Starting the first day at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) can be challenging for freshmen who missed the orientation camps. It often unfolds along the winding, uphill path that leads to new beginnings.

Adapting to an unfamiliar campus, overwhelming information, and the absence of established social networks can be quite challenging. In response to students’ academic, emotional, and day-to-day needs, United College launched the “Peer Buddy Programme” in 2024, wherein the UChum—College Peer Support Ambassadors—will accompany newcomers during their initial five months starting in September. They will be pairing up with assigned freshmen, guiding them through the journey from high school to university life.

As the second semester reached its midpoint, this year’s Peer Buddy Programme came to a close in January 2026. What insights and experiences have freshmen and their buddies gleaned along this journey?

A New Environment Awaits

His admission to CUHK, following a successful review through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS), came after he inadvertently missed all the registration deadlines for the orientation camps. As a stranger to the campus, John found himself navigating an ocean of uncertainty.

“I didn’t even know what ‘Reg Fo’ (course selection) meant, and the sense of anxiety was hard to ignore.” His experience encapsulates the sentiments of many freshmen who missed the orientation camps, struggling to find the right direction without guidance. It was amidst this state of doubt that an email about the United College Peer Buddy Programme caught his attention. “The announcement highlighted that it was designed to assist those who hadn’t attended any orientation camps in acclimating to university life. Upon reading it, I thought: That’s me!”

Cindy, a nursing freshman, had hoped to join her fellow schoolmates from secondary school at the UC Art Fair on the first day of school.  However, as her friends were occupied with classes, she found herself wandering the fairgrounds alone, unfamiliar with the surroundings. Feeling unsure about approaching the bustling booths, she eventually came across the Uchum booth, where information about the Peer Buddy Programme caught her attention. “It felt like this programme was perfectly tailored for me. It offered an opportunity to meet fellow students and perhaps connect with a buddy who can help me settle into university life more quickly.”

John at the University Mall.

Shared Sense of Innocence

The Peer Buddy Programme focuses on one-on-one companionship and meaningful sharing between buddies and freshmen. This support is not merely a one-way form of guidance; it resembles the mutual encouragement shared between friends walking side by side.

For Cindy, this connection holds particular significance. Paired with her buddy, Winsley — who is not only a senior nursing student but also a member of the previous four cabinets of the student organisation Cindy joined — she found that their shared experiences deepened their bond.

Winsley, in her role as a buddy, prefers to view herself as a friend. “It’s like helping a friend who is still unfamiliar with the environment to gradually learn more about this place,” she explained. She treats their relationship as a mutual exchange, “Instead of acting as a mentor, I lend a helping hand when she needs one. At the same time, Cindy also shares her perspectives with me, which prompts me to re-evaluate certain things.”

Cindy’s journey reminded Winsley that every new cohort of students embarks on their CUHK journey bearing that same sense of innocence. “We all experience a similar haze of confusion and uncertainty—wondering what MMW (Mong Man Wai Building) and ERB (William M W Mong Engineering Building) are, and inevitably feeling shy in the early stages of social interactions.”

However, as time passes by, these insecurities evolve into integral parts of one’s growth. “As the years go by, you gradually adapt and learn your own way to get along with others,” Winsley said.

On cabinet inauguration day of the Nethersole School of Nursing Students’ Association at United College, Cindy (front row, 2^nd right) serves as cabinet secretary.

Cindy (left) and Winsley (right) often meet up for a chat.

Bridging the Distance

Fostering connections among UC freshmen through a variety of activities and creating a close-knit community is another core aspect of the Peer Buddy Programme. Over the past five months, the programme has organised events such as CU campus hunt, board game night, and CUHK trivia quiz competition, as well as off-campus activities like war game experience and barbecue gathering. These events not only provide a relaxed setting to enhance students’ understanding of the campus but also help to bring people closer.

John described every event as unforgettable, with vivid details etching in his memory. More importantly, these gatherings allowed him to feel closer with his buddy and other freshmen. The programme offered him a valuable platform to meet many kind-hearted peers. “Everyone is so friendly. My buddy is always willing to help, no matter if it’s academic concerns, college events, or uncertainties about course selection. This programme has also helped me meet many more interesting people.”

For Cindy, the moments spent socialising outside of campus leave a lasting impression. “These off-campus gatherings allowed us to have a great time by chatting and having fun. It feels like actually hanging out with friends.” Setting their academic pressure aside, they can simply share their life updates and interesting stories in a more relaxed atmosphere.

The University Life You Desired

Five months later, both John and Cindy find their university lives richly fulfilling. John has established his own rhythm, eagerly anticipating the experience of dorm life and the opportunity to apply for an overseas exchange programme. Meanwhile, Cindy juggles her academic responsibilities and involvement in student organization affairs, hoping to get closer to her peers by attending classes together and creating joyful memories through gatherings.

As Winsley reflected on her university journey in her role as a buddy, she emphasized the unique college system at CUHK, “The university comprises both majors and colleges, and the college experience is a vital and distinctive element.” She encouraged freshmen to immerse themselves in college activities such as UC Sing (聯唱), UC Bun (聯繽), and UC Feast for a Thousand (千人宴), stating, “Once you graduate, you might not find a group of friends willing to come together in this way again.”

While the days in university felt abundant, they slipped away in a blink. “Even though the classes require high attendance, there’s still ample free time,” Winsley said. It can be spent resting or, perhaps more importantly, learning new things. However, freshmen often find themselves embroiled in the challenges of adapting to a new environment, soon to face the heavier demands of coursework and internships, all while preparing for graduation and the future. All of a sudden, time seems to vanish.

She particularly encouraged freshmen to seize opportunities, such as overseas exchanges. “Sometimes, missing a single email or piece of information can result in losing a chance to create significant life memories.” Winsley encouraged her peers to explore their interests and engage in activities they are passionate about, as higher year levels come with increased responsibilities, limiting both time and energy.

“The years in university—those four or five years—are a rare period for you to discover and develop yourself,” she said. Now in her fifth year, she laughed that she still felt like a freshman who had just stepped onto the campus.