Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Sam
From: King's College London
To: University of Hong Kong
2025 • Full year
Within Hong Kong, many amazing islands are cheap to get to via ferry. Lamma island and Cheung Chau were two of my favourites. Macau is also close by boat or…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
300£/Month
Where was it located?
Kennedy Town, 5 mins from mtr station and 15 min journey to the Uni
How can someone find this place?
Apply through CEDARS. The universities accomodation service.
Would you recommend it?
Likely will have a room mate as they priorities full time over exchange students. But highly reccomend for price and location. Internationals usually live in Jockey Club Student Student Village 3 (where i live) or 4, which is further out to the south of Hong Kong Island.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
There are international student club events which can be found online. But for general nightlife LKF area for clubs/bars or sheung wan for a cool vibe.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I think it is really dependent on your interests. But the course choice is extremely varied so make the most of exploring new topics outside of your discipline. I did an AI in urban settings module which i enjoyed a lot.
Do you have some tips?
Campus is primarily on two sides. I was lucky with most of my classes being situated by the C MTR exit in the Centennial campus. But make sure you use the right exit (A or C) as it can take a while to walk across. Also at peak times in the morning and evening there are long queues for the lifts so be smart with timing.
Best trips to do?
Within Hong Kong, many amazing islands are cheap to get to via ferry. Lamma island and Cheung Chau were two of my favourites. Macau is also close by boat or coach, but requires a different mobile network and currency (thought most places accept HK dollars and card). Also, you can take the MTR to Shenzhen which is so different to Hong Kong and requires crossing the border. Heading into the mainland - I could not reccomend more, but make sure you know your visa situation and be prepared for nothing to work. Download Alipay and Wechat and link your HK bank card (which you can easily get from HSBC on campus)
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Cheap transport, cheap meals can be found but definitely much more expensive than other asian cities.
Saveria
From: Polytech Nice
To: City University of Hong Kong
2025 • Fall
Safety is a sure key point of Hong Kong : being a young woman I never experienced insecurity or I was never scared even going back home by night ! Transport is…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
325
Where was it located?
Ma On Shan, New Territories
How can someone find this place?
https://www.cityu.edu.hk/sro/AboutUs/MOS/overview.htm
Would you recommend it?
I 100% recommend ! Firstly because of the cheap price (Hong Kong is very expensive for renting appartments), secondly because of the easy way to find it (just applying on the university website during appications), thirdly because it was good (except for the common bathrooms and kitchen)
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
I really liked the iron fairies (it's a bar in Central)
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I recommend you try and take your classes on 3 days of the week, so you can have free time and travel
Do you have some tips?
The campus was huge, it was cool, with a lot of different kitchens to eat during lunch. To register, it was online applications with kind of "drops" for chosing your courses (we had a timetable and it was first come first served).
Best trips to do?
Hong Kong was central Asia and connected by a 3h flight to any place you want in SE Asia... I loved Japan and Vietnam
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Safety is a sure key point of Hong Kong : being a young woman I never experienced insecurity or I was never scared even going back home by night ! Transport is very easy, you must take an Octopus Card (you can pay MTR, buses, restaurants, some shops with it it very convenient) and with google map, city mapper, or plan app on Apple devices it is very easy to know your way
Veronica
From: Luiss Business School
To: HKBU
2025 • Fall
japan, philippines, china, Zhanjiajie, vietnam, cambodia..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
800
Where was it located?
Hkbu
How can someone find this place?
through the school
Would you recommend it?
no
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
the Iron fairies, maggie choo
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
none
Do you have some tips?
i wouldn’t choose it
Best trips to do?
japan, philippines, china, Zhanjiajie, vietnam, cambodia
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
octopus card
Tristan
From: Kedge business school Marseille
To: Lingnan university
2025 • Fall
Just insane, Hong Kong is itself a banger to vistit, but then you have accès to china which is the greater expérience i had in term of tourisme. Shenzhen,…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
180€/months
Where was it located?
Inside the university
How can someone find this place?
Mandatory to stay in the campus
Would you recommend it?
Very Nice for the price, couldnt ask for more, but nevertheless its was quite small
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Best party are in LKF but they are so many things organised in the city. Happy valley, deep water bay, MR Wong ….
