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Campus Activities and Facilities
Passports, Student Visas, Other Immigration and Customs Issues
Incoming/Outgoing Travel and Side Trips In and Out of Hong Kong
Social Environment and Culture of Hong Kong
Climate and General Environment
Q1. How are academic programmes organized? Are they similar to those in North American institutions?
Lingnan University provides various Bachelor's degree programmes of three-year duration. It also offers M. Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in a few disciplines. Its academic year comprises two terms of fourteen weeks each. The Fall Term starts in September and the Spring Term in mid-January.
The University utilizes a credit-unit system similar to those of North American universities/colleges. The number of credits assigned to a subject is indicative of the contact time with a teacher and/or the study time associated with that subject on a weekly basis over a period of one term. In general, a single credit represents attendance once a week throughout the term at a lecture lasting 50 minutes. Full-time students are those registering for a minimum of 12 credits per term. A student should normally carry a study load of not more than 18 credits per term.
Q2. How do the different levels of subjects at Lingnan relate to the North American university/college systems?
The education system in Hong Kong comprises six years at primary school, five years at secondary school and two years of matriculation. The second year of the matriculation course is equivalent to the first year studies in the North American universities/colleges. Therefore the first year of the three-year undergraduate degree programmes at Lingnan is equivalent to the second year studies of North American universities/colleges.
Lingnan University has adopted a credit-unit system whereby students must fulfill the credit and grade point average requirements for graduation as well as subject requirements and attendance requirements.
Q3. What is the range of subject choice available to me?
Lingnan University offers undergraduate programmes leading to the award of Bachelor's degrees in Arts, Business Administration and Social Sciences.
In general, exchange students are allowed to take any courses from the course list, provided they do not foresee any problem in the medium of teaching and clear the prerequisites.
Q4. Are there any academic areas from which I will be excluded?
Yes and no. Basically, the courses designed by the Department of Chinese and the Department of Translation may not suit students who have not received their primary and secondary education with Chinese as a medium of teaching. All other courses are free for your choice, subject of course to prerequisite requirements, if any, and appropriate medium of teaching.
Q5. Are prerequisites applied to exchange students?
Generally, prerequisites are not rigidly applied, but the backgrounds of exchange students are examined to determine suitability for the requested courses.
Q6. Are there any subjects specifically designed for exchange students?
For the time being, other than two Mandarin classes (one offered at the elementary level and another at the intermediate level), Lingnan University does not specially design courses for exchange students. Exchange students are encouraged to fully integrate with the local students in taking their courses, provided there is no problem in the medium of teaching.
Q7. How are subjects qualified for credit transfer back to my home institution?
Exchange students should check carefully with their home institutions about credit transfer of courses.
Q8. What is housing provision for exchange students?
Lingnan University has student hostels to house 1,500 students in rooms of two students each. All rooms have two LAN points for occupants to link their PCs to the university network which also accesses the Internet. All exchange students will be assigned a hostel place.
Q9. Is the housing segregated according to gender or is it co-educational?
Generally speaking, in each of the hostel blocks, female students' rooms are on the upper floors while male students' rooms are on the lower floor. However, male and female students may sometimes be mixed on the same floor but separated into different wings. Except for room assignments, there is no housing segregation. There are double rooms only in the hostels. The room assignment will be that an exchange student will not share a room with another exchange student.
Q10. What is the arrangement for meals on campus, including their cost?
There is one canteen and one full-service Chinese restaurant on campus. The cost per meal is about US$2 upward at the student canteen and about US$5 upward at the Chinese restaurant.
Q11. Does the voltage of the electricity supply in Hong Kong suit the electric appliances (with voltage of 110-120, 60 cycles) from the US?
The electric voltage in Hong Kong is 220-240v, 50 cycles. If you bring with you electric appliances, make sure they are 220-240v adaptable. However, it is advisable for you to buy in Hong Kong hair dryers, and other small electric appliances which have switchable voltage.
Q12. What is the estimate of monthly expenses for my stay in Hong Kong?
It depends on the eating style, shopping habits and entertainment requirements of an individual. On top of hostel fees at US$105 per month (you already paid the tuition fee at your home institution), the following level of monthly general expenses is for your reference:
| Meals | US$300-400 |
| Entertainment | US$ 50-100 |
| Transportation (local) | US$ 100-150 |
| Miscellaneous | US$50-100 |
| TOTAL | US$500-750 |
There are fewer expenses on purchase of books, because textbooks are generally not required in many classes. You are normally assigned readings from books borrowed from the library. There are no laboratory fees. However, you can allow an estimate of US$100-150 for books.
Q13. How much cash should I bring with me? Should I bring this in traveller's checks or personal checks? What about the use of credit cards?
It is easy to cash traveller's checks in Hong Kong. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and travel agencies in Hong Kong. (It is advisable to notify your credit card issuing bank that you will be in Hong Kong.) The Hong Kong dollar is the currency unit here. You may bring in enough cash for your initial personal and miscellaneous expenses. The exchange rate is approximately US$1 to HK$7.8. There is a mini bank on campus, at which you may open an account for easy management of your finances in Hong Kong.
Q14. What is the arrangement for insurance coverage against accidents for exchange students?
A group personal accident insurance policy covers all full-time students including exchange students against death and permanent disablement arising from accidents while participating in academic or extra-curricular activities arranged by the University and/or student organizations.
