Vikhyat joined the Biomedical Engineering course at Hong Kong University in 2017. He is a student of The Sri Ram School, Aravalli campus. He is in conversation with Inomi Lead Counselor, Kritika
The big question first – how did you decide to go to HK? Are you happy with this Decision?
Yes I am very happy with my decision. I chose HKU because of its reputation. It Engineering programs are renowned, advanced and it has amazing facilities. In general, Hong Kong known as an energetic, booming city.
Things you like about HKU?
- Facilities: HKU has built a lot of things for students, lots of study libraries where students can study together. It has a quaint, peaceful environment overall. Great Labs, lots of access for science students.
- Extra-Curricular activities: There’s lots to do on the campus, many sports facilities, a famous theater group which does many plays, 2-3 consulting groups (NGO’s approach the consulting groups for advice, as members of the group you help them out)
- Research Opportunities: Many seniors are research assistants to professors. In my Second year, I’d like to do that.
- Competitive Environment: Students are driven and determined to excel thus making you also strive to excel, energetic place.
- Location: Its Downtown Hong Kong, location is great. Theatres in Wanchai, very close to the college.
Things you don’t like at HKU?
- Professors are not always great teachers since their English can be broken and it becomes tough to follow, sometimes. Lecture slides also not good many of the times. One needs to do independent study in a lot of the classes, and rely on Khan Academy and seniors for help.
- Competitive Environment: HKU too focused on academics, feel pressurized. Students with very high board marks do well at HKU. If you are in the 96, 97-98 range, you are likely to do well at HKU. If a student is very academically inclined, HKU is a great place.
Can you transfer your course at HKU?
I tried to transfer into computer science, but it didn’t work since Computer Engineering is a very sought after course. When you join HKU, you have the option to take up a General Engineering degree or take up a specialization. I took up Biomedical Engineering but I would advise to take the General Engineering degree first as it is then easier to get the major you want.
How many international students in HKU?
HKU markets itself as a very diverse and international campus. However, they count the Chinese students also as international students. The very strong Chinese community there can be overwhelming.
There are many exchange students from Europe, North America, South America as well. Since they only come for a semester or two, though it is not easy to become very friendly with them.
However, the South Asian Community of Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans is also strong. Indian students account to almost 20-30% therefore strong Indian community which holds Holi for Indian students, Diwali and there is also a South Asian society.
Tell me about the Exchange Programs at HKU?
There are many tie-ups with top colleges around the world including Princeton, Columbia, McGill, Wisconsin-Madiscon, UC Berkely, USC. You get the exchange program college based on your HKU performance. I will definitely go for the exchange program.
What should a student know before they come there?
Vegetarian food can be an issue, the city is largely non-veg 🙂
How are the Hostels?
Some hostels are really good. Tough to get re-admission into the same hostel unless you’ve been an active participant for that college. Jockey club student residence 3 and St John’s are good. St John’s has a meal plan as well. It also demands quite a bit of work for the college itself. Living outside the college is not really an option as Hong Kong is expensive. Overall accommodation is not an issue. Food is there on campus, reasonably priced as well.
What about other programs besides Engineering?
Most of my friends are studying finance, economics but its more or less the same on all fronts.
What about the Job Scene in HK?
From what I know, the job scene is good. Every undergraduate student gets a work permit automatically. Jobs are also available; engineering students tend to get jobs more easily, well paid too. It can be tougher for other students as the language can be a barrier.
Around the city, how important to speak Cantonese, Mandarin?
For the most part, people speak basic English. I would need to use Google translate maybe 3-4 times out of 10 probably if I am looking for something very specific.
What about Internships in HK?
Internship fairs happen on campus, any students from Year 1- 4 can apply for them. Many internships for marketing, comp sc, web design, events. For BioMedical Engineering, internships can be tough in Year 1.
Do you have to learn Chinese on campus?
Yes, but it’s quite basic and simple.
What do you think about the current protests in HK?
China may try to stop the protests with the army. I do feel it could die out in a month, month and a half. Police is getting brutal. Crowd control methods: tear gas, rubber bullets. However, campus is completely safe. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about for students coming in this year as it is safe. As long as you stay away from the protest areas you should be fine.
How do you commute in HK?
Commuting is no issue in Hong Kong. We use the MTR mostly. It is also not expensive. The city bus and Minibus also you can use.
Would you like to work in Hong Kong afterwards?
Yes, I would like to stay back in Hong Kong and work after my course.
Richa Dwivedi Saklani is a certified coach from UCLA and is an accredited MBTI trainer who has worked with over 10,000 people across career planning and as a behavioral trainer in companies. She is the CEO & Founder of Inomi Learning and author of “The Ultimate Guide to 21st Century Careers”.