Adjustment Tips from Senior Non-local Students

Hello Lingnan freshmen! Are you excited? A little worried?
 

I know you are! Let me share a couple of tips to help you prepare for your upcoming student life:

1. Explore the university’s website from cover to cover
   Don’t stop at this article!  Read every page that relates to you, so you will know what to expect when moving to Hong Kong and how to prepare for it.  The website has information on the HKID application process, how to gain access to free Microsoft 365 and Zoom subscriptions😋, and much, much more!
    
2. Make an additional day off
   When registering for courses, try your best to keep one weekday free of classes.  The purpose of this day off may vary from person to person, but everybody can make use of this free time—from finding a part-time job to exploring Hong Kong’s tourist spots on less crowded days.
    
3. Hike—the best way to spend your weekend! 
   One day, wake up at 6 am, go to Tai Mo Shan, and try to collect some stories that your grandkids will love listening to.
   
     
   
    

Miss MENJEYU Aisha

BSS Year 2 student from Kazakhstan

Adjusting to Hong Kong was challenging at first, but I learned to take it step by step.  The fast pace of the city was overwhelming, so I started with small routines—finding a favourite coffee shop, learning a few Cantonese phrases, and using the MTR to explore.  The turning point came when I joined student activities at Lingnan University, where I met supportive friends who made the city feel less foreign.

My advice: be curious, but also give yourself grace.  Hong Kong rewards those who try—whether it's ordering food in Cantonese or hiking a new trail at the weekend.
  

 

Miss MAKHAMBETALIYEVA Zhansaya

Data Science Year 2 student from Kazakhstan

Dining at a dim sum restaurant with a large group of locals is definitely one of the greatest experiences I've had so far.  I find Cantonese dishes and desserts quite fascinating, both in taste and appearance.  Eating with my friends there feels so warm and lively.

Hong Kong is also known for its hiking trails.  I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to explore the city and spend their leisure time enjoying beautiful views and a great experience.  Give the trails a try!

After all, I hope you will enjoy this city as much as I do.
  

 

Miss BATTOGTOKH Gunjee

Data Science Year 3 student from Mongolia

Adaptation can be really tough, especially if you are an international student from a culture different from that of Hong Kong people.  During my first year, I discovered a lot of useful tips to help new non-local students adjust more easily to Hong Kong.

1. First, find people from your own country.  If you can’t find them among students, try to look for a community in the city.
    
2. Surround yourself with a familiar environment.  It's easiest to adapt when you're surrounded by things you know.  For example, cook your favourite dishes, decorate your room with familiar items, and listen to your favourite music in your own language.
    
3. Plan your days and daily habits.  In the chaos of your heart and mind, it's easy to succumb to apathy or depression.  If you help your brain by creating order in your daily life, stress and anxiety will have no place to take hold.
     
   
    

Miss EVERSTOVA Tatiana

BSS Year 2 student from Russia

Hello new Lingnanians, a warm welcome to the big family of Lingnan University!
 

Feeling both excited and a bit nervous about your new adventure in Hong Kong?  That’s completely natural!  Rest assured, you’re about to have a wonderful journey.  Here are a few tips I hope will be helpful.

I truly encourage you to explore this dynamic city and immerse yourself in its unique local culture.  Do take an active part in various campus activities and student events.  Step out of your comfort zone to make friends with both local students and non-local students as it’s one of the best ways to embrace diverse cultures.  Keep an open mind, embrace new challenges, and enjoy every precious moment of your exciting student life in Hong Kong.

Wishing you all a smooth and rewarding journey at Lingnan University.  I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
  

 

Miss SU Yuqing

BSS Year 3 student from Chinese Mainland

Hey there!  Welcome to Lingnan University!

Excited about this new journey?  I bet you are and I promise your experience here will be wonderful and full of surprises.  Before you get started, here are some tips:  

1. Get fit on campus~ 
Besides our outdoor swimming pool and gym, I highly recommend joining a sports team.  I had a great time with my teammates in the Karate team.

2. Practice your non-academic skills 
Join competitions and summer academies.  They are meaningful for practicing communication skills, creativity and more.  I gained a lot from participating in Lingnan – Yuanpei STEM Summer Academy (LYSSA).

3. Color your campus life~
Join a student society that interests you.  There are many options to choose from!  Trust me, it will be lots of fun!  I made great friends in Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Lingnan University (LUCSSA) and Basic Law Society, Lingnan University (LUBLS).

Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy every moment! 
  

 

Miss LU Zhengaiwa Eva

BSS Year 3 student from Spain and Chinese Mainland