Q15. Should I arrange for medical insurance from my home institution and/or my insurance agent?
Exchange students should first check with their home institutions and/or insurance agents about medical insurance coverage. If the home insurance policy covers you for your overseas study, you should retain it. If that is not the case, please negotiate for coverage of your overseas study in Hong Kong before coming.
Please be reminded that Lingnan University insurance coverage does not apply to personal travel in and outside Hong Kong unless it is an official university activity. You should acquire adequate coverage when you plan a personal trip outside Hong Kong. Please check with the local travel agency for insurance coverage.
Q16. Are there any possibilities for sports participation in Lingnan University?
Yes, exchange students are encouraged to participate in sports activities. These include squash, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and others. The Student Services Centre is responsible for arranging these sports activities.
Q17. What kinds of student organizations and activities exist on campus?
The Student Services Centre organizes a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular programmes for students in order to enrich their educational experience. In addition, a wide variety of activities are arranged by a number of student organizations and interests groups. Membership of these organizations/groups is open to all students.
Q18. When should I obtain a passport?
You need to provide your passport number and photocopy of you passport in order to apply for a visa. You should obtain a passport as soon as possible, if you do not have one. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in Hong Kong.
Q19. How do I apply for a student visa?
Overseas students must obtain a student visa in order to study in Hong Kong. The Immigration Department issues a student visa to any applicant who pursues a full-time programme at a university. Students should not enter Hong Kong with a tourist visa and then apply for conversion to a student visa. The Immigration Department may not approve such cases.
Lingnan University can assist by sending you the application form through your home institution. The completed forms with accompanying passport-sized photos should be forwarded to Lingnan University for onward delivery to the Immigration Department for processing. This is fast and foolproof, and is therefore strongly recommended.
Q20. During my study period can I leave Hong Kong and still return without re-applying for a new student visa?
Except for some countries, overseas students normally do not require a re-entry visa to resume studies in Hong Kong provided that they return to Hong Kong within the limit of stay imposed with the student visa and that there is no change in circumstances since the last departure. In any case, you should first check with the Immigration Department before you leave Hong Kong.
Q21. Is there any other issue regarding my study period in Lingnan University that may necessitate my meeting the Hong Kong SAR Government regulations/requirements?
Permission given to you for education in Hong Kong is subject to the condition that you shall only study in the university as approved. You cannot take up employment or engage in any business or undertake any work internships (unless the internship is required as an integrated part of your academic study at the university).
Anyone who intends to stay in Hong Kong for a period exceeding 180 days (six months) must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) from the Immigration Department within 30 days of arrival.
Hong Kong law requires that official personal identification be carried at all times. Persons who fail to comply with this requirement risk being fined by the law court if caught. The Hong Kong ID Card is a convenient means of complying with this law. While in Hong Kong, either while visiting or prior to obtaining a temporary identification card, foreign nationals should carry their passports at all times.
Q22. What are the arrival and departure dates for exchange students?
You should plan to arrive about the middle of August for the Fall term and the middle of January for the Spring Term, prior to the start of classes, so that you can participate in all orientation programmes, complete all the necessary registration matters, and familiarize yourself with the new environment. Please check with the Office of International Programmes about the REQUIRED arrival date before purchasing the airline tickets.
Before departure, students must complete all programme requirements, examinations, assignments and leaving procedures.
Q23. Will there be any opportunities for travel in the Chinese Mainland during the course of my studies in Lingnan University?
Yes, there may be such opportunities arranged by some programmes or student organizations. Overseas students who are planning to travel to the Chinese Mainland are required to obtain a tourist visa, which can be obtained in Hong Kong. Further information can be obtained from the local offices of the Hong Kong China Travel Service or other travel agencies.
Q24. What is the nature of the general population of Hong Kong? And of Lingnan University?
Hong Kong is a meeting point of the East and West and a city of great diversity. Over 90% of its population are ethnically Chinese, while there is also a lively expatriate community. Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong. English is frequently used in government and business dealings. Cantonese is the dialect mostly used for daily conversation. With Hong Kong's close relationship with the Chinese Mainland, the use of Mandarin (Putonghua) is on the rise.
Q25. Will there be any opportunities for first-hand cultural experience while I am in Hong Kong?
Yes, Hong Kong is culturally an Asian city with deep roots in the Chinese traditions. You may experience first-hand cultural experiences during major festivals such as the Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn or Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival. There are a variety of cultural shows, visits to museums and historic sites.
Q26. Are there any restrictions on religion or free speech in Hong Kong?
The laws of Hong Kong protect freedom of speech and religious freedom.
Q27. How should I anticipate the weather in Hong Kong in choosing my wardrobe?
The climate of Hong Kong is sub-tropical. May to September is hot and humid with occasional heavy rainfall. Sometimes Hong Kong is hit by a tropical typhoon. From October to November, the temperature drops and the weather becomes less humid. December to March can be very cool with the average temperature ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Winter clothing is needed. March to May is unpredictable with temperature ranging from cool to pleasant.
Q28. What are the predominant features of the Hong Kong terrain?
Hong Kong is located in a mountainous coastal region of South China. It is divided into four major areas: the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories and outlying islands. Although certain urban areas within Hong Kong are among the most densely populated in the world, about 40% of the land in Hong Kong is protected and reserved as country parks.
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