By: Darren Goh

In one moment, I’m walking across the University of Waikato campus, surrounded by the lush green lawns of the sports field and the quiet hum of Hamilton life. Now, I’m standing breathless – evidently from the climb but also by the view – watching as the city of Sha Tin buzzes below.

Studying abroad at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has been nothing short of incredible and it has profoundly challenged my view of student life. Before I arrived, I pictured a student life focused intensely on academics, with little room for socialising. The reality? Student life is vibrant with a competitive inter-hall system that actively encourages participation in all things cultural and sporting. My biggest challenge hasn’t been finding things to do, but planning my schedule ahead of club fairs, cultural exchange dinners, hiking trips, run clubs, city explorations and food finds that fill every week.

Another surprise was the structure of my courses at CUHK, which was the biggest shift from studying at Waikato. Instead of several assignments spread throughout the semester, the grade is often formed on a group project or presentation, or just a mid-term and final exam alone. Here, it’s also quite common to have a single lecture that runs for nearly three hours! These fewer contact days meant that I had more time to explore Hong Kong, but at the same time, it forced me to become more independent and proactive with my studying from day one.

If I had to choose a favourite part about Hong Kong, it’s that any adventure – whether urban or natural – is just a train or bus ride away. The idea of owning a car is unnecessary; it’s actually a hindrance to your mobility. One hour, I’m immersed in the chaotic, buzzing markets of Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok. The next, I’m stepping off the MTR at a station that leads directly to a serene hiking trail with breathtaking views. The city possesses a unique dynamism, reminding me of the two countries I’ve grown up in: Singapore’s urban energy and New Zealand’s raw natural escape.

Perhaps famously, or infamously, CUHK is a university built on a mountain. I’m not speaking metaphorically either; it’s a daily reality that makes knowing the campus’s internal bus system as essential as having your student ID. Fortunately for me, with my residential hall situated at the top (United College), I learned this the hard way during my first week. Impatient, I would hop onto any bus that arrived, only to embark on a scenic, 20-minute detour that left me further from my lecture than if I’d just waited the extra three minutes for the correct one. My frustrations became all too apparent when I’d finally arrive at the lecture theatre, dripping in sweat and regretting my impulsive decision.

That was my quick lesson in campus navigation: patience isn’t just a virtue, it literally saves you time and energy. Of course if you still can’t wait, like me, your other option is to become an expert in the hidden staircases and shortcut buildings that crisscross campus. Finding a shortcut becomes a personal challenge and a rite of passage in itself.

One of the highlights of my exchange so far has been a recent hiking trip to Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island. The journey itself was an adventure; just getting to the start of the trail took an hour. The climb was a solid two-and-a-half-hour trek, made perfect by a refreshing stop at a stream about midway through. We finally reached the top, greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the majestic Buddha towering against the sky. We managed to snap our triumphant photo at the summit… and then, in a twist of perfect timing, a drizzle began to fall. It was a hilarious and fitting end to the hike – a little reminder to never take Hong Kong weather for granted, even the soggy ones.

This exchange has changed me in ways I never expected. It has forced me to embrace new challenges and open my eyes to a world of fresh, diverse perspectives. Hong Kong, in essence, is truly an international melting pot. I’m constantly meeting new people; I could point to a friend from just about every continent! These interactions have moved beyond simple small talk, becoming daily lessons in culture and global understanding that have fundamentally broadened my worldview. I wake up every day truly motivated to learn.