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
History class was really interresing, otherwise the finance course are Nice. Really like the séminar in geopolitics
Do you have some tips?
Everything was cool and registration was mainly done by my home univ.
Best trips to do?
Just insane, Hong Kong is itself a banger to vistit, but then you have accès to china which is the greater expérience i had in term of tourisme. Shenzhen, guangzhou and Macao are incroyable. Otherwise you have cheap plane to go everywhere you wish in Asia. Little tips, compare the plane Price with the Shenzhen airport could be Even cheaper sometimes
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Best transport in the world, super safe, the food is not the best i had but still is Alright and you get many convinient store to make your food. But be careful because Hong Kong is also a very rich place so you can struggle. The tips here is to forgot the european live style and eat like a local, you will save some money this way
All the exchange i ve met love their Hong Kong expérience, i never seen someone disliked it. If you have the opportunity you should go for it ! A lot of freedom compare to other modern Asia country like japan or Corea, international community, beautiful and unique city, mix of urbanisme and nature, hub for Asia…
Laura
From: ECAM Lyon
To: HKU
2025 • Fall
La fille au près du quelle on loue est très sympathique et a beaucoup de choix même si tout ce passe moins d’un mois avant l’arrivée ce qui peut être stressant…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
900€/ mois
Where was it located?
Kennedy town, Hong Kong island
How can someone find this place?
+852 5345 2907
Would you recommend it?
La fille au près du quelle on loue est très sympathique et a beaucoup de choix même si tout ce passe moins d’un mois avant l’arrivée ce qui peut être stressant
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
LKF la rue des soirée et des bars
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
en ingénieur les cours à hku ne sont pas forcément obligatoire pour la présence c’est bon à savoir
Do you have some tips?
le campus est immense mais on si fait vite
Best trips to do?
tu peux voyager de partout et pour pas très chère si tu t’y prend en avance la compagnie hong kong express est vraiment pas chère et très bien
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Hong kong est une ville génial avec beaucoup de chose à faire on s’y ennuie jamais et on ne veut plus en partir
Sarah-Lou
From: IESEG Paris
To: HKBU
2025 • Fall
HK Express is the cheapest airline company that can take you to almost every places in Asia. From Thailand to Indonesia, Japan to Malaysia, you can visit a…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
250€
Where was it located?
On campus
How can someone find this place?
School website
Would you recommend it?
Village Care is absolutly amazing. All the exchange students are there. It is very easy to meet new people and very convenient to move from the school to other places in the city. Facilities are all new.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Dinner and pre drink at Mr Wong. Then Minibus to LKF, 7/11 to get drunk for cheap, plainty of bars and clubs to continue the party. On Wednesdays it's Race day, then everyone is partying in Wan Chai.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Don't take "difficult" classes (like finance stuff). Try to put every classes on 2-3 days like Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday. Bullshit classes are the best since the teacher don't care about attendance if you do the homeworks on time.
Do you have some tips?
I would totally choose the same uni if I had the opportunity to do it again. BU is close to 2 MTR and Buses stations that can take you everywhere in less than 50minutes (more if you want to visit New territories). They help you in every steps of the registation and answer to any questions really fast. They encourage exchange students in travelling, partiyng and having fun during their stay. They also make sure that every students are feeling well and pass all their exams.
Best trips to do?
HK Express is the cheapest airline company that can take you to almost every places in Asia. From Thailand to Indonesia, Japan to Malaysia, you can visit a country a week if you're feeling it (and the budget follows). In most of the asian countries, life is pretty cheap, eg: you can spend less than 200€ for a whole trip of 4days in Hanoi (accomodation, food, activities, transportation, SIM card). Travelling with friends is great but it's very complicated to manage a whole group so I would suggest to stick with a small and close group that shares the same vision of "travelling" as you. Solo trips are also an experience I thought I wouldn't do that early in my life but is was absolutly amazing. i recommend 100%.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
HK is extremely safe, the only bad experience i had as a lonely girl at night came from a group of expats. Transports are clean and convenient (download the local apps for the schedules). the weather is very wet in Summer (until October), typhon season can be scary but is actually cool (you can skip class). The cost of life is much more less than Europe but a bit more expensive than other Asian cities. Food is repetitive : rice, noodles, dumplings. Weastern food is expensive.
