INDUCTION WEEK MAY conjure images of late nights of celebration but universities also offer a variety of informative programmes to ensure students make a smooth transition to their new life.
Student associations and unions, faculties, student halls and university departments individually organise activities, including formal welcoming ceremonies, to help acquaint new students with the campus, develop the skills to succeed and have a good time.
'[Induction week] is fun but tiring,' said Wong Chi-tim, assistant director of student affairs at Hong Kong Baptist University. He added that it helped build a sense of community.
As part of its Personal Transformation programme for first-year students, the university tests them on social, spiritual and intellectual development, and offers workshops to help them in these areas.
At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, students are 'bombarded with information' in the first week about clubs and activities offered throughout the relatively light first semester, said John Chan, a counsellor in the student affairs office.
The University of Hong Kong has events and workshops on career education, health and study skills throughout the year, in addition to activities organised by the student union and associations.