Hong Kong may not be as popular a study destination as Canada, Australia, or the UK but I can argue that we’re still worth a shot for those seeking a good tertiary education. For starters, we’re a robust economic hub, offering plenty of working opportunities once you earn your degree.

Another factor to consider is simply the relative affordability. We Hong Kong graduates don’t typically deal with mounting student loans. In fact, the hardest thing to decide about being a student here may just be where to stay!

With that said, I’m here to help. If you’re considering spending your college years here, I’ve picked out some of the best places to live in Hong Kong for college students to get you started!

Sai Ying Pun

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Sai Ying Pun is a melting pot of cultures, boasting art galleries, hipster cafes, and an alternative food scene. It’s got that laid-back, easygoing vibe that appeals to college students seeking a mix of culture and convenience. 

Cost of Living

The main drawback of Sai Ying Pun is that it’s one of the more expensive areas to live in Hong Kong. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center comes with a hefty price tag. 

However, the high cost of living mirrors the high-quality lifestyle and array of amenities available in this bustling part of Hong Kong. So, the prices are high but the quality of life is up there as well.

Dining out, especially at fancier spots, might also dent your wallet. On the bright side, public transportation is fairly affordable and efficient, so you’ll still be able to save up (though not a lot) through commuting. 

Accommodation Options

Shared apartments are a hit among college students here, offering a cost-effective solution. You’ll find plenty of options ranging from around HK$8,000 to HK$17,000 a month.

Now, Sai Ying Pun caters to different preferences in housing. Whether you’re into towering luxury residences or cozy mid-range apartment blocks, this area has it all. 

If you’re leaning towards newer living spaces with contemporary facilities, check out places like Island Crest on First Street or The Nova on Third Street. From sleek amenities to well-designed spaces, they cater to those seeking a fresh and stylish living environment.

Education Opportunities

Beyond its trendy façade, Sai Ying Pun hosts several universities and colleges. St. Paul’s College, an Anglican day school for boys, presents a plethora of academic and extracurricular programs. 

Similarly, St. Louis School prioritizes the development of leadership skills and social responsibility among its students. If that’s the student culture you want, you may want to check it out.

Leisure and Lifestyle

Sai Ying Pun strikes a balance between old-world charm and modern attractions. Its cafe culture is a highlight. Grabbing a coffee with friends and soaking in the relaxed vibes is a quintessential part of the local experience. 

For those inclined towards outdoor activities, the neighborhood provides easy access to harborside walks, nearby parks, and hiking trails.

Notably, the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park stands out, offering a picturesque waterfront promenade and a range of recreational facilities.

Kennedy Town

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While not a tourist hotspot, Kennedy Town has its own allure. It’s a sweet spot, close enough to downtown for convenience yet retaining a unique character of its own. 

For college students starting their academic adventure, this mix of urban accessibility and relaxed atmosphere offers the best of both worlds.

Cost of Living

Kennedy Town is one of the more wallet-friendly areas on Hong Kong Island. However, don’t expect it to be a bargain paradise. 

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center might still leave a dent in your budget, though costs decrease slightly as you move further away. 

Dining out ranges in cost. You’ll find everything from moderately priced local eateries to pricier mid-range restaurants.

Additionally, getting around is a breeze with efficient and affordable public transportation options like buses, trams, and the MTR, though taxis are a bit more expensive. 

Overall, while Kennedy Town is comparatively affordable within Hong Kong, it’s essential to budget for higher living expenses, especially regarding housing and dining.

Accommodation Options

Kennedy Town boasts a diverse mix of housing options: a blend of modern high-rises, older low-rise apartments, and unique renovated buildings like the Tung Fat building, which offers New York loft-style apartments. 

Here, college students can find a wide range of choices, catering to various budgets and tastes. From snug and budget-friendly studios to more spacious three-bedroom apartments, there’s something for everyone here.

Studios, averaging between HK$12,000 to HK$18,000 per month, provide a cozy yet affordable living space. Quite expensive, as you can see, but it’s a really good option if you can afford such a place.

Education Opportunities

Kennedy Town is close to the University of Hong Kong (HKU). This esteemed institution, a mere 15-minute stroll from the area, stands tall as Hong Kong’s oldest tertiary establishment.

Here, you’ll find exceptional standards, pioneering research, and a community that attracts top scholars from around the world.

Beyond academics, HKU’s sprawling 160,000-square-meter campus serves as both a hub of productivity and a relaxing haven. With plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces, benches, and sitting areas, it’s a fantastic place to study, unwind, and meet peers from diverse backgrounds.

Leisure and Lifestyle

In Kennedy Town, boredom simply isn’t on the agenda. 

Start your leisurely exploration at the Belcher Bay Promenade, an inviting public space overlooking the water. It’s a bustling spot on weekends, filled with skateboarders, picnickers, and couples seeking a serene moment.

Movie buffs can catch screenings at the cozy Golden Scene Cinema, where new releases and classic Hong Kong films are showcased. 

For a laid-back hangout, Wheat and Wood offers a unique experience. It’s a café dedicated to classic board games where you can munch on snacks and engage in friendly competition with friends.

Mong Kok

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Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong, Mong Kok pulsates with urban dynamism, attracting a diverse crowd from all walks of life.

It’s a bustling district teeming with youthful vigor, making it an exciting and immersive place to live and explore.

