Student-led orientation camps serve as a vital platform for forging friendships that transcend backgrounds and cultures at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Through interviews with three diverse groups of students, we explore how orientation camps facilitate lasting connections and collaborations.
Fostering Lifelong Friendships Through Orientation Camps: The Journey of Maisie and Her Peers
Yan Sze Nga, Maisie, is a Year 3 student from the Department of English who participated in her first student-led English orientation camp during her freshman year in 2022. There, she met her initial group of friends at CUHK. Loving the experience, she joined the student-led English orientation camp as president the following year, which she described as another wonderful experience. In her third year, she returned as Chong Ma (組媽).
Maisie shared that the friendships formed during orientation camps have created a strong bond and support system throughout her university journey. Here’s what she and her group of Chong Jai (組仔) and Chong Nui(組女)—freshmen assigned to her group in the Student-led English Orientation Camp 2024—had to say:
“At first, I was hesitant to express myself in a group of new friends, but Maisie is very encouraging and sincere; she makes everyone feel included during orientation activities, which finally made me willing to open my heart to meet new friends,” recalled Lo Pui Yin, Daniel, a current Year 3 student from Department of English.
“I totally agree with Daniel. Initially, I had no expectations for joining the orientation camp. I never thought I would make such a close-knit group of friends at CUHK. The students here are very kind; senior students not only welcome us but also share study tips and guidance on navigating this large campus,” added by Wong Ho Man, Canan, Year 1 student from the Department of English.
As a senior peer, Maisie embraced her leadership role, guiding younger students and ensuring they felt supported. “While I may not see them in class, I cherish the friendships we’ve built,” she noted, highlighting the importance of actively participating and immersing oneself in the orientation camp experience.
Although she takes on a leadership role, Maisie expressed her gratitude to her Chong Jai and Chong Nui for their unwavering support. One of her Chong Nui, Chan Ching Yi, Agnes, shared her perspective: “When joining a group, relationships are a two-way street. You have to share responsibilities, not just rely on the Chong Ma, but also support each other to foster long-lasting friendships.”
Cheung Wai Ki, Vicky, a current Year 2 student who co-organised the orientation camp with Maisie, also expressed her admiration: “Maisie is a very caring person. She is skillful in showing her concern for others. Sometimes, when someone is more introverted, she tactfully finds ways to check in on them without putting them on the spot.”
Maisie remarked, “Joining the orientation camp brings people together. Freshmen need to get to know the culture of this university. For student leaders who organise the camp, I learn many soft skills beyond the classroom, such as communication, event organisation, and leadership skills. It benefits my whole-person development during university life.”
Ultimately, the orientation camp not only fosters friendships but also nurtures the skills and values that contribute to a fulfilling and enriching university experience. Let’s stay tuned for the upcoming student-led orientation camps in 2025!
Exploring the Power of Connections: How Ocamp Sparks Friendships and Fosters Collaborative Ventures
The Student-led Orientation Camp was a significant experience for Samuel, Ryan and Henry. Organising the orientation camp together allowed them to build strong friendships, deeply understand each other’s strengths, and exchange ideas effectively. This collaboration laid a solid foundation for their startup, GIMII.
(Photos: Chiu Long Him Henry, Chan Sze Nok Samuel, Lee Yu Hin Ryan, graduates of 2024 CUHK)
For Samuel and his team, orientation camp was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for their startup, GIMII, a web-based 3D anatomy education platform. The team bonded during their planning sessions, sharing personal stories that deepened their understanding of one another.
Samuel highlighted how their time spent together, whether strategising late into the night or sharing personal stories during orientation camp—fostered trust and collaboration. Samuel emphasised the importance of these friendships:
“These friendships make it easier to communicate and share ideas. The bond we formed during Ocamp has been crucial in overcoming challenges in our startup journey.”
(Photo: Henry, Samuel, and Ryan receiving the CUHK PI Centre Startup Teams awards (left) and hosting a meeting at the GIMII office (right))
After participating in and organising the orientation camp together, they discovered they shared the same visions and goals. Ryan once shared his thoughts about 3D scanning ideas, leading to idea-sharing sessions. They joined the CUHK PI Centre Startup Teams Program and were successfully awarded support from CUHK, entering an incubation period in 2023, which marked the early stages of their business.
Henry noted, “Because we work together and support each other during orientation camp, we know each other’s personalities, working styles, and preferences very well, which is important for our team bonding and building a strong foundation of trust.”
Samuel added, “These friendships make it easier to communicate and share ideas. Friendship allowed us to openly discuss disagreements, ensuring detailed, thoughtful exchanges rather than just passively agreeing. Our strong bond ensured that disagreements never damaged the team’s unity.”
By the end of the interview, the team emphasized that joining orientation activities is essential for CUHK freshmen, as it serves as an entry ticket to make new friends, gain self-understanding, and more.
Stay tuned for more updates on GIMII and the journeys of CUHK’s talented students!
Celebrating Cultural Exchange Through Ocamp
(Photo: Minudhi Nilinya Fernando (left) and her leading orientation camp activities (right))
Minudhi Nilinya Fernando, Minu, is a dedicated second-year business student and a committed Chong Ma of the Student-led Morningside Orientation Camp 2024 from Sri Lanka. Her passion for cultural exchange significantly enriches our university community.
For Minu, college orientation camp is not just an event; it’s a dynamic platform where students from diverse backgrounds come together to share experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships.
“When I was a freshman and not a local, I had no idea how big CUHK’s campus is. I didn’t even know how to take the MTR or find classrooms on campus. I was lucky to meet friends and seniors during the orientation camp; they supported and helped me a lot, which made my transition to university life much smoother.”
Because of the help and support she received from seniors during orientation camp, Minu is inspired to give back by assisting non-local students in adjusting to university and life in Hong Kong.
“I believe that Ocamp is a unique opportunity for students to explore the richness of cultural diversity. It’s amazing to see how these connections can inspire collaboration and understanding among peers,” says Minu. “I wanted everyone to feel welcomed and excited,” she shared. Her efforts led to memorable icebreaker activities that encouraged interaction among students from diverse backgrounds.
(Photo: Minu leading orientation activities at the Morningside Orientation Camp 2024 (left); Minu bringing her Chong Jai Chong Nui to enjoy Dai Pai Dong in the local food market (right))
Reflecting on the friendships formed, she stated, “These connections are built on shared experiences and teamwork. I believe they will last beyond our time at university because of the strong foundation of support we created.”
Minu has been instrumental in planning and executing activities that promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. Her enthusiasm is infectious, encouraging participants to step out of their comfort zones and engage with peers from different cultures.
Minu also wants to encourage non-local students to actively participate in orientation activities “My advice for future non-local students attending Ocamp is to actively participate and embrace the experience. Engage with others, share your culture, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Building friendships takes effort, but the rewards are worth it!”
As we celebrate the success of orientation camp and its impact on cultural exchange, we extend our gratitude to Minu. Her hard work and commitment to fostering a vibrant community are truly commendable.
Join CUHK Orientations to enriches your campus life experiences
Student-led orientation camps are not just about welcoming newcomers; they are about creating lifelong friendships that can influence personal and professional paths. From local students launching startups to international students sharing cultural stories, the bonds formed at orientation camps pave the way for enriching university experiences and beyond.
Let’s stay tuned for more updates on student-led orientation camps and the wonderful initiatives that continue to unite our diverse student groups at CUHK!
