As a sequel to?Great Memories and Top Tips from International Grads, we have invited 3 more recent graduates of the Class of 2023 to share their unique university experiences. They are Kyuri Lim, Richard Cornelius Suwandi, and Natasha Celia.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right into their unforgettable memories, life lessons, and tips for their junior peers.

Student 1?

Kyuri Lim

Korean, SME, Diligentia College

Hobbies:?

Playing video games and watching movies with friends

Favourite Place on Campus:

The third floor of the University library

“I think our university has splendid libraries. The interior design is very nice and I can concentrate on my studies there. I can find all the books that I need and there are computers and different seats to work on. There is a round sofa on the third floor. I like to sit there with my friends to study together.”

Kyuri has received a job offer from an international accounting firm, WWC, P.C. in Hong Kong. She plans to pass all 5 HKICPA (Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants) examinations within 2 years and she may work in Hong Kong permanently.?

Student 2?

Richard Cornelius Suwandi

Indonesian，SDS, Harmonia College

Hobbies:?

Playing the guitar and other musical instruments

Favourite Place on Campus:

The Fairy Lake

“When I got stressed or I was just not feeling right, I like walking around the Fairy Lake. The place is so refreshing. I can breathe and relax. It helps calm me down and sometimes I can also get inspiration.?”

Richard graduated?from the School of Data Science as a?Statistics major.?He has received an offer to continue his studies as a PhD student at CUHK-Shenzhen. He joined a? research group as a sophomore and developed his passion for research.

Student 3?

Natasha Celia

Indonesian，SME, Harmonia College

Hobbies:?

Playing the piano and the cello, and jogging

Favourite Place on Campus:

The individual space on the fourth floor of the University library and the open track field

“I feel peaceful when I study at that place. If I study in an open space, I may feel under pressure because I can see lots of people. But in the individual space, I can calm down and concentrate on my study. After a day's work, I like jogging in the track field because it is such a soothing place where you can see the clouds and stars.”

Natasha will start her career at J.P. Morgan in Jakarta, Indonesia from August. It is a world-famous investment bank. She will start her role with a contract-based position first, and she may apply for a permanent position in the near future.?

Interview

Q1. Why did you choose CUHK-Shenzhen?

Kyuri:

I lived in Shenzhen for more than 10 years, so Shenzhen is like my second hometown. It's in the Greater Bay Area, and I can expand my academic and career life both in Shenzhen and Hong Kong. CUHK-Shenzhen is of the same brand as CUHK. I wanted to work in Hong Kong, so I thought CUHK-Shenzhen was a good choice and it is.

Richard:

I got interested in the uniqueness of CUHK-Shenzhen?because firstly, it is located in Shenzhen, which is well known as China's Silicon Valley. There are big technology companies like Tencent and Huawei, and I'm interested in technology.?

Secondly, CUHK-Shenzhen is a combination of Eastern and Western cultures, and it's equipped with state-of-the-art technology.?

Thirdly, I was not so confident in my Chinese at first. If I had gone to a local Chinese university, I might not be able to follow the teachings because of the medium of the language. But in CUHK-Shenzhen, teaching is conducted in English and it was less intimidating for me.??

Natasha:

I wanted to study in China because I saw how China grew significantly in the past years and I was curious why. I couldn’t speak Chinese, so the only university that I could enter was an English-speaking one. To make things even better, I was awarded a full scholarship due to my hardworking in high school.

Q2.?What have you learned most from your university life?

Kyuri:

Since I'm an accounting major, I learned a lot of accounting knowledge and I could use it to prepare for my exams for HKICPA.?

Other than that, I learned how to work and communicate with people from different backgrounds. We had many group projects and I had to work with friends from China, Indonesia and other countries. I learned how to cooperate harmoniously with them.

Richard:

One thing that I’ve learned most is that you have to explore your interests and seize your own opportunities.?

University life is quite different from that in high school. Previously in high school, everything was settled for us by teachers, but there’s no such a thing in university. For example, in my research experience, I learned that I needed to be more proactive. Whenever I saw an opportunity arise, I would try my best to grab it.?

