CUHK

After being at CUHK for some 10 days, it is perhaps fitting to give the university some mention.

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) had the intention of bridging the gap between the West (in the form of British-ruled Hong Kong) and China. It is based on a collegiate system, somewhat similar to Oxbridge, with 7 currently active colleges and a further 2 more from next year.

CUHK is situated on a hill in the eastern part of the New Territories, overlooking the water. It reminds me of Alpe d'Huez with its steep roads and hairpin bends, and most buildings are at least three stories high due to the lack of building plots. There are buses going up and down the hill all day (which are free), as walking up the hill takes around 25 minutes and it is like climbing the stairs.

I live in the international house (I-house), which is a residents building on Campus. I-house is a 10-story high building located at the very top of campus. I-house is not a college, so each student gets affiliated with one, mine being New Asia. Each college has various perks, mainly PE facilities, which are limited to the members of the college (although nobody really checks), but libraries, cantines and classrooms are open to anybody.

CUHK is full of short-cuts to get around. Some buildings have elevators only operating between the ground and the top floor, which really helps. But as most of my classes are down at the bottom of the hill, the buses are super convenient and often used. Furthermore, since many departments, gyms, supermarkets and classrooms are located randomly around campus, one spends a great deal of time walking. It keeps you fit, but it is going to be brutal once it gets warmer. For now though, with the cool weather and rain, I don't plan to be outdoor much anyway.