Q.	Are there any academic areas from which I will be excluded?
A.	Normally exchange students have a larger freedom in choosing the subjects, even from another academic unit. However, you should still choose at least half of the subjects from your host department. Also, you should avoid choosing subjects of level 5 or above unless otherwise specified. Your host Department will provide you a list of available subjects for the semester you are applying upon approval of your application and you should choose subjects from within.
Q.	How do the pre-requisites of individual subjects apply to exchange students?
A.	The fulfillment of prerequisite requirement will be determined by your host department case by case, according to the record on your academic transcript. You may be asked for a proof from your home institution that you have fulfilled such requirement.

Q.	Can I leave Hong Kong during my study period and still return without re-applying for a new student visa?
A.	Yes, the visa we apply for you allows multiple entries. You do not require a re-entry visa to resume studies in Hong Kong provided that you return to Hong Kong within the limit of stay imposed with the visa and that there is no change in circumstances since last departure. You should always show your visa to the custom when you come back from other places to obtain the appropriate status instead of a visitor. If you get an "Entry Permit" instead of a visa label, you are allowed a single entry only.
Q.	Is there any other issue regarding my study period in Hong Kong that may necessitate my meeting Hong Kong SAR Government regulations/requirements?
A.	Permission given to you for education in Hong Kong is subject to the condition that you shall only study at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and for the academic programme as stated on the Notification of Offer as is approved. You are strictly prohibited from taking up any paid or unpaid employment, or engaging in any business, or undertaking any work internships. (In case an internship is required as an integrated part of your academic study at PolyU, special permission should be sought from the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Our Office will give all necessary assistance in such case, but the final decision will be made by the Immigration Department.) Anyone who intends to stay in Hong Kong for a period exceeding 180 days must apply for a Hong Kong Identity (HKID) Card from the Immigration Department within 30 days of arrival. In relation to your studies here, the duration will be less than 180 days if you are enrolling for one semester. Students studying one academic year will need to apply for a HKID card. We will inform you the procedures separately upon your arrival. Hong Kong law requires that official personal identification be carried at all times. Persons who fail to comply with this requirement risk being fined and/or deported by police/immigration if caught. While in Hong Kong, either while visiting or prior to obtaining a temporary ID card, you should carry your passport all the time.

Q.

What provision does PolyU make for exchange students in regard to health care and insurance?

A.

In addition to the University Health Services provided by PolyU and the public medical services, our University has also arranged a Group Personal Accident Insurance for all PolyU registered students. The insurance covers bodily injury while the students engage in activities organized by the University, but not personal activities of students themselves. Therefore all exchange students must enroll in an appropriate insurance plan to protect themselves in case of accidents. You are reminded that illness (mental or physical) which has already arisen before the your arrival is not covered by any insurance arranged by PolyU.

Q.	Will there be any pick up services when I arrive?
A.	We will arrange local buddies through the Buddy Programme to be your friend prior to your arrival. You can refer here for the information of the Programme. The buddies are voluntary local students who are willing to give assistance to you for settling down at the Student Halls of Residence and in HK. They will email you to confirm when and where to meet if they are available to pick you up. If unfortunately your buddy is not available, you can refer to the Transportation Guide to go to the Student Halls of the Residence.
Q.	How much cash in Hong Kong dollars should I bring from home to Hong Kong?
A.	You should at least prepare a few hundreds for the daily expenses of the first week, $390 for the caution money to be paid to PolyU for registration, tuition fee if any, and any extra money for the fees you intend to have or which you are asked to pay before your departure. You are advised to open a local bank account and deposit the money you bring from home immediately. You may bring traveler's cheque which is safer than cash in big amount. Or you may bring a credit card with which you can draw money from your home bank account. You may also arrange with your family to transfer money to you when you have settled down. Please arrange these money matters well before you depart for Hong Kong.

Q.	Can I check in at the Student Hall if I arrive in the midnight or very early in the morning?
A.	Currently the Hall Management Section (HMS) only provides check-in service from 7:00am to 10:00pm. You should arrange your arrival time to be between 6:00am to 7:00pm, which is also good for your buddy to pick you up. If you will arrive in early morning or late night, you should inform CMAO in well advance, then you can pick up the key card from the Facilities Management Office at the Halls. Otherwise you will need to arrange 1 night accommodation by youself.
Q.	As the hall room is shared by two students, can I choose my roommate or can I request for a single room?
A.	If you have another schoolmate (same gender) who is coming together with you and you two prefer staying together, or if you have a preference on your roommate, you should indicate on the Hall Booking Form. Unfortunately, there are no single rooms at the Halls.
Q.	Will there be any bed-sheet, pillow and blanket provided in the hall room?
A.	No, there is only a mattress in the room with simple furniture. You can buy the stuff easily at the department stores or supermarkets near the Hall. They are inexpensive and convenient. You can refer to the website of the Student Halls of Residence for their facilities: www.polyu.edu.hk/hall.
Q.	Should I pay the hall fees immediately when I check in?
A.	Usually no. When you check in, the HMS will give you a temporary key card. After you have registered as a PolyU student and activated your PolyU student identity, the HMS will give you a debit note for the hall fees. You should settle the payment before the deadline as specified on the debit note. After that, you will be given a permanent key card for your room. Hall fees should be settled at the bank by cash.
Q.	Should I pay the hall fees for the whole semester? What if I am not going to stay until the end of the semester?
A.	Yes. The lodging fee is stated on the Hall Booking Form. If you are planning to leave Hong Kong earlier, you can apply for the refund of lodging fee for the remaining days (HK$40 per day), while the Hall Caution Money will be forfeited. However, no request for refund will be entertained for late occupancy or early departure during the first and last two weeks of the semester as the residential place has been reserved for you. Please note that the refund policy is subject to the rules set by the Hall Management Section.
Q.	What is the arrangement for meals on campus, including costs?
A.	There is no meal plan available at PolyU and each meal is separately purchased. There are currently many choices of dining facilities on campus as well as at the Hall, ranging from quick/simple meal facilities to full multi-course provision of both Chinese and Western styles. Also, PolyU is located at the centre of the city, where you can have a wide variety of cuisines you would like to.

Q.	Do I need to bring a lap-top?
A.	There are Student Computer Centres with good and modern computers and unlimited internet connection in campus and Hall. If you have a lap-top and if you are a frequent computer user, it is more convenient if you bring it and use it in your own room, which also provides unlimited internet access.
Q.	Is there any student discount for transportation in Hong Kong?
A.	You should buy an Adult Octopus Card once you arrive HK. It can be purchased at the Customer Service counter of Airport station or the Hunghom train station. Once you get the PolyU Student ID Card, you can apply for the Student Octopus Card through the Academic Secretariat of PolyU. The Student Octopus Card gives you 50% discount when you travel by the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Application procedures and details will be announced at the Orientation on Arrival.
Q.	Do I have to stay until the end of the semester? Can I leave Hong Kong earlier?
A.	You may leave as soon as you have finished all your examinations and completed all academic commitments at PolyU, not necessarily until the last day of the semester. The dates will be announced by individual lecturers in the middle of the semester. Remember to report your departure date to CMAO.