Hong Kong - My Dream Come True Land!
Thi Ha Bui | Vietnam | Graduate 2025 | International Banking & Finance (IBF)
Commuting for Opportunity, Thriving in the City
Five years ago, I never imagined I'd be in Hong Kong, pursuing Master's in Finance and Banking at Lingnan University. Even more surprising? I’ve fallen head over heels in love with this vibrant city! For me, Hong Kong truly is a dream-come-true land, full of unexpected opportunities, delicious foods, and life-changing moments.
It all started when I got the amazing news: a fully funded scholarship for the MIBF programme! My journey kicked off in August 2024. I chose to live in the heart of the action – Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island, even though it's about 25 km from Lingnan and takes me long time to commute every day!
The long commute is tough, but it's so worth doing. Living in Central/Wan Chai lets me feel the real Hong Kong rhythm – the energy, the neon lights, the endless possibilities. There are more job opportunities, events to join, friends to make, and it's super easy to explore the city's beauty on weekends.
Juggling studies, part time work and extracurricular activities
My second dream came true right in Wan Chai again– the place is packed with amazing bakeries! I couldn't resist the smell of fresh pastries every day, so I decided to work part-time in one just 2 minutes from my home. I got the job and now I get to learn how to make all those sweet treats while enjoying them too.
In the meantime, my life got super busy – studying, commuting, working at the bakery – but I wanted to make the most of my student time. So, I joined a Future Banking Bridging Programme organized by the Hong Kong Institute of Banking and also became active in a student club on campus. These were fantastic ways to make new friends, especially the competition where I met students from different universities across Hong Kong.
Be active, not only with new Hobbies!
One thing I absolutely love about Lingnan University is the amazing sports facilities! After a long day of classes, I can hop into badminton, hit the gym, or even try something new like fencing. I took my very first fencing class here – another dream ticked off the list! It was so fun and exhilarating.
If you're thinking about getting a job in Hong Kong, here’s my advice: Try to do an internship if you can! It's super common here for students to delay graduation to gain that experience, and it really boosts your job chances later. Applications for internships, summer programmes, and graduate roles start early (around August-October), so prepare ahead!
And don't forget to enjoy the food – Hong Kong's dim sum, milk tea, and endless street eats are life-changing!
Memories for the lifetime!
Hong Kong has given me so many unforgettable experiences, from chasing dreams to building a global friend group. Just study hard, play hard, be active, and reach out to professors, alumni, and friends for advice. I hope you come to Lingnan and discover your own dream-come-true moments here too!
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Last updated: September 2, 2026