Easing into Campus Life: Our Multifaceted Orientation for Freshmen
To ensure a smooth transition into university life, the College organises a series of welcoming activities for new students every year.
College Orientation Camp (O' Camp)
The College Orientation Camp is organised by a committee formed by College students and led by students affectionately known as ‘Jobama’ (‘parents’ of the groups).
This year's College O' Camp was held from 28 to 31 August 2023, marking the first time the camp has been revived after the pandemic. Through various activities, the new students not only got to know each other and build friendships, but also, under the guidance of their mentors, deepened their understanding of the College's culture and lifestyle.
Tea Reception on move-in day
On move-in day, the College hosted a tea reception to welcome new students and their companions. Various College teachers and staff also attended, to engage in conversations with the new students and their parents, fostering mutual understanding and providing insights into the College's operations.
Extended Orientation
For CWC, orientation extends beyond the traditional O' Camp experience. On the first three Fridays of the academic year, the College arranged three Extended Orientation sessions to provide practical information for new students, helping them adapt to university life more easily.
The Road to an ‘Intimate’ Community: Master Meets New Students
The College Master, together with the Dean of Students, met new students for casual conversations, in three sessions organised according to the students’ preferred language.
This personalised welcome embodied CWC's vision of 'Intimate', demonstrating the care and attention given to each new scholar joining the community. The initial connection would help students feel at home and acclimatise to campus life more quickly.
Just as importantly, the Master gained valuable insights into the needs and perspectives of the incoming class, allowing the College to provide tailored support and mentorship throughout the students' academic journey.
Overall, the Master's new student meetings set an engaged, approachable tone that endears the institution to its newest members from day one.
Immersed in Asia: Asian Cultural Night
On 12 March 2024, nearly 50 students came together for a vibrant and enriching Asian Cultural Night. The event, coordinated by Senior Resident Tutor Sam, Resident Tutor Tony, and six international student hosts, aimed to promote intercultural understanding and communication among participants.
The evening commenced with five captivating introductory presentations on the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The student hosts brought these diverse Asian countries to life through insightful information, traditional attire, and captivating multimedia interactions. Following the cultural showcases, the event transformed into an engaging, interactive experience. Booths hosted by international students showcased desserts, Arabic calligraphy, and various Asian cuisines.
‘Food is a universal language that brings people together. It could help with cross-country communication and help me connect with people from other places.,’ said a participant afterwards. Indeed, the Asian Cultural Night was a celebration of diversity, cultural exchange, and the spirit of ‘International’ that defines CWC.
Night Talks in Year 2023–24
Two Night Talks were held in the academic year 2023–24. Night Talks always serve as a good opportunity for the participants to reflect on their personal growth through the sharing of different speakers. Participants can also share their perspectives with the speakers and each other, provoking deeper discussions on the topics.
Term 1: LGBT+ Inclusion: What is it and why does it matter? (Prof SUEN Yiu Tung)
In the Night Talk, Prof SUEN Yiu Tung led an engaging discussion on LGBT+ inclusion, inviting the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by the LGBT+ community.
Through impactful videos, the event featured personal stories that resonated profoundly – from the ongoing fight for marriage equality to the discrimination encountered by LGBT+ parents. These powerful testimonies served as a reminder of the importance of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The educational initiative sparked meaningful discussions and reflections, inspiring the audience to take an active role in achieving a more inclusive and just campus community.
Term 2: Painful Therefore Humorous (Ms Wing-sze WONG)
In the Night Talk, Hong Kong playwright and actress Ms Wing-sze WONG shared her personal experiences and insights on navigating the creative process, offering a lighthearted and humorous perspective. Through her anecdotes, she encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their passions, even in the face of difficulties and obstacles.
The key message resonated deeply: by embracing challenges with a reorganised mindset, one can uncover valuable lessons and personal growth opportunities within. Ms WONG's inspiring words empowered the audience to confront life's hardships with humour. This Night Talk served as a reminder that pain can be the catalyst for humour, laughter, and personal transformation.