Studcasa's whatsapp group can be scary because nobody talks at the beginning but you just need to do the first step. That's how I met my "exchange bestie". Without her first message on the group, i would totally be lost and jet lagged for my first few days in HK. Even if we were not in the same uni neither had the same major, she became my closest friend and we spent the whole semester together. Be open to every opportunities. Say yes to everything on the first week (parties, activities, trips) then you can find a group of people that share your vision of the perfect semester (more trips, more hikes, more shopping, more work, more parties...) whatever you want, you will find your taste.
Stella
From: Esade
To: City university of Hong Kong
2025 • Fall
Yes, great for socializing and making friends quickly, super well located, many events, only cons is much more expensive than accommodations provided by…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
1500
Where was it located?
Multiple locations
How can someone find this place?
Weave studios website
Would you recommend it?
Yes, great for socializing and making friends quickly, super well located, many events, only cons is much more expensive than accommodations provided by Universities, but regular price when compared to apartments etc
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Mr Wong, iron faires, fay, trilogy
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Interactive skills for business, business and Hong Kong society very easy
Do you have some tips?
Very well located, good campus, join the trips offered at the beginning of the semester because they are very cool and you meet a lot of people
Best trips to do?
Taiwan, Corea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Macao, China
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Download octopus for transports, you can eat cheap at many local and Chinese restaurants for 5-7 euros per meal, HK is very safe so you can easily walk at night
Roméo
From: ESG UQAM
To: Lingnan University
2025 • Fall
Nightclubs : Cassio (expensive), FAYY (best rooftop for partying), Boomerang (most famous with most of the international) Bar : Mr Wong (best place to be on…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 200€
Where was it located?
Inside the university
How can someone find this place?
You don't have choice to live in the students housing so the university will do everything for you
Would you recommend it?
It was pretty cool, the class are very easy because you just need 40% for passing, there is a lot of sports facilities in the campus the only bad point it's that the university is 40min away from central in commun transports
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Nightclubs : Cassio (expensive), FAYY (best rooftop for partying), Boomerang (most famous with most of the international) Bar : Mr Wong (best place to be on Thursday night everyone go here, it's very cheap and you can have unlimited beer) Streets : Lan Kwai Fong (everything is in this neighbour for the nightlife)
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Every class all of them are so easy
Do you have some tips?
The campus cool but far away from central
Best trips to do?
Vietnam, Singapour, Japan, Bali, Séoul, Thailand, China, Macau, and most of the island near Hong-Kong
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Transports cost a lot (around 100€/month), if you want to eat other things than asian food it's really expensive (40€ approximately for the most cheapest European restaurant)
Solene
From: Université catholique de Lille
To: CUHK
2025 • Fall
The transport from the university is 30-40 once you are at the uni metro station. The cost of ticket is 1$ more or less, you pay by the amount of station you…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
250
Where was it located?
On campus
How can someone find this place?
CUHK website
Would you recommend it?
I was in a room with two other girls who ended up being my best friends here. It depends with who you are paired. But I would recommend to take the student residences on campus because it is so much cheeper than living in Hong Kong and you will be living with your friends.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Mr wong, Cul de sac, iron ferries, Fay,
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Depends on your studies but the exam period is between the 5th of December and the 19th (this year anyways) But some classes have their finals in class or assignment to send so if you do it well you can finish super early and have a trip.
Do you have some tips?
Registration was a bit long but the student advisors respond very quickly if you have any questions. You move around campus by bus so it can be a bit overwhelming at first but you get the hang of it easily. Lots of canteen to try some very good and some awful.
Best trips to do?
Personally I went to Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand. The Ha giant loop was incredible.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
The transport from the university is 30-40 once you are at the uni metro station. The cost of ticket is 1$ more or less, you pay by the amount of station you take. There is an "octopus card" which you need to buy anything on campus and it works for transports metro and bus, food… there are so many cheep Michelin restaurants that you must try
Armen
From: Em Normandie
To: Hkbu Hong Kong
2025 • Fall
Night life is not that good and expensive, it’s better in Tokyo and Seoul ! food is really good in Hk, cheaper than Paris..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
350€
Where was it located?
In the School, 30min from the center
How can someone find this place?
Résidence website
Would you recommend it?
It was really good, i met many exchange students !
