Term Time Exchange
During Your Exchange
Directions to CUHK
Taxi
It takes about 45 minutes from the airport to the CUHK campus, and costs about HK$300. Most Hong Kong taxi drivers understand some English; otherwise show them the following text: 香港中文大學
Bus + Taxi/MTR
Take airport bus number A41, which runs from 06:00 to 24:00 at 20-minute intervals, from the airport to Sha Tin Station. Sha Tin bus terminus is not the final stop on the journey, so ask the driver when to get off or pay attention to announcements. The journey takes about 65–70 minutes, depending on traffic, and currently costs HK$22.3, which is payable when you board the bus in exact change.
You can then reach CUHK either by taxi, which will take about 15 minutes and cost about HK$50; or on the Mass Transit Railway, known as the MTR, although this is not recommended if you have bulky baggage. University Station is the second stop from Sha Tin heading north towards Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau. Trains run every 5 to 10 minutes from 06:00 to 24:00, and the journey takes about nine minutes and currently costs HK$4.5.
There are three exits at University Station: two lead to the CUHK campus and the other to the public bus terminus and taxi stand. Click here for the CUHK campus map.
The university shuttle bus stops are located between the two exits to CUHK. There are different shuttle bus routes stopping at various locations within the campus. Click here for the bus schedules.
CUHK is in the New Territories, away from the business districts of Hong Kong island and Kowloon. Reaching CUHK by taxi costs about HK$250 from Hong Kong’s central business district and about HK$180 from Kowloon.
Hotels Around CUHK
There are four hotels near CUHK. Click here for more information.
Register with Your Home Country’s Consulate
Register yourself with your home country’s consulate in Hong Kong, so that they know you are here and can assist you when needed. Click here for the list of consulates in Hong Kong.
Mailing Address
Orientation
OAL organises an extensive orientation programme for inbound exchange (excluding MBA exchange) and study abroad students before the start of each academic term. It covers academic studies, student life, cultural immersion, local integration and support services provided by the OAL. In addition, university services, course registration, academic counselling and welcoming events, etc. will also be introduced by various CUHK units. It creates the opportunity for new students to get connected with one another as well.
Buddy Programme
The buddy programme is designed to connect exchange and study-abroad students with CUHK students who have been on exchange.
Buddy Programme Application Form
Buddy Programme FAQs
Living in Hong Kong
Hospitalisation
There are government and private hospitals with 24-hour emergency and outpatient departments all over the city.
International students with a valid student visa count as Eligible Persons, meaning they enjoy heavy discounts on health services in Hong Kong Hospital Authority institutions and are exempt from surgical and hospital insurance. For example, they can stay in the general wards of Hong Kong public hospitals and receive medical treatment there for HK$120 per day plus an admission fee of HK$75.
To qualify as an Eligible Person, you should get a student visa before you come to Hong Kong, and validate your visa with a stamp from the Immigration officer when you enter Hong Kong. If your visa label is not attached to your passport or travel document or has not been stamped, you do not qualify as an Eligible Person and will not enjoy the benefits.
In case of serious emergencies, call 2735-3400, 2735-3355 or 999 for an ambulance. The nearest Accident and Emergency Department to CUHK is at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin, about 10 minutes’ drive away.
Insurance
You should arrange travel, accident and medical insurance at your own expense which covers emergency-evacuation and repatriation for the duration of your stay in Hong Kong and destinations you plan to visit. It should also cover other expenses associated with COVID-19 such as flight delay or cancelation charges. Before purchasing your insurance, check with your parents first if you are covered under their health insurance policy. Please make sure you will be able to access the insurance policy information during your study period at CUHK. This will enable the University to provide appropriate support in case of emergencies.
Culture Shock
It’s natural to experience a range of emotions while you are studying abroad. Adjusting to a new culture can be tough, but it is also a chance to understand more about yourself and learn about a new place.
The following video chronicles a group of Australian students on exchange at CUHK. It is a good starting point for students thinking about coming to CUHK on exchange who want to find out more about Hong Kong.
Keeping in Touch with us
To ensure your safety and well-being, we wish to stay in touch with you at all times. Although we may not see you regularly, we maintain communication with you through various means such as email, student mailboxes at i-Centre and social media. You are welcome to keep close contact with your student advisor at i-Centre.
CUHK is committed to embracing differences and developing mutual understanding and respect. In the past two months, Hong Kong has experienced social unrest and turbulence. We have provided below specific advice for you to better prepare yourselves for your new life in Hong Kong and at CUHK.
Stay Alert
You should acquaint yourselves with the general background of the disputes in society, from different sources and media, and critically examine the arguments on all sides. Always stay rational and critical when processing the information you come across. All students have the right to express their views in the designated areas on campus. If the posted content contravenes any ordinance or the principle of mutual respect or infringes on the privacy of others, a complaint may be lodged with the relevant offices (such as the Office of Academic Links or the Colleges), and the University will handle the complaint according to established procedures.
On our CUHK campus and in the public areas of Hong Kong, refrain from removing, destroying, or obscuring the contents of posted papers or posters.
Under all circumstances, remember to take note of the following:
- Avoid going to or staying in any high risk area
- Be vigilant on what goes on around you and stay highly alert at all times
- Stay calm should any disturbance or change of circumstances arise
- Leave the place at once should there be escalation of the level of disturbance
Students who plan to participate in any activity organized by any party or group should always consider their own safety first, and also comply with the laws and regulations of Hong Kong.
Supportive Measures Provided by CUHK
Emotional wellness support services have been enhanced to address the needs of students affected by changes in their environment or specific incidents. Same-day counselling services for emergency cases will be provided by the Wellness and Counselling Centre (WACC) of the Office of Student Affairs. Students can also use the 24-hour Emotional Support Hotline (852) 5400 2055 if needed.
The CUHK Security Office has also enhanced its service, including Control Room service and patrolling of campus public areas. For emergency, students can contact the CUHK Security Office for assistance.
If you need help, please contact the following units for assistance:
For counselling and emotional support | Wellness and Counselling Centre (WACC), Office of Student Affairs
Tel: (852) 3943 7208/ (852) 3943 3493 Email: wacc@cuhk.edu.hk Address: 2/F, Pommerenke Student Centre, CUHK 24-hour Emotional Support Hotline Tel: (852) 5400 2055 |
For medical services | University Health Service
Tel: (852) 3943 6439 |
For security and emergency on campus | CUHK Security Office
Tel: (852) 3943 7999 (24-hour) |
For general enquiries and assistance | Office of Academic Links – for incoming exchange students (Mondays to Fridays, 08:45 – 17:30)
Tel: (852) 3943 7597 Note: 24-hour emergency number will be emailed to students at the start of each academic term. Email: iasp@cuhk.edu.hk Address: i-Centre, 1/F, Yasumoto International Academic Park, CUHK CUHK Security Office Control Room (out of the above hours) Tel: (852) 3943 7999 |
For emergency outside campus | Hong Kong Police Force
Tel: 999 Fire Services Communication Centre (Emergency Ambulance Service) Tel: (852) 2735 3355 |
Clearance
You are required to complete the clearance procedures before finishing your study at CUHK and leaving Hong Kong.