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本文是由來自數(shù)據(jù)科學(xué)學(xué)院、逸夫書院的印尼國際生Vincent撰寫的一篇關(guān)于港中大（深圳）校園生活的文章。他目前擔(dān)任傳訊及公共關(guān)系處的學(xué)生助理。

他在文章中寫道，盡管身在異國他鄉(xiāng)求學(xué)，但港中大（深圳）溫馨的氛圍讓自己感覺在這趟旅程中并不孤單。這所大學(xué)鼓勵學(xué)生掌握自己的生活， 自由做自己，在熱情包容的氛圍中追求希望和抱負(fù)。他認(rèn)為這是香港中文大學(xué)（深圳）真正與眾不同的地方，有機(jī)會體驗這一切，對于他而言是彌足珍貴的經(jīng)歷。

接下來，就讓我們跟隨著他的視角，看看他眼中的港中大（深圳）的校園生活吧！

This article is about campus life at CUHK-Shenzhen written by an international student assistant.

He wrote in the article that although he was studying in a foreign country, the warm atmosphere of CUHK-Shenzhen made him feel that he was not alone in this journey. The University encourages students to take charge of their lives, to be free to be themselves, and to pursue their hopes and aspirations in a warm and inclusive atmosphere. He believes that this is what makes CUHK-Shenzhen truly unique, and it is a precious experience for him to have the opportunity to experience all of this.

It’s certainly not an easy thing to?leave behind your friends, your family,?and a large part of your life behind to?pursue an education abroad. However, a?warm welcome of barbecue lessens the?uneasiness in one’s heart.

As you listen to the lively chatter around?you, you start to realize that you are?not alone in your journey. Many of?your peers, local and international, are?feeling the same mix of excitement and?apprehension as you are. They are eager?to make new friends and explore this new?environment, and yet missing their loved?ones back home.

But for now, all of that can be put aside?as you bask in the light of the setting?sun and the camaraderie of new friends.?In spite of the potential carcinogenesis,?you take another bite of the black and?somewhat burnt barbecue; grateful?for the moment of respite in the midst?of all the changes and challenges that?come with studying abroad. As you look?around, you know that you've made the?right choice in pursuing this opportunity,?and that with a little bit of time and effort,?you'll find your place in this new corner?of the world.

The Real CUHK-Shenzhen Experience

Or at least, it’s what I would say if I were?going to propagandize my experiences?here. Well oops, that’s a -100 in social?credit.?

Jokes aside, CUHK-Shenzhen is not the?most outwardly diverse university in the?world, it is far from it. While there is a?smattering of international students here?and there, it appears rather homogenous;?as most people you’ll get to meet are?Chinese, and Indonesian; or rather?Chinese-Indonesians. Of course, there?are a smidgen of students that hail from?here and there as well. Around campus?you’ll see students of African, East Asian,?Eastern European, South Asian, South?East Asian, and Western European origin?out and about.

Nevertheless, there is certainly more?to the university than meets the eye.?While the Longgang campus doesn’t?seem outwardly diverse, it contains an?eclectic cast of characters. From the?quiet and studious, to the outgoing and?adventurous, there’s a wide range of?personalities to be found among the?students, each with their own unique?stories, perspectives, and hobbies to?share.

While people might appear reticent and?reserved at first, one would find that?many are eager to make a connection.?This is especially true for students here,?where the initial reservedness can be?attributed to the homogeneity. But once?you break the ice and start talking to?someone (and get their WeChat), you’ll?often find that they’re an affable bunch?with plenty of interesting opinions (and?food) to share.

During my time here in Shenzhen, I have?had the great fortune to come across and?interact with many interesting people.?Some of whom are now the best of my?friends. I’d say it’s one of the best perks?of studying abroad — the opportunity?to meet new people and form lasting?friendships that span the globe. Whether?it is a roommate that shares your passion?for a particular hobby, a local resident?who shows you around the city and?beyond, or another international student?who drags you around the country to?travel, these friendships can be some?of the most rewarding and meaningful?parts of studying abroad.
An advantage of the college system here?is that you get to be around them for?an extended period of time. Living and?studying in the same college or dormitory?with friends and classmates can be a?unique and immersive experience that?allows the forming of deeper bonds and?connections with them. Sharing meals,?attending classes, events, and going on?trips together certainly fosters a sense of?community and belonging that can be?hard to replicate in other scenarios. It’s?hard to imagine another time in your life?where you can just walk up to a friend’s?room and wake them up to go on an?impromptu trip to the vending machine?at 3am in the morning.

Since the university is relatively small as?well, you might even get the chance to?know your professors and administrators?on a more personal level as well. This?could lead to valuable mentorship?opportunities and perhaps even a lasting?friendship that could help bridge the?gap between the academic and cultural?environments you will find yourself in.

But in my opinion, the best aspect of all?is the freedom afforded to students here.?Yes, the freedom to explore and pursue?passions is one of the hallmarks of a?great university experience. This freedom?comes in many forms, from choosing?courses that align with personal interests,?to clubs and volunteering to reflect your?hobbies, passions, and convictions, as?well as engaging in research or other?independent projects to delve deeper?within a subject area.

For those of more worldly proclivities,?the freedom to travel across China is an?added perk of studying here. As students,?we get the freedom to explore not just?the local municipality, but the greater?country as well. While Shenzhen itself is?a modern Tier-1 city itself, those seeking?more vibrancy and dynamism need only?take a short train-ride over to Hong Kong?just across the border.

For those who prefer the picturesque?wonders of nature and Ancient China?instead, the provinces of Yunnan and?Sichuan are less than a day away by?high-speed rail. Of course, traveling in?China can also be challenging at times,?particularly during the peak holiday?seasons such as the Chinese New Year;?and doubly so if you don't speak the?language or are unfamiliar with the?culture. But with a sense of adventure,?an open mind, and some good friends?to help carry your bags, the rewards of?exploring the country are well worth the?effort.

While I feel that traveling the country is the best way to spend your time here, there?are of course people who are less travel-oriented and content with staying put. For the?homebodies out there, the campus itself is rather picturesque, with plenty of spots and?activities to rest and recover from the grueling academic workload.

Many stay within the confines of the library to read, study, or sleep. Some others go to?the gym and work out a sweat after a long day of lectures. Maybe take a stroll around?campus and snap pictures of the beautiful environment, or hit up a friend or professor?for a chat over a shared meal.?
Either way, I feel that this university encourages students to take ownership of our?own lives. The freedom to be ourselves, and pursue our hopes and aspirations in a?welcoming and inclusive community is what truly sets CUHK-Shenzhen apart, and I?am certainly glad to have had the chance to experience it all.

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傳訊及公共關(guān)系處（CPRO）出品

文案、圖片：Vincentius Janssen（鄧偉政）?

2019級 數(shù)據(jù)科學(xué)學(xué)院 逸夫書院

排版：鄭驍

2022級 經(jīng)管學(xué)院 道揚(yáng)書院