Student Accommodation
Background
Thibault, a postgraduate exchange student from France, was accepted into a one-semester program at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). University on-campus housing was fully booked, and he needed a short-term, move-in-ready solution for 4-6 months.
His requirements:
Studio apartments
Close to HKU or along the Island Line
Fully furnished with Wi-Fi
Short-term lease (4–6 months)
Budget: HKD 15,000–18,000
Like many international students, he had never been to Hong Kong before and was unfamiliar with local housing market.
Challenges
Limited University Housing
On-campus and university-affiliated dorms were fully occupied months in advance
Short-term Lease Difficulty
Common issues for traditional apartments rental:
12-month leases
Large security deposits, sometimes full payment for the entire lease term is required for students
Usually unfurnished, even if they are furnished, they are not properly designed to fit into students’ needs
Budget Constraints
Central and Mid-Levels were far beyond student budgets, even for studios
Fear of Scams
As a first-time renter in Hong Kong, Thibault was cautious about online listings that requested upfront deposits/ full payment without viewings.
How ResidenceHK Helps?
We recommended Shek Tong Tsui / Kennedy Town because:
Close to HKU campus where Thibault is going to study
Convenient with all kinds of public transportation such as MTR, Buses, Mini-buses and Trams
With smaller and affordable serviced apartment options available
Everything is within walking distance e.g. park, cafes, restaurants, gym, swimming pool and supermarket
Safe and student-friendly environment
Short-Term Serviced Apartment Options
We shortlisted units with:
Flexible 3–6 month terms
All-inclusive monthly pricing with housekeeping services
Furnished layouts with working desk and Wi-Fi suitable for students
Cost Transparency
We clearly explained:
Total monthly cost
Items included such as utilities and Wi-Fi
Housekeeping frequency
Deposit & payment terms
No hidden fees
Remote Confirmation Before Arrival
Thibault was able to secure the apartment before arriving in Hong Kong, reducing stress and risk.
Outcome for Thibault securing a student accommodation in HK
Thibault moved into a compact studio serviced apartment in Kennedy Town at HKD 16,500/month, including:
All utilities
High-speed Wi-Fi
Fully furnished interior
Quiet study environment
8-minute walk to HKU
He settled in quickly and was able to focus on his studies without worrying about housing logistics.
What Thibault said:
“I didn’t know how housing worked in Hong Kong, but everything was explained clearly for the serviced apartment I secured. It made my exchange semester much easier.”
Why this case study matters for finding student accommodation in Hong Kong
Every year, thousands of international students come to Hong Kong for:
Exchange programs
Postgraduate studies
Short courses
Serviced apartments offer a safe, flexible, and simple alternative when dorms are unavailable.
This case shows how ResidenceHK supports students with:
Short-term solutions
Budget awareness
Safe & verified options
Other Resources about major Universities in Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong Island
Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Sha Tin, New Territories
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
Clear Water Bay, Sai Kung, New Territories
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Hung Hom, Kowloon
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