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Top Town, trilogy, Francks, dragon I, mission, Ambar
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Ecrm, Ai for business, financial lectures is a heavy one, it’s difficult.
Do you have some tips?
Yes
Best trips to do?
Seoul, Tokyo, Vietnam !!, china, Thaïlande, and many more
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Night life is not that good and expensive, it’s better in Tokyo and Seoul ! food is really good in Hk, cheaper than Paris
Enjoy
Alessandro
From: IE University
To: HKUST
2025 • Fall
MARK3620 is very interesting with a great professor, MARK3220 has the potential to be easy if you get a good group. MGMT3120 was good but the exams are tough…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
500 EUR
Where was it located?
Tsueng Kwan O
How can someone find this place?
University Link
Would you recommend it?
Yes, shuttle bus is very convenient to go directly to uni, and have closer access to malls and overall city center.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Never went out clubbing, but LKF is the area most people went that I know
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
MARK3620 is very interesting with a great professor, MARK3220 has the potential to be easy if you get a good group. MGMT3120 was good but the exams are tough time wise.
Do you have some tips?
Campus was very cool, I would pick the same uni if i was pass/fail.
Best trips to do?
Macau, Mainland China (Shenzen, guangzhou), Okinawa, lowkey most places in Eastern Asia, Hong Kong is very well connected
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Lost of good food and public transport is very convenient
Nathan
From: IESEG
To: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
2025 • Fall
Campus is huge, learn the bus routes quick. The registration is relatively easy but you need to be the one seeking info, so don't hesitate to ask questions ! I…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
240 euros per month
Where was it located?
Within the University campus, near the metro and sports center and most classes
How can someone find this place?
The University directly sends you to a dorm
Would you recommend it?
very hard to compete with such a price and it's the best place on campus as you're a few minutes away from most essentials
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
LKF is for night clubs, bars, and no real need to go to specific events, just go to any beach you like, organise hikes with your friends, and travel around.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Get classes without finals in order to have loads of free time at the end of the semester to travel around and have the most fun possible.
Do you have some tips?
Campus is huge, learn the bus routes quick. The registration is relatively easy but you need to be the one seeking info, so don't hesitate to ask questions ! I would pick the same uni, you're not too far from the center of HK, you can have everything on campus and the courses are well taught.
Best trips to do?
I booked a next day trip to Tokyo during one of my classes, for relatively cheap. Philippines aren't far, Vietnam is a must do and most of Asia is really accessible with cheap flights !
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Get an octopus card, keep some cash for taxis etc, and eat as much as you can, you'll be getting your steps in either way.
It's an exchange semester, have fun, save up money first, find people you're comfortable with and try to see as much as you can.
Paul
From: ieseg
To: HKBU
2024 • Fall
Hk is expensive if you want to keep european lifestyle (consume european food) else you can eat for cheap (restaurant...) Lots of things to do => You can at…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
300€
Where was it located?
In the university of HKBU in Kowloon Tong
How can someone find this place?
University send a mail
Would you recommend it?
Yes 100%, best way to meet people and to keep money ! For a room in HK it's around 1K€ per month. Campus are huge, there are everything you want on it.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Le cul de sac, Happy Valley Horse Race, Diskong, Dragon High, Feys,
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
AVOID COURSES TO HARD, In hk the level is not the same than in Europe. People work 2,3x more. So take easy course if you want to discover the city and the country around.
Do you have some tips?
Campus hyper cool, registration smooth, Maybe too long from MTR (15min walk aha)
Best trips to do?
Vietnam, Thailand, filipina, Taiwan, South Korea, Japon, Indonesia. Around 100€ plane tickets for round trip
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Hk is expensive if you want to keep european lifestyle (consume european food) else you can eat for cheap (restaurant...) Lots of things to do => You can at the beginning of the day hiking a mountain, during the afternoon going to the beach and at the night partying on a rooftop of the city. It's like New York but asian version and more close to the nature. Explore island around HK and plan some trips every 2/3 weeks !
Clémence
From: Emlyon
To: hkbu
2025 • Fall
good and modern but no equipment when we arrived so we had to buy everything..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
550
Where was it located?
