Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Participants will learn how to harness generative AI tools to boost productivity, creativity, and everyday problem-solving in both personal and professional contexts in this workshop.

Participants can build a thermoelectric model car to experience how semiconductor engineering transforms heat into motion through hands-on exploration of energy conversion in this workshop.

Operated by the Media Technology and Publishing Center (MTPC), the Creative Media Zone (CMZ) provides the space, tools, and technical support to promote interactivity, creativity, and media literacy on campus.

Special highlight of this year's tour
A brand-new Printshop tour: Witness the fascinating magic of 3D printing in action. Stay tuned for more information.

(The tour commences at the Creative Media Zone on LG1 of the Library and finishes at the Printing Shop (Room 3104) on the 3rd floor. Please allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes for the full tour)

Facilities include:

• AV Equipment Loan
• Studio and VR Experience
• Laser Cutter and 3D Printer
• Adobe Creative Cloud suite, e.g. Photoshop, Premiere, Firefly, etc
• ID Photo Service (periodic)

More services on our website: https://cmz.hkust.edu.hk/

Please note:
If the number of daily registrants falls below 3, the orientation tour scheduled for that day will be postponed to the same time on the following day. We appreciate your understanding.

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.

Sailing Helmsman Clinic