Home to the world’s 9th most traded currency in the world, Hong Kong is one of the most attractive places among international students. There are about 500 000 people from different parts of the world living here for education, employment, business, etc. Indonesian, Filipinos, British, American, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Australian, Pakistani and Nepalese form the majority foreign population here.
There are 22 higher education degree-awarding institutions in Hong Kong with. These institutions offer a wide array of high quality programs from sub-degree to doctoral levels. According to QS Ranking, Hong Kong is at the rank of 15 and is considered one of the best cities for students. The place has accommodation options from highly compact apartments to luxurious suites. An average student apartment or student flats in Hong Kong are usually around 11m² to 118m² and can cost HKD 12,000 to 20,000.
Almost 14,000 international students were enrolled in Hong Kong in the academic year 2019-20. This says the demand for the education from Hong Kong and at the same time, increases the competition for finding the best student accommodation for you.
Know what it is like to Study in Hong Kong for International Students
On Campus Student Accommodation in Hong Kong
Wide range of student accommodation options can be found in the top universities of Hong Kong. On campus accommodation is the most-sought after option as it brings in a lot many facilities in an inclusive environment.
Here, the fee for on-campus living ranges from HK$5,000 to HK$15,000 per semester, which varies from institution to institution. Besides, most hostels do not provide bed sheets and pillows. Since the demand for student hostels is huge, it is advised to arrange your accommodation as early as possible if you plan to live on-campus.
| University | Accommodation Type | Fees (Annually in HK$) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hong Kong | Hall/Flat | 16,000 - 23,000 |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | Residential Hall | 15,925-26,301 |
| City University of Hong Kong | Residential Hall | 16,300 |
| Chinese University of Hong Kong | Multiple Options//Varies from college to college | 12,000 - 21,000 |
| Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Student Halls | 13,000 |
| Hong Kong Baptist University | Room Units with options of different capacities | 15,587 - 16,013 |
| The Education University of Hong Kong | Budget/Standard Room | 9,210 |
| Lingnan University | Residential Halls | 6,410 - 7,080 |
| Hong Kong Shue Yan University | Twin/Triple/Special Room | 14,400 - 22,800 |
| Chu Hai College of Higher Education | Double/Triple Bed Room | 21,600 - 26,400 |
Many universities in Hong Kong give all undergraduate students the chance to stay in student hostels for at least one year during their studies, while some allot you room based on your distance from university, their home environment and travelling time. Most universities have separate portals of on campus accommodation, and have strict deadlines for the same. So, in case one is very sure of on campus accommodation in Hong Kong, they should research it well and stick to the rules.
Check Admission Process to Hong Kong Universities
Off Campus Student Accommodation in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, non-local students do opt for off-campus accommodation. However, you are advised to contact the Residence Office or Student Affairs Office of your institution directly to explore the accommodation options available for you.
Tabulated types of off campus student accommodation in Hong Kong:
| Type of Accommodation | Facilities | Average Cost in HKD |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Twin bedroom setting in general Need of roommate to share fee | 14,400 |
| Hostel | Bunk beds Shared rooms & bathrooms | 4,000-5,000 |
| Co-living spaces/Apartments | Both private and shared rooms, Shared areas like kitchen, drawing room, hall, etc | 12,030/month (Outside city centre) |
| Serviced apartment / private housing | Flexible short-term and long-term rental Own policies | 6,000 - 14,000 |
Living in an off campus accommodation at a large metropolis has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, you will be in the midst of the cultural and business buzz but on the other hand you will have to learn the tricks for making your living expenses more affordable.
Cost of Off Campus Student Accommodation in Hong Kong
Amid the number of options available in off campus accommodation, one should list down the essential factors they require and then select one. Here are some of the best off campus student accommodation in Hong Kong:
| Accommodation | Monthly Charges (HK$) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| LINKo Residence | 5350 | Temple Street-Jordan |
| Oootopia Kai Tak | 12,000 | To Kwa Wan, Kowloon |
| Caritas Dormitory | 9,000 - 13,500 | Boundary Street |
| The Grand Blossom Serviced Apartments | 7,000 | Bulkeley Street |
| Windsor Mansion | 11,000 | Tsim Sha Tsui |
| Shatin Centre | 8,400 | Sha Tin, Phase 1 |
| Commune Castle Peak | 4,300 | Yau Kom Tau Tsuen Wan |
| Sweet Home | 10,000 | Shanghai Street |
| Hoi To Court | 9,000 | Causeway Bay |
| The Quay | 10,930 | Hung Hom |
Generally, places extremely close to the university campuses are extremely difficult to acquire and are found more expensive than those farther away. If one wants to save money and avail all the needed facilities at cheaper price, they should consider sharing the accommodation with a few room-mates or go for co-living spaces.
Check How to Apply for a Hong Kong Student Visa?
Living Expenses in Hong Kong
The accommodation and cost of living is never constant over a place, it always changes based on the location, type, proximity to university and other factors. The average cost of accommodation in Hong Kong is HK$ 8,000 to 15,000 per month. And one should have approximately HK$ 30,000 to 50,000 for managing the cost of living. These figures indicate that one has to plan their accommodation expenses accordingly.
Tabulated cost of living over Hong Kong:
| City | Cost of Living (HK$/month) |
|---|---|
| Wan Chai | 11,205 |
| Causeway Bay | 12,475 |
| Quarry Bay | 12,525 |
| Jordan | 9,166 |
| Tin Shui Wai | 7,140 |
| Lam Tsuen | 10,350 |
| Discovery Bay | 15,200 |
| Cheung Chau | 16,000 |
When compared to some European countries, Hong Kong does not stand highly expensive. Well besides, transportation, telecommunications and public healthcare; costs in Hong Kong are significantly less.
A lot many student discounts are also available, additionally to the various offers and discounts you would observe. Octopus Card is one such example. There are various portals to find out about the market prices.
It is well understood that one has to pay majorly in tuition fees, accommodation and cost of living. Among these three, one can save a lot on accommodation by searching about housing agencies online. Some of these are:
Many universities in Hong Kong already boast the kind of reputation needed to attract students and scholars from around the world. On top of this are the various attractions of life in Hong Kong – a multicultural and outward-looking society. These all make Hong Kong an appealing choice for many prospective students seeking a relatively accessible Asian destination.
To manage costs for accommodations and cost of living, many students opt for part time jobs in Hong Kong as well. Well, students can join study related part-time jobs and internships while studying if the terms and conditions of the employment allows them to do so. Because generally non-local students are restricted from being employed. However, finding and getting recruited after graduation is relatively easy. One must apply for a stay extension under IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates) for being employed. And they must have employment offers for availing it.
Hence, while one looks forward to studying in Hong Kong, they should be aware of the pointers like location, type of accommodation, weather, rent fee, housing policies, etc to tick on while surfing student accommodation in Hong Kong.
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