On campus
How can someone find this place?
the university
Would you recommend it?
good and modern but no equipment when we arrived so we had to buy everything
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
party street at LKF
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
classes are pretty easy expect Business ethics, CSR and Impact investing
Do you have some tips?
campus is big and cool, but a little bit far from hk island
Best trips to do?
vietnam, thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, china, Japan
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
cost of living is more expensive than in china
Titouan
From: IESEG School of Management
To: The University of Hong Kong
2025 • Fall
First I took a private apartment thanks to Airbnb, I was alone and in Wan Chai (one of the best neighborhood for partying) so I could do everything by foot so…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
500
Where was it located?
15 min by bus from the university
How can someone find this place?
the university web site
Would you recommend it?
First I took a private apartment thanks to Airbnb, I was alone and in Wan Chai (one of the best neighborhood for partying) so I could do everything by foot so the localisation was perfect. But the apartment was really small. Then I was offered a place at Lee Hysan hall. The room is way bigger and I have a gym but the shared kitchen is always dirty and the localisation is horrible: there is almost no restaurant nearby (only a 711) and to go out you always have to take an uber. So the hall is great if you like to stay home and aren't willing to cook (the canteen is rather good).
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
The best place you can go is Lan Kwai Fong, the best night I spent was during halloween, everyone was wearing a nice costume. And there are exchange students everywhere so it's easy to meet new people from anywhere.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I took Gen AI application, Strategic management, Macro, Man accounting and Buddhism impact on Buddhism. the most interesting was Man accounting but was also the hardest. Macro was really basic and I had almost seen everything in high school. The other ones were empty, especially Buddhism that is repetitive and boring.
Do you have some tips?
The university is very big, you can get lost easily but there are people everywhere to ask for help. There are a lot free gyms, sport fields which is cool.
Best trips to do?
From an European point of view, you can visit all Asia, I went to China and Vietnam and am planning to go to The Philippines soon. The planes tickets are cheap enough (150-200€) and you can also go by train.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
The weather is horrible in the summer (hot and wet) and the food is strange in the beginning. There are a lot of typhoons but I was not personally impacted by them. The city is really safe.
Paloma
From: IE University
To: HKU
2025 • Fall
The campus is very big, and it can take time to get familiarised with. Also, taking five classes means having a high workload compared to other exchange…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 1000-1500 euros per month
Where was it located?
Kowloon
How can someone find this place?
Residence Website: Weave Living
Would you recommend it?
Yes, I really liked it.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
LKF, at Central: Street for clubs, bars, and restaurants.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I really enjoyed Competition Law I, Privacy and Data Protection, and Mandarin Chinese as a Foreign Language.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is very big, and it can take time to get familiarised with. Also, taking five classes means having a high workload compared to other exchange students.
Best trips to do?
Travelling to Shenzhen is very easy. Flights throughout Asia are also very affordable.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Eating out in Chinese street restaurants is super affordable. The MTR functions very well and MTR stations have shops inside of them.
Stanislas
From: Kedge Business School
To: Hong Kong Baptist University
2024 • Fall
Have a lot of money in your bank account, go hiking, visit all the tourist spots, discover Hong Kong day and night, go surfing, swimming, partying, meeting new…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
400
Where was it located?
HKBU campus in Kowloon Tong, 20 min from Central
How can someone find this place?
HKBU website/instagram
Would you recommend it?
It was the simplest solution. It's very complicated and very expensive to find accommodation in Hong Kong, everything is very small. I shared my room with another student but I was very rarely in my room because there are too many things to do in Hong Kong than staying in your room.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
The best areas for going out are Central and LKF, where you'll find the best bars and clubs. Best clubs: Cassio, Dragon I, Shuflle, Fay... There's really something for everyone.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I really took easy and simple courses so as not to worry about the courses and to be more relaxed for the exams. I had taken BUSI2035 Entrepreneurship and innovative Thinking, HRMN3005 Learning and Development, HRMN3015 Leadership, MKTG2005 Marketing Management, MKTG4006 e-CRM
Do you have some tips?
The campus was very large and modern. You have to choose your accommodation carefully because one part is completely renovated and the other not at all. There is a gym which is practical, a swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, several places to eat on campus. The campus is in the north of Hong Kong, in a very quiet location but close to transport to easily get anywhere in Hong Kong. Kowloon Tong is super safe!
Best trips to do?
