Bachelor of Nursing Programme)
Science
Social Sciences
You are requested to sign up for your FAA from 2 pm, 12 August , (Monday) to 10 am, 20 August , 2024 (Tuesday) through master registration or at https://ugaa.hku.hk/signup-faa.php (HKU Portal login required), on a first-come-first-served basis. If you do not sign up by 20 August , 2024, the System will randomly assign one to you.
Students from the Faculties of Dentistry, Education, and Medicine (except Bachelor of Nursing Programme)
Your Faculty Academic Adviser (FAA) will be assigned to you by your Faculty. You will receive notification from your Faculty in due course.
- 12 Aug 2pm - 20 Aug 2024 10am
Career Advising & Coaching
Featuring a team of experienced Career Consultants and Professional Coaches from diverse backgrounds, such as Senior HR, Recruitment, Finance, Banking, Accounting & Audit, Technology, Engineering, Education, Consulting, MNC, NGO, and Start-up sectors, this service provides personalised guidance on job market information, job search strategies, application writing reviews, and interview preparation.
- HKU online platform (Booking is required)
- https://www.cedars.hku.hk/careers/one-on-one-career-advising-service
Global News Chat
Global News Chat invites students from various backgrounds to share their personal views and insights on the issues they care about.