The HKU is a public research university, which is the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong…read more There are so many stairs here and there surrounding the campus, and expect hiking from spot to spot, and currently ongoing construction has made it less convenient.

Warning: it's apparently a review with very biased views as this is my alma mater…read more All these things are some of the best, if not THE best, in Hong Kong education: 1. Although the Hong Kong education system as a whole has been criticized as spoon-fed education, HKU is one of the better places actually requiring critical thinking. (For god's sake, some of the other universities here in town still take attendance at glass to make sure everyone's presence.) 2. Its network of people due to its longest history of establishment in Hong Kong. You can't work in any major companies in Hong Kong without meeting at least some alumni. I'm being realistic here, but the connections may help you in a way you don't even realize. 3. Fairly consistent quality in terms of teachers, students and other supports, across all curricula. But these things happening these days too.. ah well, I have noticed them, but since I've since graduated, I don't really care anymore: 1. For exchange students, there's a strong trend skewing towards Mainland Chinese students. I have no problem with Chinese students, but the diversity of different nationalities is what makes exchange program works. It may be politically correct, but it doesn't help the University. 2. It's not really a campus, it's just a "collection of buildings" in the city. It gets worse after they expended the campus further west. You don't really feel like you are studying in a proper campus, like CUHK or HKUST. Ah well, I didn't really mind when I started, after all, I chose the other factors listed above over a nicer campus, but it seems like now something is missed that I never had a real campus life.

The Centennial Campus is where I always have my lessons. You can see from its name, it was…read moreestablished when HKU reached its centenary in 2012. We may define the campus starting from the Haking Wong Building at the West gate to Cheng Yu Tung Tower. The facilities there are recently constructed and new. One of the must-go site is on the Ground Floor (4/F of the Haking Wong Building) - the red brick wall with the university's name and logo - you may catch a glimpse of the photo. Yes, because of them, it's become another symbol of the university. There are several pieces of grassland beside. The grassland was quite nice and I loved sitting there and chatting with my buddies during lunchtime or after class. When it was autumn the breeze was mild and sitting there was just relaxing. Yet perhaps since the grassland got frequently trampled on, the soil became poor and now the university forbids us from stepping on it. If you love spending your spare time on grassland, you may go to the Centennial Garden on the 1/F. It's just finished construction and I'm sure that lots of people will be there after class! As an Arts student, I still prefer having lessons in the Main Building rather than the Centennial Campus. You know, the ambience matters. The Centennial Campus is just too new! But sadly I've never had lectures there... Anyway, the Centennial Campus has its perks as well. There are plenty of restaurants such as Union Restaurant, Delifrance, Grove, Super Super Congee & Noodles, so we don't need to rush to the main campus to have our meal. We may buy a cup of coffee from Starbucks during the lecture break too! Another factor is transportation. If you go from Kowloon or the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, you can get off at the West gate, where you can get to Haking Wong Building by walking up the stairs and then taking the lift. You can go back by reaching the Hill Road bus stop through the flyover called '勁過橋' (Super-pass Bridge as directly translated) right next to the Run Run Shaw Tower. When the university's MTR station was put into practice, reaching the campus will be even more convenient! As to learning facilities, most of them are relatively clean and new. The Chi Wah Learning Commons, Music Library and Law Library are the ideal places for study.

A sleek, clean educational building conveniently located in Causeway Bay? Oh, yes. There are plenty…read moreof food options in the area, so if you're taking a late-night class, you can still grab some food before you go home. There are small break-out areas on most floors, which are great for studying or holding group meetings. Be weary of when you need to get to class -- lines for the elevator can get quite long during peak hours. Similarly, don't be surprised if you need to wait for a few elevators to go by after class is over to take you back downstairs.

I love ESF Hillside! The principal, Chris Duncan, is great and so are all the teachers. My…read moredaughter attended K1 and K2 there. Every day, she is excited to go to school and loves her classmates and teachers. As part of the IB program, the students here learn in units of inquiries and they get exposed to a lot of topics such as the nature and social responsibility. If you want Chinese program, this is not the place for you. Mandarin is taught only once a week, and about 20 minutes each. The primary language is English. The teachers do an excellent job preparing the kids for Primary. They learn a lot of basic skills and are all confident young individuals when they graduate. I have only great things to say about ESF Hillside!