The coolest thing about Hong Kong is the fact that it's kind of the Asian hub. You can take planes to all the nearby destinations without any hassle and at reasonable prices considering the destinations. I went to China by train, the day before for the next day, to Bali which is only 4 hours away by plane, to Cambodia, the Philippines, Japan and Thailand. It takes a maximum of 4/5 hours of travel and for accommodation we did everything at the last minute by taking hostels. Everything was way too simple and easy to access and especially cheap
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Have a lot of money in your bank account, go hiking, visit all the tourist spots, discover Hong Kong day and night, go surfing, swimming, partying, meeting new people, new cultures. You pay for all your trips via Apple Pay, thanks to the Octopus Card that you can buy online. Your Octopus balance goes down very quickly, so be careful. Hong Kong is very safe and there is a lot of transport and security. You also have to be careful not to go crazy because we are not at home and it is very serious. Hong Kong has a very very very humid climate, it rains a lot, it is gray, like it is super hot and super beautiful
I went on exchange twice during my studies. 1 year in the United States and 5 months in Hong Kong. 2 crazy and completely different experiences. But what can I say about Hong Kong... I made FRIENDSHIPS there, LOVE, I discovered new foods, new cultures, I have never traveled so much in such a short time. I have already DJ'd by chance in the most beautiful clubs. I only stayed there for 5 months, or 2 and a half months if I count the trips, and it went by so quickly. Hong Kong is one of the best experiences of my life!!
Mila
From: kedge business school
To: lingnan university
2025 • Spring
the campus is cool, the administration is kinda of bad. But I will pick up the uni again expect if I have the choice with a uni in the center of Hong Kong but…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
300
Where was it located?
on campus
How can someone find this place?
on the university website
Would you recommend it?
Yes, because it's enable you to make friends with everyone. However, if you don't bound with roomate it's gonna be long
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
best before : lister wong and the fayy. Lay kwai fong is the place to party, but if you go nearby street it's also really good more expat people.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
If you wantr to enjoy Hong Kong and travel take more marketing courses
Do you have some tips?
the campus is cool, the administration is kinda of bad. But I will pick up the uni again expect if I have the choice with a uni in the center of Hong Kong but i think there is a lot's of exchange student at lingnan so easy to make friend
Best trips to do?
Laos is a must for backpacker. South Korea perfect for a solo trip but to do before Japan. Phillipines for the landscape. And if time and money Vientnam for the Ajen loop
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Cost of living is expensive, the transport especially, as soon as you arrive take a student transport card to save money.
make friend and travel, it's not a moment to study hard
Lucas
From: Kedge Business School
To: Hong Kong Baptist University
2025 • Spring
Yes it was nice. You share the room with a roommate so your experience may depend on that. But the room is nice you share the toilet and the shower with the…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
300
Where was it located?
At HKBU Village CARE
How can someone find this place?
On hkbu website
Would you recommend it?
Yes it was nice. You share the room with a roommate so your experience may depend on that. But the room is nice you share the toilet and the shower with the room next to yours (so 4 people including you overall). There is a common room with a kitchen and a tv so it’s nice. The building is new.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
The best street for party is LKF in Hong Kong island. There is multiple bars in the city but the best are in Hong Kong island. HKBU is in Kowloon in a residential area.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I only had finance classes. The difficulty was average.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is nice. The registration is easy.
Best trips to do?
You can book flights at very low price to travel all over Asia. So don’t miss the opportunity to discover Asia !
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
The weather is nice. Humidity becomes a problem in June for me. The city is not cheap so you need to have some money if you want to enjoy.
Hong Kong is amazing!!!
Anna
From: IESEG
To: HKBU
2025 • Spring
"LKF (Lan Kwai Fong) with lots of bars and clubs Happy Valley horse races on Wednesdays then Carnegies (ladies night, free drinks for girls until…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
450 €
Where was it located?
Residence on campus (Village Care, better than Undergraduate Halls). A bit further from the city center but the MTR is excellent and there are many night buses to come back after parties.
How can someone find this place?
Through the university
Would you recommend it?
