What is the experience of studying at HKUST(GZ)? Here are our seniors‘ answers

For those who are considering applying to HKUST(GZ) for undergraduate studies, you may be curious about what it's like to study at this innovative university. To shed some light on the topic, we have invited seven seniors from the "Redbird MPhil Program 1st Cohort" to share their experiences after one year of study.

01
Ronghe QIU, who is currently attending a robot exhibition in Munich
A member of the TOP5 team from the Robothon Competition

HKUST(GZ) provides us extensive freedom to explore, enabling us to gain a better understanding of our interests and pursue our goals. At the same time, we can easily connect with fellow students with diverse academic and professional backgrounds, forming research groups that fuse interdisciplinary skills and expertise. This is highly significant for our research and entrepreneurial endeavors. At HKUST(GZ), we are constantly encouraged to explore different possibilities, to challenge ourselves and try new things. We have the opportunity to meet many ambitious students who are passionate about social issues and committed to using their research or work to address these challenges. The culture of social responsibility fosters a strong atmosphere for scientific and technological innovation, while also embracing humanistic values.

02
Yiting HE, who is currently discussing with Ronghe QIU about what to have for lunch
A member of the TOP5 team from the Robothon Competition

The first semester at HKUST(GZ) was a brand-new experience for us. We formed teams, disbanded them, and then reassembled to complete challenge projects, exploring different research directions. In the second semester, our team stabilized and successfully completed the Robothon Challenge based on our earlier challenge projects. These experiences led us to showcase HKUST(GZ) and the Redbird MPhil Program to the world at the automatica exhibition in Germany. HKUST(GZ) is a university without limitations. As long as you have ideas and are willing to put them into practice, each individual will receive support and assistance from all angles.

03
Jing YU, who is currently doing charity work on the Kunlun Mountains
The lead singer and a member of the Tencent Philanthropy Venture Capital Program project team

Since joining HKUST(GZ) a year ago, I have participated in challenge projects as part of the Redbird MPhil Program, exploring the joys of interdisciplinary fusion projects with students from different majors. In this highly international, interdisciplinary, and inclusive university, my life experiences have expanded significantly. Whether it's participating in band activities, sports, or actively engaging in inter-school exchanges, I have deeply felt the charm of a highly internationalized university. The first cohort of undergraduate students at HKUST(GZ) will begin their studies this September. To those considering applying, I want to say: you can rest assured and look forward to a bright future that belongs to you!

04
Eby, who dances with fire while working
A member of the award-winning team from the FinTech Olympiad Competition 2023

HKUST(GZ) has been a significant turning point in my life. Looking back on the past year, I started with an ambitious challenge project aimed at promoting the school's transition to a zero-carbon campus. I then delved into technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and carbon capture and storage, which I had no prior knowledge of, and worked with my team members to study academic papers. Now, I am beginning to write papers myself, covering topics ranging from policy frameworks to code, green finance to decarbonization pathways. I have come a long way from being an underachieving student to becoming an excellent one! As someone who returned to school after years of work experience, academic research has been a relatively long process for me. However, I am fortunate to have the support of my mentors and classmates, which has allowed me to achieve small milestones in both academic research and project work within just one year. "Not everyone is an entrepreneur, but everyone has the courage to try and face challenges."

05
Yucheng LIU, who transformed from "I" to "E" at HKUST(GZ)
A member of the championship team from Hackathon 2023

During my year at HKUST(GZ), I collaborated with academic and project advisors, as well as fellow students, on a team master's thesis project exploring Touching the Metaverse - Metaverse Industry 4.0 Training. We introduced metaverse technology to innovate training methods in the industrial field. Additionally, I proposed and researched a personal sub-topic for my team's master's thesis on using visual interaction solutions to alleviate virtual reality sickness. I was also deeply involved in the Retroverse Bike metaverse cycling project, which reinforced my belief that life has no limits, and that it all begins at HKUST(GZ)!

06
Yuchao ZHUO, who strives to make VR more humane
A member of the championship team from Hackathon 2023

Since starting at HKUST(GZ), I've been introduced to many new disciplines and concepts, such as the metaverse and NFTs. I have a strong interest in VR, and the immersive experience provided by digital environments fascinates me. I'm excited to delve deeper into this field and contribute to VR's development with a design philosophy that emphasizes human empathy. I believe that through innovation and creativity, we can make VR a more approachable and emotionally resonant tool, bringing more joy and practicality to people's lives.

07
Chenghong ZHENG, who is slacking off at the Maker Space
A member of the championship team from Hackathon 2023

The high degree of course selection freedom at HKUST(GZ) has allowed me to explore cutting-edge technologies and gain an understanding of their underlying principles. Additionally, I have developed practical skills in areas such as setting clear goals, enhancing collaboration, and optimizing resources. The engineering culture here is palpable, with fellow students approaching real-world problems with design thinking and engineering perspectives, resulting in projects that are both engaging and beneficial. What stands out most about the university is its sense of "newness," not only in terms of its modern facilities, but also in terms of its innovative teaching, learning, and social concepts, which provide fertile ground for alternative ways of approaching a wide range of issues.