The English School Foundation (ESF) was formed in 1967 to cater for children of local expatriates,…read morepredominantly English and a lot of them were civil servants working out here at the time. They have developed since then, growing to some 20 -odd schools at all levels at this moment. I was lucky enough to have attended Shatin College for some time and I would say that the ESF is an education body that really does care for its students. Without getting all teary eyed, my school years were filled with opportunities that could not be had if the school was a local one. The ESF invests heavily on extra curriculum activities and it affords its student many different facilities that would simply out of the question if it had not been for the immense resources of the education body (the ESF had been funded by the government during all these years; being withdrawn gradually now). Every year there seems to be more facilities being made available to students and given the British curriculum (as well as the IB now being introduced) being taught, it gives students more time and flexibility to develop their interests and I truly believe that it does provide children with a more dynamic childhood. The fees are being raise every year as government funding is being cut back and understandably there will be heavier burden on parents to chip in where the government had paid the bill before. I believe though (and I'm not the only one given the rumoured 3 year waiting list); that for your child this is still worth it.

Just finished a 3 month Mandarin Chinese course at Q Language. Perfect experience. Student visa…read moreprocessing, housing arrangement & amazingly effective lessons. The Centre is right next to the MTR and free coffee, tea, water, magazines etc. Met lots of cool people and already planning another trip next year..Thanks Q !

I was at this place to learn Chinese. Really bad facility. The classroom is very small and smells…read more No toilet paper in the toilet and this happened very often. And only one toilet on the whole floor. Many times we had to go downstairs to a coffee shop just to use the toilets.

My dear dear Alma Mater!!!!…read more I have to say I am who I am today largely because of it. I spent all 7 years in KGV and most friends I have now in Hong Kong, I have either met then, or through people I met there. When I was studying, I really took it for granted, but looking back, it's a great school. Arguably one of the best in Hong Kong I think. I mean, come on! we have a big ass field, basketball courts, tennis courts, pool. Our facilities are one of the top and without the huge price tag or stress. (I'm not sure how DBS boys study so hard AND have time for extra curricular to make use of the facilities?) There were many fun activities throughout the year including dance shows, music competitions, battle of the bands, spring fair, etc. But I think KGV really teaches you (and not just the teachers, but the students) to be humble and well-rounded. We're well off but we're not snooty and know the value of money, even the super rich ones! Also many students come out in all disciplinarians. Many in finance, doctors, law, art, fashion, music, teaching. It's really a wide variety and many didn't get it through connections either =p. Students graduate going to top universities whether it's in UK, US, Oz, Canada, HK, etc. I believe KGV also has a very high average IB score now too! I've had many good and bad times in KGV, but I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Although once I have kids, I would probably just pick the school most convenient to us, but I will try my very best to put them in an ESF school. The teachers are great too. Many of us are still facebook friends, although I don't really see them anymore. Speaking of which, I should really plan a visit back to school =) *** Tips: Just send your kids here Favourities: Facilities, people, teachers, heritage/traditions Meh: None I can think of right now! When I got scolded I guess? Last words: I would go back if I could!

We had a great time visiting Baumhaus while visiting family in Hong Kong!…read more If you've got a toddler in a big city, you know it can be a tough and overwhelming environment. We were so grateful for the oasis provided by Baumhaus - it's truly so wonderful to have somewhere to go where your little one can just be themselves in a safe and enriching environment. All of the staff were incredibly kind and sweet with my daughter and our drinks & food at the cafe were delicious. I wish were local so that we could visit more often. 10/10!

I've seen ads for this playgroup around town for a couple months and I finally have attended their…read moreclasses. I wish I had sooner! This center for young children ages 0 - 7, is one of the best musical playgroup centers that I have attended with my son. First, Using the Kindermusick Method, the children are learning complex musical ideas in a easy going way. But, Secondly, what makes them different from other musical centers is that their instructors can REALLY sing, REALLY well. I see that my son and his classmates are more tuned in when they have an instructor that has a beautiful voice. The children are that much more engaged and I myself, as a parent, really appreciate the class. Thirdly, the play area is very nice and well thought out. The jungle-gym reminds me of the Waldorf educational method which promotes an environment with an emphasis on natural materials. This would mean that the gym would lack bright colors like most other playgrounds, but the unique structure is still aesthetically pleasing, very safe, challenging but achievable, and my son loves to play in and out of it. Fourth, they have a cafe area where you can order a cup of coffee and snacks while your child plays or has class. GREAT IDEA. Do they have wifi for your computer? I'm not sure, but I did see some mom's with their laptops out. Secondly, we celebrated my son's birthday with his friends at Baumhaus. We ended up paying about 4400 HKD for 2 hours of time - 1hour was a kindermusick class. (Again, the class: so fun!) We also had 900$ credit to use at the cafe. You are free to bring your own food as well. We brought cakes, cookies, and 2 other small main dishes. I believe that our 2 hours became more like 2.5 hours but I appreciate that they were really patient with us as we wrapped up. I would definitely celebrate here again.