Crossing Cultures and Fitting In

Entering university and living in a foreign cultural environment require a lot of adjustment. While the new experiences and opportunities that arise from living in a foreign place can be novel and exciting, the changes and uncertainties which may confront overseas students can also be confusing and anxiety-provoking. This pamphlet outlines the changes and challenges that confront foreign students as well as suggest ways which can ease culture shock as well as facilitate adjustment and integration into the local community:

Relaxation Through Deep Breathing

It is important for us to master effective relaxation techniques which can enable us to seek momentary relief from occasional stress and strain as well as restore our physical and psychological balance. Deep Breathing is one way to reduce stress and tension. When you feel tense and anxious, you may experience accelerated heartbeat as well as disturbance in breathing. Deep Breathing can help you regulate your oxygen intake, revitalize your body as well as soothe your mind and body.

Muscular Relaxation

It is important for us to master effective relaxation techniques which can enable us to seek momentary relief from occasional stress and strain as well as restore our physical and psychological balance. Muscular Relaxation is one way to reduce stress and tension. When an individual experiences stress and anxiety, the muscles in his/her body would become tense and constricted. Muscular Relaxation helps one to become aware of points of tension in the body, to differentiate between tense and relaxed sensations as well as to learn to relax groups of body muscles systematically.

Relaxation Through Mental Imagery

It is important for us to master effective relaxation techniques which can enable us to seek momentary relief from occasional stress and strain as well as restore our physical and psychological balance. The Use of Mental Imagery is one way to reduce stress and tension. Relaxation through mental imagery involves the use of purposeful and self-guided daydreaming to induce calming and pleasant sensations. It can take only about 10 minutes for you to feel refreshed and relaxed using this method.

Pursue Your Ideal U Life

Some of you can fit smoothly into the University, but others may feel at a loss and may need more time to adapt to this new environment. However, for all of you, facing every new challenge actively and positively can definitely help you derive the greatest benefit from your university education. This pamphlet identifies changes you are likely to encounter in the University as well as suggest ways that can help you succeed and make your ideal U life a reality.

Hardships and Pleasures in CU

The Student Counselling and Development Service previously interviewed students on the “Hardships and Pleasures of Studying in the Chinese University”. This pamphlet highlights students’ mixed feelings and reactions towards studying here. It also emphasizes how you can grasp every opportunity to acquire memorable experiences, broaden your horizon and develop yourself in a holistic manner in this rich, colourful and diversified campus.

The Road To Effective Learning

As you step into the University, classes, tutorials, papers, presentations, and examinations will become a major part of your daily life. While you may be eager to learn, you may sometimes feel discouraged and anxious when faced with difficulties. This pamphlet encourages you to re-examine your approach to learning and to develop more effective study skills that can enable you to enjoy the learning process as well as become a more able student.

The Key To Efficient Time-Management

University life is full of freedom and opportunities. Learning to balance your time and energy among multiple tasks and commitments can present a major challenge for most of you. To avoid being overwhelmed by an unmanageable workload and social schedule, you should learn to manage your time effectively from the very start. This pamphlet outlines time-management strategies that can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness.

Good Night, Sleep Tight

Adequate sleep is important to our health and well-being. While it is not uncommon for people to suffer from occasional sleep disturbances, insomnia or chronic sleep problems can have adverse effects on our learning, memory, thinking, attention, and emotions. It can affect our school and job performance and lead to errors and accidents in our daily life. Recent studies have even shown a link between inadequate sleep and a variety of serious health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and depression. This pamphlet outlines the causes of insomnia as well as way to improve the quality of your sleep.

Breaking Up

Do you still remember the sense of euphoria, the feeling of union that you experience when you first enter a romantic relationship? Yet no one could have prepared you for the blow of losing the connection with another human being. Whether it was you or your partner who decided to make the break, you may be feeling really bad about the termination of the relationship. This pamphlet outlines some common reactions to the loss of an intimate relationship as well as means to mend a broken heart.