Resources
Planning your journey to Hong Kong? Here's everything you need to prepare before you embark on this exciting adventure, along with important resources and what to expect during your stay.
Pre-Arrival Preparations
Get your documents, bookings, and packing sorted before you fly.
Passport
6 MONTHS
Minimum passport validity from your intended date of arrival
Important: keep your landing slip safe — you'll receive it upon arrival in Hong Kong and it's essential for all administrative processes at CityU. Many students forget this important document, which can cause delays.
Student Visa
Check your visa for the following key dates:
- Date of Issue: When your visa was granted.
- Date of Expiry: The last day your visa is valid.
- "Must Enter By": Some visas stipulate a specific date for your initial entry.
Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)
30 DAYS
From your arrival to book your HKID appointment — do it as soon as you receive your visa
Flights
- Direct: Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia.
- Indirect: Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia.
- Benefit from student fares and additional baggage allowances.
Insurance
- Mandatory: CityUHK Basic Package.
- Optional: CityUHK Top Up Package.
Banking (Optional)
Consider opening a multi-currency account in Indonesia before you leave:
If you choose not to open an account, ensure you have enough cash to cover initial expenses until your HK account is ready.
Packing Essentials
27–31°C
Summer (Apr–Nov) — humid, pack light breathable clothes
8–12°C
Winter (Dec–Mar) — strong winds, bring warm layers
- Personal medicines
- Important documents (original and translated versions)
- Bedding necessities (bed cover, blanket, pillow)
- Instant food and snacks
On Arrival
Enrollment, transport, and connectivity once you land.
Important Dates
AUG
Early August — keep an eye on your inbox for the CityUHK Enrollment Notification email; it's your first step and will guide you through enrollment
Enrollment Steps
- 1Complete Pre-Enrolment: Follow the instructions in your notification email carefully. This step is crucial to ensure everything is in order before you arrive.
- 2On-Campus Enrollment (SID Verification): Confirm your student ID and finalize your enrollment. It's a simple but important process!
What to Bring for Pre-Enrollment
- Passport: Your primary identification.
- Visa: Required for your stay.
- Landing Slip: Essential for administrative processes at CityU.
- Parental Consent Form: Necessary if you are under 18 on the enrollment day.
Temporary Octopus Card
While you wait for your Student Octopus card, get a temporary one to get around the city effortlessly from:
- 7-Eleven and Circle K stores
- Selected MTR stations (the nearest being the Airport MTR stations)
- Airport Octopus vending machines
Transportation from the Airport
- HK-Taxi: Straightforward option, paid with cash.
- Bus: Budget-friendly choice, payable with your Octopus card.
- Airport Express + MTR: Quick and efficient, also payable with Octopus.
- CityUHK Shuttle Bus: Available during orientation week but spots are limited — check your CityUHK email for details.
SIM Card Options
$139
SO SIM — 90 days, 120 GB data, at Watsons & ParknShop
$88
CMHK — 120 days, 120 GB data, at 7-Eleven
Staying connected is essential — grab either plan as soon as you land.
Post Arrival Steps
Settle in: banking, student discounts, and course management.
Bank Account Setup
- Book your appointment a week before
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
- Bring: Passport / HKID, SID, proof of residence, etc.
- A guardian is required for students under 18 — bring your translated KK (Kartu Keluarga)
Local Bank Options
- HSBC: Festival Walk, MOSTown
- Hang Seng Bank: CityUHK, Festival Walk
- Bank of China: CityUHK
Required Documents
HSBC
- HK phone number
- SID
- Passport
Hang Seng
- HK phone number
- Passport
- Proof of residence — issued by the Student Residence MOS Office (requires SID). Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00 PM–5:30 PM; closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Student Octopus Card
50%
Transport discount with the Student Octopus Card
$1.4 / $3.2
Minimum fare (HKD) — East Rail Line / other lines
Octopus is Hong Kong's e-money (like Flazz at home). Registration details will be shared with you soon.
- Download the Octopus App
- Submit required documents (photo, student card, offer letter)
- Double-check your personal information — include hall and room number in your address
- Card delivery takes up to 1 month
Add & Drop Courses
- 1Check AIMS for the add and drop schedule — it will be divided into three time tickets: electives, GE, and both.
- 2Study your programme's required courses and other electives.
- 3See your programme's recommended study plan.