Pursuing Your Ideal U Life

Starting Out

Congratulations! You have stepped out from the “University Station” to become a CUHK student! Facing this new chapter in life, how do you feel at the moment? Are you excited, thrilled, worried, or nervous?

Some of you may fit smoothly into the University, but some of you may feel disoriented and may need more time to adapt to this new environment. Everyone takes different pace in adaptation. In fact, not only freshmen had to adjust to university life, at different learning stages, students face unique challenges throughout their journey. Let’s get prepared and navigate the transition with confidence!

In University, what development and growth you can expect in yourself?

In the coming university years, you will encounter numerous changes involving your lifestyle, mode of learning, family and interpersonal relationships, etc.

If you wish to pursue a fruitful U Life, in the following areas, you can try to:

• Academic development: Take the initiative to learn, form your own study group or seek guidance from instructors and professors when you encounter academic difficulties
• Extra-curriculum activities: Actively participate in various student activities; maximize your potential and expand your social circle
• Broaden your horizons: Enrich your personal experiences, acquire new perspectives and enhance your flexibility and adaptability by participating in self-development activities, such as overseas exchange, student organizations, voluntary service, summer internships, etc.
• Hostel Life: Be patient in adapting to hostel life; discuss your needs with your roommates in an open and reasonable manner, make compromises when necessary
• Time-management: Acquire effective time-management skills; allocate your time appropriately among academic, familial and social commitments
• Mental Health: Be aware of your emotions, develop a balanced daily routine and acquire stress management skills to keep healthy
• Resources Optimization: Familiarize yourself with and utilize various facilities and support services provided by the University

What challenges will you face at different stages?

The university years can fly by quickly. It is important to determine early on what you wish to accomplish during your time in University. You may wish to make reference to the following ‘Personal Development Chart’ when setting your goals:

You can define clear self-development goals based on your own needs and interests. More importantly, you will need to formulate concrete implementation plans and metrics to attain and evaluate your goals and progress.

When and where to get emotional support? Learn more about Wellness and Counselling Centre

As fulfilling as university life can be, we might come across difficulties and need help from time to time. Wellness and Counselling Centre has been established primarily to help students overcome adjustment difficulties as well as achieve personal growth. The Centre is staffed by clinical psychologists, social workers and counsellors, and provides a wide range of preventive, remedial and educational counselling services to students.

You may benefit from seeing a counsellor if you:

• Experience problems in adapting to the university environment
• Feel unhappy, unmotivated or troubled for prolonged periods
• Wish to understand more about yourself
• Feel that you are not doing as well as you should in your studies
• Wish to improve your relationships

Counselling is a process where counsellors help students help themselves. The purpose is to help students understand the root of their problem, learn to evaluate things from different perspectives and try to handle the problem in a more effective way. Through counselling, students can enhance self-understanding, strengthen confidence, realize their potential and improve their mental health. Students are welcome to contact our Centre anytime. We will be happy to accompany you on your journey through university.

• Tel : 3943 7208
• Email : wacc@cuhk.edu.hk
• Address : 2/F, Pommerenke Student Centre