Cost of Living

The cost of living here typically falls between HK$10,000 and HK$15,000 per month. Accommodation remains the primary expense, whether you opt for dormitories, shared rooms, or private apartments.

Groceries could tally between HK$2,000 and HK$3,000 monthly if you prefer home-cooked meals. Dining out offers a mix of affordable options amidst Mong Kok’s bustling streets.

Transportation expenses are relatively reasonable. A monthly MTR pass, priced at HK$300 to HK$500, grants unlimited subway access. Meanwhile, bus fares average around HK$100 to HK$200 monthly, providing cost-effective travel options.

Accommodation Options

For college students seeking accommodation, Mong Kok offers a range of options. 

Cheap dormitories and safe private rooms near universities and transportation hubs are prevalent. If privacy is a priority, apartments are available but come at a higher cost.

Shared dorm rooms range from HK$3,000 to HK$5,000 per month, while studios can be found between HK$5,000 and HK$8,000. 

One-bedroom apartments range from HK$7,000 to HK$10,000 monthly. If the apartment allows, you may actually share the space with other students so you can split the rent.

Education Opportunities

Mong Kok is a hub for learning, with various institutions catering to diverse interests. This includes language schools such as The iCon Education and Kumon Mongkok Japanese Education Center. 

They offer comprehensive English and Japanese language courses across proficiency levels, accommodating beginners and advanced learners alike.

Standing out is the Hong Kong Management Association David Li Kwok Po College. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, the college shines particularly in business studies, accounting, and finance disciplines. 

Leisure and Lifestyle

Mong Kok buzzes with life, embodying Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit. It’s a hotspot of diverse markets, colossal malls, and vibrant street scenes, showcasing the city’s unique blend. 

Amidst this lively chaos are hidden gems like private clubs and a tantalizing food scene. 

For chill leisure, head to Victoria Peak for epic views or Lantau Island’s Big Buddha statue for some serene vibes away from the hustle.

Sheung Wan

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Sheung Wan is another vibrant and dynamic neighborhood in Hong Kong that offers a unique and exciting experience for college students.

The neighborhood’s charm lies in its seamless fusion of tradition and modernity. It’s home to Melbourne-style cafes, chic local eateries, and trendy shops, blending the old with the new in an eclectic mix.

Cost of Living

Sheung Wan’s cost of living is moderately high compared to other neighborhoods in Hong Kong. Accommodation and food costs lean towards the higher side.

Transportation remains relatively affordable, with easy access to the MTR, buses, and trams, all within walking distance from Central.

Accommodation Options

Housing options in Sheung Wan range from shared rooms in dormitories or guesthouses to apartments. The Sheung Wan by Ovolo caters to the creative crowd, blending industrial design with urban flair and artistic charm. 

Anyway, expect that most residences in Sheung Wan lean towards modern properties, owing to the area’s proximity to Central and Admiralty, with many older buildings transformed into mixed-use spaces.

Education Opportunities

In Sheung Wan, students can explore learning opportunities at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It’s one of the top public universities around here, ranking 65 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

PolyU offers different subjects to dive into such as hospitality, design, engineering, social sciences, and health studies. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re interested in.

Leisure and Lifestyle

Sheung Wan offers an eclectic mix of experiences catering to various tastes. Dive into the district’s rich history by visiting well-preserved landmarks like the serene Man Mo Temple, offering insight into Chinese traditions and spirituality.

While a bit touristy, the Western Market with its red-brick Edwardian building is a hidden gem. Housing shops selling traditional arts, crafts, and Chinoiserie fabrics, are worth exploring for their unique offerings.

For night owls, trendy bars and clubs in Sheung Wan set the stage for vibrant evenings filled with energetic music and lively atmospheres, promising unforgettable nightlife experiences.

Tseung Kwan O

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Away from the city’s hustle and yet only a 30-minute MTR ride from Central, Tseung Kwan O (TKO) presents an ideal, pet-friendly retreat for college students, especially if you’re seeking a change of pace for your weekend plans.

Cost of Living

Living costs in Tseung Kwan O, like the rest of Hong Kong, lean towards the expensive side but are relatively affordable for college students compared to other areas. 

Expect shared rooms in student dormitories or guesthouses to range between HK$2,500 to HK$4,000 monthly. Basic necessities, including groceries or dining out, typically amount to HK$2,000 to HK$3,000. 

Opting for accommodation near your school can save on transportation costs, usually around HK$200 for an MTR pass or bus fare.

Accommodation Options

Shared apartments are a popular and pocket-friendly choice among college students in TKO, offering convenient living spaces with common areas, shared bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Additionally, student hostels in TKO provide dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities.

Education Opportunities

For robust tertiary education opportunities, consider The Education University of Hong Kong – Tseung Kwan O Study Centre, a branch campus of EduHK. 

They offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development programs primarily focused on teacher education, social sciences, and the humanities. This makes TKO an appealing choice for those inclined towards these fields.

Leisure and Lifestyle

TKO offers a serene suburban lifestyle with convenient access to public transit and local shops. Embrace the proximity to beaches like Clear Water Bay, perfect for leisurely visits with friends.

The area boasts well-equipped public sports facilities, including top-notch pitches and indoor basketball courts. Abundant jogging lanes cater to active lifestyles, encouraging residents to maintain a healthy and vibrant routine.