Yes, definitely. Cheap for Hong Kong, clean, practical and perfect for social life.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
"LKF (Lan Kwai Fong) with lots of bars and clubs Happy Valley horse races on Wednesdays then Carnegies (ladies night, free drinks for girls until midnight) Clubs close at 3 am so go early At the cul de sac in LKF you get 2 hours of unlimited alcohol for 15 euros - Mr Wong bar with all the exchange students, 5 euros for unlimited beer all night - Exchange parties announced in WhatsApp groups - Victoria Harbour and Tamar Park to hang out day or night - West Kowloon Park for the best skyline view - Many beaches to explore"
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Take first year classes. Even those are harder than in France (for example accounting). Avoid heavy ones if you want to travel. Best trick is to group them over 2 or 3 days.
Do you have some tips?
Campus is chill and very pleasant with many spots to hang out. Registration is a bit long but not complicated. HKBU is not as central as HKU or Poly U but it is fun and full of exchange students. Professors are relaxed, you do not need to attend every class as long as you show up for important assignments and exams.
Best trips to do?
- Weekend in Guilin - Islands in Hong Kong for camping on the beach - Vietnam and the Philippines were favorites - All Southeast Asia is close and easy to reach by plane from Hong Kong
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Public transport is excellent but not cheap. Cost of living is similar to Paris: affordable local food, expensive bars and Western restaurants. Hong Kong is very safe. Weather is hot and humid. Best period is September to December but be careful with the rainy season. Eat local food, it is cheap and delicious, no need to eat European food.
Live on campus. It is way cheaper and much more fun than apartments outside.
Matthias
From: IESEG
To: Hong Kong Baptist University
2025 • Spring
"- Happy Valley on Wednesdays then Wan Chai - Rooftops: Top Town, Ozone, Faye - Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) – try clubs, free flow deals - Student parties (via…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 375€/month
Where was it located?
On campus, 2 minutes from the school. Well connected to the city (25 minutes to the center).
How can someone find this place?
HKBU webiste: https://sa.hkbu.edu.hk/en/accm/residential-life/Village-CARE.html
Would you recommend it?
Yes, definitely. Not expensive compared to HK rent and great atmosphere to meet people.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
"- Happy Valley on Wednesdays then Wan Chai - Rooftops: Top Town, Ozone, Faye - Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) – try clubs, free flow deals - Student parties (via groups) - Guestlists with DJs (ex. Boomerang Club) - Beaches: Shek O, Stanley, Repulse Bay, Deep Water, Hap Mun Bay - Islands: Lamma Island, Sharp Island"
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Pick easy ones to enjoy your exchange, some courses are heavy. Best is to plan classes over 2–3 days to free up time.
Do you have some tips?
Admin is simple, vibe is good but mainly among exchange students (local students are less open).
Best trips to do?
- Easy trips: Macao, Shenzhen, Guangzhou - Shorter trips: Guilin (before harvest), Taiwan - Bigger trips: Shanghai, Beijing (best in autumn), Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, all Southeast Asia
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Don’t trust taxis (take Uber, split costs). Typhoons aren’t that bad. Bring warm and light clothes depending on trips. Life can be expensive if picky with food, but street food and local spots are cheap. Eat at Din Tai Fung, One Dim Sum… and try everything!
Plan trips at the right season (example: Great Wall in autumn).
Paul
From: IESEG
To: Hong Kong Baptist University
2024 • Fall
The level is very high in HK compared to Europe, HK people used to work a lot more than european... Courses are really pushed so you will be stimulated…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
300
Where was it located?
Kowloon tong HKBU
How can someone find this place?
https://sa.hkbu.edu.hk/en/accm.html
Would you recommend it?
Yes ofc ! Easier to meet people and very cheap for Hong Kong 100%
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Cul de sac, Dragon Eyes, Lan Kwai Fong area, Mister Wong, Happy Valley horse race on wednesday night, carnegies, Diskong
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The level is very high in HK compared to Europe, HK people used to work a lot more than european... Courses are really pushed so you will be stimulated intellectually If you want to be chill and vibe business, marketing courses, entrepreneurship, history are the best (level 1 and 2...) If you want to learn and work finance course are really good
Do you have some tips?
Registration Easy, Campus very cool lots of facilities (gym, tennis, football stadium, swimming pool...everything to make you practice sport ;) ! Yes 100%, the only negative point is that the uni is far 15-20min from MTR station
Best trips to do?
