Personal Development & Social Skills
HKU provides you with all the resources and support you need to help you not only to achieve academic goals, but also to pursue personal growth. As you navigate through your university life, it is inevitable to face challenges from different directions. We are here to back you up and equip you with effective coping strategies, transferrable skills, a sense of shared learning and community.
Counselling & Person Enrichment (CoPE)
University life is full of fun and excitement, but you may also feel overwhelmed as you transition to a new environment. The CoPE Team of the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) offers a wide range of services to raise students’ awareness about self-care and mental wellness, empowering you to thrive while coping with challenges in studies and life.
Your mental wellbeing matters just as much as your physical wellbeing. Take some time out every now and then to maintain good self-care by browsing our wellbeing tips and self-help information. If you find yourself in distress and want a safe space to talk about your situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to qualified professionals at CoPE. They provide counselling and psychological services free-of-charge to all current HKU students. Find out how to make an appointment here.
Not only is CoPE a place for students to seek help, but it is also where you discover developmental opportunities for self-exploration and personal enhancement. Person Enrichment programmes are organised by CoPE every semester, which consist of training workshops, interest classes, webinars and social gatherings. Registration usually opens at the beginning of each semester in September and January.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to enrich your life at HKU. Apart from meeting new friends and broadening your skill sets, you will have the opportunity to give back to the society. Look out for external volunteering opportunities and engagement programmes on CEDARS, which would connect you with various community service partners.
General Education
At HKU, your quest for knowledge is never limited by your major or minor. The University strives to promote whole-person education by enhancing students’ general knowledge about global, regional and local issues, encouraging self-reflection and service learning, and cultivating appreciation of cultural diversity, creativity and arts. Explore the General Education Programmes, which are non-credit bearing programmes organised by the General Education (GE) Team of CEDARS. In each academic year, GE curates around 100 courses, talks, seminars, forums, field trips, performances and public events covering a wide array of topics. Registration usually opens at the beginning of each semester in September and January.