Events

Freshmen year? It’s not too early to plan for study abroad

Studying abroad will be one of your most memorable and impactful experiences. Everyone can have a study abroad experience. It’s important to plan early. The earliest you can study abroad is Year 1 Winter Term (i.e., this coming January).

Join this session to get information about study abroad options, application processes, funding support to finance your study abroad, and other resources provided by HKUST.

An Emotional Flu: Depression (Zoom) [HMAW1905 Recognised]

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: Cantonese

PRIDE in Practice: Campus Coping for LGBTQ+ Students & Allies (Zoom) [HMAW1905 Recognised]

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: English 

Science School Orientation - MAGNET Party 2026

The School of Science has prepared a wide range of activities and music performance to welcome the new students to join our big family. It offers an excellent opportunity for you to explore yourself, enlarge your social network and make some new friends.

Date: 31 Aug 2026 (Mon)
Time: 14:00-16:30 (Registration starts at 13:45) (TBC)
Venue: S. H. Ho Sports Hall, HKUST

Science School T-shirts will be distributed to freshmen on the event day. Collect at our registration counter while stocks last!

Kindly fill out this form by 28th Aug (12 noon) to confirm your attendance! See you at the Party! 

Inquiries:
advise@ust.hk
Office of Academic Advising and Support
School of Science

Getting Started@HKUST

HKUST is full of opportunities and possibilities - the secret of getting ahead is getting started! In this session, you will find out how ready you are for three aspects of transition into the university. You will also discover the wide range of resources that support you in tailoring your path to make the most of your university experience.

 

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 10 mins.

Enquiry email: dstohmw@ust.hk

CREATE: Play Stations!

When was the last time you really just played — no goal, no grade, no right answer? In this hands-on workshop, you'll rotate through various creative stations that include music instruments, figurines and LEGOSs, painting, and sensory objects. No artistic skill required, nothing to get "right." Just bring your curiosity and let play do what it does best: spark creativity and show you something new about yourself.

This workshop is part of Project CREATE – an initiative designed to enhance students’ wellbeing and resilience through expressive arts.

Remarks: 

  • Successful registrants will receive confirmation via email. 
  • Students won't be allowed to join the workshop after it has started for 10 minutes.
  • This is a HMAW1905-recognized workshop series in the “Personal Enrichment & Community Service” category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905. You must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 minutes to get 1.5 hours.
  • The event is fully subsidized by the Dean of Students’ Office (DSTO). If you are unable to participate in the event as scheduled, you should send a written notification to ucreate@ust.hk as soon as possible but no later than 26 August 2026 (Tue). If you withdraw after the deadline or cannot fully attend the program with legitimate reasons supported by proof (illness or an exam conflict), DSTO reserves the right to charge you HK$50 program fee.

This workshop is part of Project CREATE – an initiative designed to enhance students’ wellbeing and resilience through expressive arts.

Inquiry: ucreate@ust.hk

Experience Sports Workshops (*HMAW1905-RECOGNIZED)

Join our Experience Sports Workshops on 27 and 28 August 2026. These sessions are expertly facilitated by our dedicated Sports Tutors, who are selected and trained HKUST Sports Leaders to guide you through at least two HKUST sports activities per 2-hour workshop. You'll also have the opportunities to connect with other freshmen and sports leaders.

Freshmen are welcome to participate one workshop per day.

Advanced registration is required. Students attending the workshop MUST wear sportswear and non-marking sports shoes.

Let’s play sports together to kick-start your university experience on a high note and discover the numerous benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.

 

Remark:
This is a recognized event in the "Self-directed Experience" component of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. You need to attend the event in full to get 2 hours.

On Your Mark! Get Set! (Compulsory for International Students) (Zoom)

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

More Than Your GPA: Managing Academic Stress & Self-Worth in University (In-person) [HMAW1905 Recognised]

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

 

Building Your Self-Care Toolkit: Essential Practices for a Healthy Mind (In-person) [HMAW1905 Recognised]

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

University Years to Go (Compulsory for Mainland Students) (Zoom)

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

PRIDE in Practice: Campus Coping for LGBTQ+ Students & Allies (In-person) [HMAW1905 Recognised]

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