Orientation
An orientation for newly admitted IASP students will be held from 29 August to 1 September (suggested arrival dates: 27 or 28 August).  All students will join the welcoming dinner on 31 August and the Hong Kong City Tour on 8 September.  The orientation covers information on the curriculum, student life at CUHK, Chinese culture, Hong Kong society, and services provided by various units at CUHK and the Office of Academic Links.  It is also an excellent occasion to know other international students.  A tentative schedule is available here.

During the orientation period, IASP students will stay at various orientation hostels.  Detailed information of your assigned hostel for the orientation will be announced in mid-August.

For students who will live off-campus, please contact Ms. Heidi O at heidio@cuhk.edu.hk on whether you will stay on-campus during the orientation period.

Chinese cuisine will be served at the welcoming dinner on 31 August.  If you are on vegetarian or other special diet, please inform us via email: colinchow@cuhk.edu.hk and we will try to arrange suitable dishes for you.

Programme Dates
Suggested arrival dates: 27 or 28 August
(NOTE: Orientation Hostel / Postgraduate Hall (Block 1) will only be available for check-in from 27 August)
Orientation: 29 August – 1 September
Classes begin: 3 September
Classes end: 1 December
Examination period: 5 – 21 December

(NOTE: On-campus hostels are available until the last day of examination period.  The check-out dates vary between hostels and information will be announced during the academic term.  You should not leave before your last day of examination. At CUHK, the final examination for most undergraduate courses are arranged centrally.  A draft final examination schedule will be available in late October. Request for re-scheduling of examination date/time or exemption from examination(s) for personal reasons or engagement (e.g. making an overseas trip, taking driving test, etc.) will NOT be considered.)

University Almanac 2018-19
http://www.res.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/general-information/university-almanac/university-almanac-for-18-19/university-almanac-2018-19-by-programmes/full-time-undergraduate-programmes

Course Registration Dates, Inauguration Ceremony, Congregation and Holidays:
http://www.res.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/general-information/university-almanac/university-almanac-for-18-19/course-registration-dates-inauguration-ceremony-congregation-and-holidays  

List of dates with class suspension arrangement:
http://www.res.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/general-information/university-almanac/university-almanac-for-18-19/list-of-dates-with-class-suspension-arrangement

Survival Cantonese Class
CUHK’s Yale-China Chinese Language Centre will offer a one-hour Survival Cantonese Class for new students during the orientation week.  It is designed for students who wish to pick up some Cantonese phrases that can be used in everyday situations, such as greetings, shopping, and traveling.  Seats are limited.  Sign up by sending your full name, application number and home institution to Mr. Colin Chow at colinchow@cuhk.edu.hk before 10 August.

Buddy Programme at CUHK
The Buddy Programme organised by the Office of Academic Links aims to provide an intercultural experiential learning environment for both CUHK and the new international students.
If you wish to find a local friend to practise Cantonese or Putonghua, learn about Chinese culture, and earn extra insider information about student life in Hong Kong and CUHK, act now!  Sign up here before 3 August.
Note: Other units at CUHK also arrange their own buddy programmes for international students.  You are welcome to join as many programmes as you wish.

At the Start of the Exchange
An unfamiliar environment, the prospect of new friendships, the pressure of study, the change of weather can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed in the beginning of or throughout the entire exchange.  It is common that students may experience some or even all of these issues.  Do not feel bad when something goes against your expectation.  Being open-minded is the learning process to help you to understand about the cultural values indifferent from yours.  It is also the way to help discovering yourself. It is important to know where to seek assistance as well!  At CUHK, student advisors at the Office of Academic Links (i-Centre), tutors at the student accommodation as well as counsellors at the Wellness and Counselling Centre are ready to support you whenever necessary.  Apart from building a good network at CUHK, it is also a good idea to maintain contact with friends and family back home.  Send them occasional messages, updates or make regular calls to keep each other posted.

Medical and Other Support Services at CUHK
The University Health Service at CUHK provides primary health care facilities and clinical services to all students.  Basic medication is free.  You should also arrange at your own cost, accidental and medical insurance during the period in Hong Kong. If you plan on travelling around Asia, the insurance policy should cover these regions as well.
You may also consider undertaking a medical check up and getting necessary vaccination prior to your trip.  Monitoring your health condition at all times should be your top priority.  You should also bring along medical report and doctor's letter for any prescription medication. The Wellness and Counselling Centre at CUHK provides counselling services to full-time students.  They also provide support services for students with special learning needs.  If you require any support from these units, please inform your advisors at OAL as soon as possible.