Webpage for New Students | United College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

LARGE-SCALE STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The College encourages students to strike a well balance between academic studies and non-formal education activities. The College hopes that students can actively participate and organise activities. Every year, the College forms Organising Committee to plan for four large-scaled student activities, including Orientation Camp, Anniversary Student Activities, Singing Contest and UC Bun. Through these activities, it is expected that student can learn to cooperate with peers, improve their communication and time management skills, enhance their leadership, and increase their sense of belongings to United College.

ORIENTATION CAMP

Orientation Camp

The College Orientation Camp is held in late August every year. Through the four-day-three-night camp, the Organising Committee aims at helping freshmen to understand University life and establish networks. Through a series of mass games and theme activities, they can gain knowledge in the College and reflect on the role of University students and plan for their undergraduate studies.

Notes to Participants

CHUNG Pui Yu (AIST/ Year 3)

“For freshmen who have just entered university, participating in an Orientation Camp can be seen as writing a vibrant first page of their university life. I was once a newcomer who felt unfamiliar with university life, but the thoughtfully organised activities by the organising committee, together with the warmth from my group leaders, gave me a wonderful start.

Everyone comes to university for different reasons. I hope that within the short four days and three nights of the orientation camp, freshmen can create passionate and unforgettable memories, meet a diverse group of people, fully enjoy themselves, and continue to find their own place in United College—shaping a youth that truly belongs to them.”

MAK Chung Yu (GLSD/Year 4)

“Although the Orientation Camp is often said to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as I approach my fifth orientation camp, it still gives me a different feeling. Last year, I became the President of the orientation camp. Looking back at myself when I first joined the College, I was still a freshman who knew nothing about here.

I am grateful to the seniors who brought me into this big family. They made me feel a different kind of youth and passion, starting my exciting university life from the orientation camp.

I hope future freshmen can have fun at the orientation camp, find friends and partners for the next four years, and continue to discover places that suit them in the college, making the most of their youth.”

YEUNG Sheung Tsun (GRMD/Year 1)

“A year ago, when I asked myself what I envisioned for the future, my answer was that I wanted a vibrant and fulfilling university life! I hope that freshmen joining United College can also experience this sense of youthfulness and pure joy, and together create stories that truly belong to you.”

CHEN Kavin (GCOM/Year 1)

“Through participating in different student societies, I’ve had the chance to meet a wide range of people, all working passionately toward shared goals. To outsiders, this might seem a bit silly or even meaningless, but I believe that meaning is something you define for yourself. What kind of meaning you want to find, and what kind of story you want to create during these four years, is now yours to decide and shape.”

CHAN Suet Ning (HTMG/Year 1)

“Stepping into the university campus for the first time, it would be a lie to say I wasn’t nervous. Everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. Thankfully, United College helped me gradually find a sense of belonging. From Orientation Camp to shouting College cheers and staying up late to meet deadlines—these moments are the most genuine parts of our youth. “

Anniversary Student Activities

Opening Ceremony of Student Celebration Activities

The College Anniversary Student Activities are held in mid-October every year. Main activities include UC Run, Open Bazzar, Birthday Party and Feast for a thousand, etc. Apart from students, College stakeholders, such as College Trustees, staff and alumni will join the celebration to share the joy and celebrate College’s Anniversary.

OR Chung Tin (PSYC/Year 5)

“United College Anniversary is the first ‘team experience’ that every freshman has the opportunity to take part in. I still remember arriving on campus three years ago—new and unfamiliar. Under the guidance and care of senior students, I was introduced to the Anniversary and became involved in its preparation. It was through this experience that I grew to love United College.
The Anniversary is like a carnival—an annual celebration that always draws you in and keeps you fully engaged. It brings together many like-minded companions, with whom you create memories day and night, and share the ups and downs of university life.
Everyone can have a different university experience, but for UC students, the Anniversary is an indispensable part of it.”

Singing Contest

The College Singing Contest is held around February every year. Through the contest and guest performance, the Organising Committee aims at providing opportunities to students to show their talents and organising a cultural activity in good quality. Other than solo and group singing, the Organising Committee also invites student associations to join the contest for adding more fun.

