Events

University life is a time of academic pursuit, personal growth and development, as well as a time of challenge! It is our pleasure to facilitate you to learn, to explore and to flourish in your time at HKUST. The beginning is very important for all new students in understanding and knowing how to adjust to the new academic, social and cultural environment so that you are ready to unfold an enjoyable and fruitful university life.

Our Counseling team sincerely invites all International Students to join this orientation program with a psychological perspective tailor-made for non-local newcomers.

Medium of Instruction: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

It's easy for GPA to start feeling like everything - especially in the University of Stress and Tension. University life often brings academic pressure, grade comparison and concerns about GPA. This workshop explores why results can feel personal and how academic pressure affects motivation, focus and confidence. Through practical strategies and psychological insights, you will learn healthier ways to manage academic stress, respond to results, and build a sense of self-worth that goes beyond numbers on a transcript.

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: Cantonese

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

In our demanding world, prioritizing mental well-being is crucial. Let's explore various dimensions of self-care and how these intentional practices can significantly enhance your resilience, manage stress, and foster overall mental health. Discover how to build a personalized "toolkit" that empowers you to proactively support your mind, prevent burnout, and live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Self-care isn't selfish; it's fundamental.

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

University life is a time of growth and development, as well as a time of transition and challenge! It is our goal to facilitate you to prepare, to explore and to flourish in your coming university years. Let us get you started for your understanding and knowledge on how to adjust to the new environment in order to pursue a fruitful university life.

Our Counseling team sincerely invites all Mainland Students to join this orientation program tailor-made for non-local new comers.

大学里的生活是充满成长，发展以及适应和挑战的机会！我们期待陪伴你为大学生活做好准备，积极探索，力求一个充实的大学生活。那么，一起来增加了解和适应这个新环境吧。

我们辅导团队特此邀请你参加专门为内地新生举办的迎新活动，令你更能装备好自己步入大学多姿多采的生活。

Medium of Instruction: Putonghua

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Stepping into university can be challenging, especially as a member of gender/sexual minority. This practical workshop goes beyond basic LGBTQ+ awareness to cover real-world coping skills. Using techniques from affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy, participants will learn to navigate minority stress, practice grounding tools, cultivate self-compassionate thoughts, and engage in affirming activities. Specific focus will be put on handling campus situations such as microaggressions, coming-out decisions, and building connections.

This workshop welcomes any freshmen who identify as LGBTQ+ or allies. Walk away feeling more hopeful and prepared to thrive at HKUST!

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: Cantonese

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a practical approach to express yourself honestly while listening to others with empathy. In this workshop, you will explore its basics through concept overviews, role‑play, and empathy listening exercises. By blending theory with interactive practice, the workshop supports you in building healthier relationships and greater self‑awareness as you adjust to campus life.

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Emotion is our instinct. However, believe it or not, many of us may misinterpret, ignore or suppress our seemingly inborn emotional response. This workshop will help you understand more about our emotions and their association with stress in building resilience. Strategies on effective mood management will also be explored. Just come along! You may have a lesson on how to manage your own emotions and turn the perceived obstacles into treasure.

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

The pursuit of happiness is something we all strive for. But what does it truly mean to be happy? Does it require earning a lot of money, looking a certain way, or constantly hitting major milestones?

In this workshop, we will explore the science of happiness through psychological theories, interactive practices, and practical daily habits you can build. This session is designed to help you cultivate deeper self-awareness, offering tools to help you navigate the inevitable ups and downs of university life in a healthier, more empowering, and enjoyable way.

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Starting university is exciting, yet it can also be challenging and stressful. In the face of new challenges and transitions, resilience plays a key role in how you adapt and grow. This workshop explores how your thoughts and beliefs affect your emotions and behaviours. You will also learn practical ways to develop more balanced and resilient thinking patterns, enabling you to better cope with life’s challenges and frustrations.

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: Cantonese

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

This workshop invites students to explore the foundations of meaningful relationships through the lens of psychology. Participants will deepen their self‑understanding, learning how personal values, emotions, and communication styles shape the way they connect with others. Through interactive activities, you will practice empathy skills that foster trust and inclusivity, while also developing strategies for boundary setting — balancing closeness with independence. By the end, students will gain practical tools and useful resources to build supportive friendships that enhance both personal wellbeing and community belonging.

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Depression is one of the strongest predictors of mental health crises and can significantly affect students’ academic pursuits and overall university experience. This workshop aims to raise awareness of depression by discussing its prevalence, symptoms, and treatability. Most importantly, it emphasizes the value of early intervention in minimizing negative impacts on study and social life. A brief overview of other mental health concerns will also be included, such as bipolar affective disorder, anxiety disorders, and psychosis. 

Remarks: This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.5 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.

Medium of Instruction: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Using coffee brewing as a medium for mindfulness practice, this workshop invites participants to consciously engage their five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—through a guided sensory coffee experience. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee unfolds, participants are encouraged to slow down, become present, and cultivate a sense of inner calm.

Building on this mindful experience, participants will then combine coffee beans and coffee grounds with art materials to create their own coffee-inspired artwork. This creative process provides a relaxing space to express present emotions and inner perceptions in a reflective and imaginative way.

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Workshop Language: Cantonese

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(This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the "Personal Enrichment & Community Service' category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 2 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10mins.)

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(The deposit will be refunded via autopay in approximately two weeks after the workshop completed. Please make sure your bank account details are up to date in the Student Information System (SIS).)