Natasha:

Mine is about being a strong person. I think how Chinese students study also influenced me in many ways. At first, it was very shocking. I thought I had already studied enough compared to my peers in Indonesia, as I was awarded a full scholarship to enter this university. But when I came to China, I realised that I was not hard-working enough. For example, in my first semester, I thought I was smart, but I didn't get satisfying scores. It was not until the third year that I realised I should make peace with myself and just do my best. Gradually I found my own way of studying and started to enjoy my academic life.

I think it's a life lesson. There are many people who are smarter than you are. If you think you are smart, don't be too full of yourself.?

Q3.?What are your happiest / most unforgettable memories in your university life?

Kyuri:

I enjoyed the Study Abroad Program in Korea very much. Although I’m Korean, I stayed in Shenzhen for more than 10 years from the age of 8. I wanted to know what school life was like in Korea because I didn't have much of that experience. Through the exchange programme of the University, I got that experience and it was very interesting.?

The studying process and life are very different. People work more independently in Korea while the friends I met in CUHK-Shenzhen like to collaborate more. For instance, in CUHK-Shenzhen, if we have a team project, we would meet up and discuss it. But in Korea, people would separate?the work and do?it individually. On that part, I found that I was more like a Chinese than a Korean.

Richard:

When I was a freshman in 2019, we took part in the International Day event. It was one of my happiest memories because it was the day when I met a lot of friends from different countries at the University. I saw how diverse this university was and I also performed an Indonesian pop song with my band on that day. We showcased Indonesian culture. That was a very good experience.??

Natasha:

Mine was getting support from friends and professors. I’m the type of person that tries to find happiness in small things. My friends accompanied and supported me a lot, and the professors were very passionate in their teachings and willing to help. Every time I encountered any difficulty, they would be happy to assist me even though sometimes I thought the question was a stupid one myself.

Q4. Is there anyone that you?want to say thanks to?

Kyuri:

Professor Wilburn from SME. He provided me with guidance on finding jobs in Hong Kong and planning my future career. I have already received a job offer in Hong Kong, and he helped a lot.

Richard:

My research supervisor, Professor Feng Yin from SSE. I started my research as an undergraduate assistant with him in my second year. At that time, I didn't know much, but I was eager to study. Professor Yin was very patient. He guided and showed me how to do research. He trusted me and gave me the opportunity to work with him on research projects. As I was about to graduate, he also offered me a position in CUHK-Shenzhen as a PhD student.

Natasha:

I have some best friends here. They supported me through my ups and downs. I want to say thanks to them most, to name a few, Elita, Stefany, Yelike and Felicia.

Q5.?Do you have any tips for junior international students?

Kyuri:

First, rather than focusing on GPA, you can focus on your big future plans. Do not only concentrate on recent few years towards graduation, but also look in the long run, like what you will be doing after graduation.

Second, make as many friends as possible. This will help you during university life and in the future. If you have any difficult situation, your friends are the ones that you can count on.

Third, do not be afraid to ask for help. Professors and students are very friendly and welcoming in our university.?

Richard:

Firstly, to explore and experiment as much as possible. Maybe you don't know what your strengths and interests are at first, but in this university, there are a lot of opportunities to explore, such as seminars, workshops and various interesting activities. Explore and gain more understanding of yourself. Then find your own goals and your platform.

Secondly, be proactive and don't be afraid to approach professors and staff. You may think that the professors are not approachable, but at CUHK-Shenzhen, they are so welcoming. Maybe join their research or talk with them about their courses. They have a lot of experience and they may also be able to offer you some opportunities.

Thirdly, believe in yourself. Try to do your best in everything and keep going on, and you can achieve anything that you want.??

Natasha:

First, don't give up. There will be challenges, especially for juniors in CUHK-Shenzhen, but be sure to try your best. Your efforts will not be in vain. It will give you something in return and you just don't know when.

Second, have a balanced life and take care of both your academic life and your health. Do not burn the midnight oil and get sleep deprived close to exams. Go to lectures, review the materials after every lecture, do your homework and try your best. Then join student organisations and clubs, and develop your hobbies.

Third, don’t compare yourself to others. People have their own paths and their strengths and weaknesses. Too much comparison will affect your mental health and personal performance. Make peace with yourself. Love yourself. No matter what you do, just try your best.??

Writer: Huan Zhu (OAL)

Page Designer: Tammy Chung Yi Ting, HSS, Muse College
Photo Credits:?OAL, Natasha