Joey Lau (BECE/Year 3)

“In my opinion, the United College Singing Contest 2026 is more than just an event, it is a truly unforgettable experience. From the very beginning of the preparation to every detail on the event day, I deeply felt the power of teamwork. Although there were challenges, it was everyone’s support and effort that helped bring Singing Contest 26 to life step by step. What I cherish most is meeting a group of new friends. We all tried our best, used our own strengths, and worked towards the same goal together. The success of Singing Contest 26 came from the hard work and dedication of every organising committee member. I am truly grateful to have been part of it, and I sincerely appreciate United College for providing such a valuable platform for students to unleash their potential. I hope this passion and sense of unity will continue, allowing students to shine in their own fields in the future.”

UC Bun

UC Bun is held in March every year. Through a week’s activities, the Organising Committee aims at organising creative group activities and mass games. Every year, the theme and game formats will be different. It is hoped that the event will help to relieve the students’ study pressure with a relaxing, joyful, and friendly atmosphere.

Jason Mak (FTEC/Year 3)

“UC Bun is a truly magical place. From freshman to senior year, every year between January and March, there is always a group of people working together with passion. We laugh together, cry together, dream together, and explore the unknown together. We brainstorm and create a UC Bun that belongs exclusively to that specific year—whether it’s a roller coaster, a haunted house, or completely uncharted territory. As long as you dare to dream it, you can absolutely make it happen.

I am so grateful to be a part of this. I sincerely hope that more students will join us in the future to experience this joy. At United College, at UC Bun, you will definitely find what you are looking for—perhaps it’s unleashing your creativity, or maybe it’s making a whole new group of friends. As long as you are willing to take that first step, your vision will undoubtedly become a reality here.”

Further Details of All Large-scaled Student Activities

Hostel Life

There are five student hostels in United College, Adam Schall Residence, Bethlehem Hall, Hang Seng Hall, Chan Chun Ha Hostel and Choi Kai Yau Residence. Together, they offer a total of 1,551 hostel places for UC students. The College is situated on a beautiful campus with scenic surroundings, and some hostel rooms face Tolo Harbour. The five student hostels each have their own unique characteristics and culture. All students are given the opportunity to stay in student hostels for at least one year during their studies to experience hostel life and build friendships.

	Types of Room	Male	Female	Total
Adam Schall Residence	Triple Room	215	230	445
Bethlehem Hall	Single*/Double/Converted Room (Double/Triple)	97	131	228
Hang Seng Hall	Double Room	142	144	286
Chan Chun Ha Hostel	Double/Converted Triple Room	141	201	342
Choi Kai Yau Residence	Double Room	98	152	250

Adam Schall Residence

Residents' Associations

Adam Schall Residence

Hostel Website

Student Organisations

Students can join different student bodies, including different Resident Associations, Non-residential Halls, different interest groups and departmental societies. There are over 20 organisations involved, which are all self-administered on a yearly re-election basis, striving for better benefits for their members and organising various non-formal educational activities for College students. Their interest widely spread across academic, cultural and arts, sports, and music.

Leadership Training Society - UC Photo Day

Sharing from Student Leaders

Mok Ka Man (2025/NURS)

“On the UC Debate Team’s social media, the phrase ‘UC Debate Team is our home’ caught my attention. Initially, I dismissed it as a clichéd slogan, but over time, it has come to encapsulate my experience with the team. Throughout the year, we participated in more than ten games, both large and small. In the days leading up to each competition, I spent more time with my teammates than with my own family. Our brainstorming sessions were endless, fueled by heartwarming snacks from one another. Even when disagreements arose, laughter followed after every game. UC Debate Team truly feels like our home—a place where we find belonging, even in precarious situations.”

