Events

The 2030 SDGs Game is not your average orientation event—it's an immersive experience designed to empower you to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. As a global citizen, you'll engage in hands-on simulations that challenge you to address real-world issues and collaborate with others for sustainable solutions. We believe that everyone has the power to make a difference, and this game will equip you with the mindset and skills to thrive in shaping a shared future.

Join us for an unforgettable experience that will transform how you view the world and your role within it. We look forward to seeing you in the future!
 

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The 2030 SDGs Game is a multiplayer, facilitated card-based game inspired by the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals that simulates taking the “real world” into the year 2030. You will meet other new students and work together to explore how to create a prosperous, fair, and sustainable world, while having fun!

• Gain a direct experience of participating in co-creating a sustainable world.
• Stimulate your natural curiosity to understand complex issues in a simplified and enjoyable mean.
• Inspire and motivate you to take action in the real world.

BONUS:

Flex Your Changemaking Muscle, Fueled by Us

Before the Game, would you like to develop your inner changemaker and then putting those skills into practice through an immersive simulation? Attend both the "Skills and Mindset for Impact" workshop in the morning and “The 2030 SDGs Game” in the afternoon, we'll treat you to a free lunch in between! Don't miss this chance to gain essential skills, make an impact, and enjoy good food with your peers. Sign up for "Skills and Mindset for Impact" as well for the fun-filled day!

LANGUAGE

English

REMARKS

1. Sign up also for "Skills and Mindset for Impact" in the morning to qualify for an exclusive lunch with your peers, generously provided by HKUST Connect. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and collaborate!
2. To avoid interruption and hindering the progress of the session, facilitators may not admit participants who are late for more than 10 minutes.

3. This session is 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 full hours (i.e. 2 hrs), you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Register by 23 Aug 2026 (Sun) 11:59pm

ENQUIRY

HKUST Connect (2358-5850 / connect@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: Cantonese

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Welcome to your first year in university! Starting a new chapter in life can be intimidating with all the new environment, new information, and new faces. To make the most out of your university experience, you need courage and determination. And we are here to support you!

In this workshop, you will identify the qualities and mindset of a changemaker. You will also be encouraged to take further actions to build up your changemaking muscles and skills, so you can make positive impacts.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

To identify changemaker qualities and mindsets; and actions that make one a changemaker.

Key Topics:

• What is changemaking and who can be a changemaker
• Changemaker qualities and mindsets
• Actions you can take to develop yourself as a changemaker

BONUS:

Flex Your Changemaking Muscle, Fueled by Us

Want to put your Changemaker muscle into use?  Sign up for "The 2030 SDGs Game: A Simulation Game for Our Shared Future" to tackle global sustainability challenges!

Attend both "The 2030 SDGs Game" in the afternoon and "Skills and Mindset for Impact" workshop in the morning, we'll provide you with a free lunch in between! It'll be a fun-filled day of honing your changemaker mindset and then diving into an immersive simulation to tackle global sustainability challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to gain essential skills, make an impact, and enjoy good food with your peers. Sign up for "The 2030 SDGs Game" as well for the for the fun-filled day!

LANGUAGE

English

REMARKS 

1. Sign up also for "The 2030 SDGs Game: A Simulation Game for Our Shared Future" in the afternoon to qualify for an exclusive lunch with your peers, generously provided by HKUST Connect. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and collaborate!
2. To avoid interruption and hindering the progress of the session, facilitators may not admit participants who are late for more than 10 minutes.

3. This session is 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 full hours (i.e. 1.5 hrs), you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.

REGISTRATION DEADLIN

Register by 23 Aug 2026 (Sun) 11:59pm

ENQUIRY

HKUST Connect (2358-5850 / connect@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

One to Three Star Award Certificate Course in Kayaking

It’s easy to look connected— IG, hall activities, WhatsApp groups—but still feel like you don’t really belong. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore what real connection looks like for you, learn simple ways to move beyond polite small talk, and practice small actions that help friendships grow naturally over time.

You’ll also learn how to handle common friendship stressors in university— one-sided effort, misunderstandings, or drifting apart—so you can build relationships that feel genuine, supportive, and good for your wellbeing.

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

At HKUST, we believe every student, regardless of diverse learning needs, can succeed academically, socially, and personally. This interactive workshop helps new students build confidence and prepare for U‑Life by:

• Receiving expert advice from a senior clinical psychologist on adapting to university life and overcoming transitional challenges
• Learning practical strategies for building friendships and developing support networks on campus
• Gaining study skills and time-management tips to learn more efficiently and effectively
• Discovering HKUST support services available for diverse learners
• Hearing inspiring stories from senior students about their university journeys

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 2 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.
 

The Information Technology Services Office (ITSO) invites new students to join a series of hands-on workshops designed to help them get started with essential digital services at HKUST. Through Workshop A - IT Service Quick Start Guide and Workshop B - Smart Study & AI Productivity Toolkit, participants will learn how to access and utilise key IT resources, including HKUST accounts (SSO), email services, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), On-campus Wi‑Fi connection, Microsoft 365 applications, Virtual Barn, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Generative AI tools, Zoom, Multi-function Printing Facilities, and other computing facilities. The workshops will also introduce cybersecurity best practices and self-help resources that support academic learning and campus life.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The workshops aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilize HKUST's IT services and digital learning environment. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
•    Access and manage essential HKUST IT services, including SSO, MFA, Wi-Fi, email, and Microsoft 365.
•    Utilize digital learning and collaboration tools such as Virtual Barn, VPN, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
•    Understand the Generative AI tools available at HKUST and apply them appropriately for learning and productivity.
•    Manage files securely and follow cybersecurity best practices to protect personal and University information.
•    Identify and access relevant IT resources, self-help materials, and support services available throughout their studies.

WORKSHOPS
You can choose your preferred time slot to participate.

•    A – IT Service Quick Start Guide
Date: 26 August 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am

•    B – Smart Study & AI Productivity Toolkit
Date: 26 August 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

LANGUAGE
English

SPECIAL WELCOME GIFT
Join Workshop A or Workshop B and submit the feedback survey to receive a Special Welcome Gift🎁 from ITSO!

ENQUIRY
Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us at cchelp@ust.hk or visit the Information for Students section of the ITSO website.

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: 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: Cantonese

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk

Transitioning into young adulthood can be exhilarating yet daunting for a university student. Join this workshop, and you will explore how your mindsets impact your emotions, behaviors, and decision-making. Through this journey of self-discovery, you'll learn how to apply growth mindset thinking to navigate through life with confidence and purpose.

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

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: English

Enquiry Email: counsel@ust.hk