Vietnam Thailand Japan filipina Bali China is underestimated (to discover the true life lmao)
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Cost of living 600€ per months and you live well you can do everything in this city : - party - sport - surf - beach - hike - travel - work - island near hong kong are beautiful places too
nope
Chiara
From: IESEG
To: Hong Kong Baptist University
2025 • Spring
Hong Kong is actually an amazing place to party! I had only 2 days of classes per week, so the rest was all about going out. LKF (Lan Kwai Fong): where all the…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
400€/month
Where was it located?
On-campus, 10 minutes from the metro. University also provides minibuses to get around the area.
How can someone find this place?
The uni sent the link: https://intl.hkbu.edu.hk/student-exchange/incoming-students/preparing-for-your-exchange-at-hkbu/accommodation
Would you recommend it?
I wouldn’t recommend finding housing on your own in Hong Kong. There’s very little available and it’s insanely expensive. Living on campus is much cheaper, you’re with other students, close to classes, and it’s super easy to meet people. The setup is apartments of 4 people, rooms of 2, and shared common areas. You’ll never be alone.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Hong Kong is actually an amazing place to party! I had only 2 days of classes per week, so the rest was all about going out. LKF (Lan Kwai Fong): where all the bars and clubs are. Longchamp (Wednesday nights): everyone meets there. When you arrive, you’ll usually be added to groups with all the exchange students, super helpful to know about events. Apart from partying, Hong Kong is full of cultural gems. Even in 5 months, I couldn’t see everything. And the beaches as stunning as Thailand’s, but without the tourists.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Massive choice of classes, and you pick them in advance (times, days). 1 week after classes start to change if needed. Some subjects are tough: there are exams, group projects, and sometimes midterms. Attendance is very flexible: if you’re late, leave early, or take breaks, nobody cares, but you still need to put in some work.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is huge and amazing: canteen, gym, tennis/basketball/rugby/football courts, pool, theatre club… even a Starbucks with 30% off. The atmosphere is always lively because we’re all living together on campus. Registration process: Well-organized but watch out for deadlines. They’re super responsive if you have problems.
Best trips to do?
Hong Kong is the perfect travel hub for Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Bali) and East Asia (Japan, Korea). Don’t forget to explore China too: from the Great Wall to small villages just 1h away by train. Everyone travels, so budget for it!
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Transport: Get an Octopus card. You can pay for almost everything with it. Buses and metros are super convenient, even at night. Cost of living: Similar to Paris, but with cheap amazing street food. Safety: 100% safe, even drunk and alone at night. But respect the rules. Weather: Tropical, hot and humid, cooler in autumn/winter but never cold.
Don’t hesitate, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll make friends and share moments nobody else will truly understand. Don’t be scared of change!
Alice
From: KEDGE
To: HKUST
2025 • Full year
I recommend living in the university residence located in the city. It’s easier to go out and enjoy the city. It’s the Jockey residence offered by the…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
300€/month
Where was it located?
On campus – very convenient for classes, but campus is huge so it takes 20 minutes to walk to classrooms from different halls. Lots of sports facilities on site.
How can someone find this place?
HKUST sent a mail
Would you recommend it?
I recommend living in the university residence located in the city. It’s easier to go out and enjoy the city. It’s the Jockey residence offered by the university. I was lucky to be alone in my room. Social atmosphere is great: rooms are tiny so people hang out outside, in hallways, library, or canteen. My advice: get housing through the university. Apartments are crazy expensive, and living in the city will isolate you from other students.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Bars: Mr Wong and Cul de Sac. It was 8€ for unlimited drinks Clubs: LKF area: Dragoon I, Carnegees, FAY Rooftop: Sky Bar Wednesday night: Happy Valley horse racing, all the international meet there
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Check teaching days and syllabi with the breakdown of all assessments. Attendance is mandatory (2 absences allowed). Content is richer than back home but not too hard to pass.
Do you have some tips?
Always activities with student associations, but all in Cantonese so you feel a bit excluded. General atmosphere is rather sad and strict: many rules, not like Europe. Registration process is long and not very intuitive.
Best trips to do?
Philippines!! Minimum 10 days (islands) Also: China, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Cambodia
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Hong Kong?
Tropical climate, hot and humid, unbearable from the end of May. Transportation is super clean and always available. Taxis are cheap and more practical since HKUST is far from the city center, especially at night.
Less expensive than France but extremely pricey for Asia (one of the most expensive cities)