Thomas Yeung (IERG/Year 4)

“Singing along to popular songs with friends while participating in the UC Choir was the most memorable Tuesday I have ever had in my undergraduate study. UC Choir provides hours of relaxation and rejuvenation, free from academic pressures, as we sing Christmas carols, hallelujahs, and other popular English songs. My favorite moments involve singing with my heart and enjoying life, especially when I’m surrounded by my peers. When I sing well and project a beautiful melody, I feel a sense of accomplishment. And when we harmonise correctly, the resulting sound is both effective and sweet.”

Choy Tsz Ying Christy (25/LAWS)

“It is a fruitful experience to be one of the members of the United College Cantonese Debating Team this year. I was given many chances to polish my debating skills and learn new things, ranging from local issues like the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme to global issues like Catalonia’s bid for independence. Thanks to United College for being so supportive during the difficult time during COVID-19.”

Seok Sangwoo (25/ECON)

“I am truly happy and honoured to have the opportunity to be one of the members of United College. I was a person who put personal success before the community’s cooperation. However, many events and activities we have done helped me to completely change my perspectives and philosophy. The language improvement project offered by United college not only helped me to improve my English but gave me great opportunities to meet friends from diverse cultures. Also, UC United Club (UCUC) gave me duty as a treasurer and this made me feel more responsible. I really appreciated learning how to get along with others, how to admit the differences, and how to respect others. I will be contributing more to United college as a bridge through which many students can communicate in CUHK. I am looking forward to embarking upon our new adventure in CUHK.”

Lam Ho Ka Alan (ELED/Year 3)

“Being in the CUHK United College Toastmasters Club has been deeply rewarding. As a member, I had the chance to practice public speaking in a highly supportive environment, listen to engaging stories from my peers, receive insightful feedback from evaluators, and make a lot of friends. Besides, I learned a lot through dialogues with Toastmasters from corporate and community clubs. Sponsored by the College, I also had the opportunity to emcee a Toastmasters Conference held outside of Hong Kong. Working as the president taught me leadership and management skills, and reaching out to invite guests helped me build networking skills. These experiences truly made me a better speaker, communicator, and leader.”

Chan Ka Ying (ELED/Year 2)

“When I was in Year 1, I learned about the UC Toastmasters Club via email and decided to sign up with my friends. Looking back, it was definitely a fulfilling experience. Every meeting, we practiced our public speaking skills on stage and motivated each other to improve. After that, we had our usual night snack and bonded with one another. Drawn in by the club’s warmth, I joined the ExCo in Year 2 and watched our membership soar past 90. I am truly grateful for all the joy and memories that UCTMC has brought me.”

Leung Shun Hin, Alex (ABS/Year 1)

“United College is a big family made up of people from diverse backgrounds. I am glad to have found a club within UC that I love a lot — UC Toastmasters Club. It is a place where people can express their thoughts freely, without stress or judgment. Even though I am not a very sociable person, I have been able to make a close group of friends there. I believe that no matter what kind of person you are, United College will always have a place where you belong.”

Wong Miranda Toledo (BCHE/Year 3)

“When we first joined the UC Multimedia Production Team, we lacked experience in film production. However, fueled by our enthusiasm for creating videos, we gradually acquired knowledge about shooting techniques and gained experience through repeated participation in various shoots. Despite my limited background in film production, I had the opportunity to shoot a promotional video for the college. I was involved in every aspect, from scriptwriting to filming and post-production. This experience significantly deepened my understanding of film production, and I aspire to create even higher-quality videos through the lens.”

WONG Ho Lam Davy (PSYC/Year 2)

“Joining the Leadership Training Society has been a joyful journey for me. Unlike traditional leadership programmes, the activities here have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, build my confidence, and take on new challenges. Through these experiences, I have had the opportunity to try a variety of activities and discover potential I had never realised before. Along the way, I have also created many meaningful and unforgettable memories.”

LIU Tsz Ching (ECON/ Year 2)

“Through a wide range of activities, we stepped beyond the familiar campus environment, boldly broke through limitations beyond the classroom, and deepened our understanding of ourselves. This journey has not only cultivated our collaborative skills but also allowed us to accumulate many unforgettable and meaningful memories.”

Learn More about Student Organisations

Vitality