Academic calendar
First Semester 2026 runs Sep 1, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.
- First Semester 2026First Semester 2026-2027Relevant now
- Second Semester 2026-2027
- Second Semester 2027
- Summer Semester 2027
- Optional Summer Semester 2027
Campus language
Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.
Showing 22 of 22 terms
A
- AIESEC HKU
- The local chapter of the international student organization focused on leadership and exchange.
B
- Bijas
- Bijas Vegetarian Restaurant located in the Run Run Shaw Tower, known for its pay-by-weight buffet.
C
- CAES
- Centre for Applied English Studies, responsible for university-wide English language requirements.
- CEDARS
- Centre of Development and Resources for Students, the university office providing student support services.
- Chur
- A Cantonese-derived term describing a lifestyle or task that is extremely demanding, busy, or exhausting.
D
- Dem beat
- A rhythmic performance involving synchronized chanting and clapping, unique to HKU hall and society culture.
F
- FSC
- The canteen located in the Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre.
G
- GPA God
- A mythical deity students 'pray' to (often at a specific shrine or through rituals) for good grades.
- Grove
- Grove Cafe, a popular Western-style eatery located in the Jockey Club Tower.
H
- Hea
- A Cantonese-derived term for being idle, lazy, or procrastinating.
- High Table
- A formal dinner tradition where students wear academic gowns and dine with distinguished guests.
- HKUSU
- Hong Kong University Students' Union, the main student representative body.
- Ho Tung
- Lady Ho Tung Hall, the only all-female residential hall at HKU.
M
- Main Can
- The primary student canteen located in the Haking Wong Building.
O
- O-camp
- Orientation camps organized by student societies to welcome freshmen.
R
- Ricci
- Ricci Hall, an all-male hall known for its brotherhood and sports culture.
S
- SMLC
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures.
- St. John's
- St. John's College, the oldest residential hall known for its strong traditions and academic gowns.
- Starr
- Starr Hall, the largest residential hall located in Jockey Club Student Village II.
- Swire
- Swire Hall, a residential hall located on the main campus known for its proximity to classes.
- Swire Can
- The canteen located in the Swire Building, popular for its central location.
V
- Village III
- Jockey Club Student Village III, located in Kennedy Town, housing four colleges: Chi Sun, Lap-Chee, New College, and Shun Hing.
Places and practicalities
Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.
- Add/Drop
- The two-week period at the start of each semester when students can modify their course selections.
- bijas_vegetarian
- BIJAS Vegetarian
- Concessionary Octopus
- The student-discounted transit card that HKU students must apply for annually to receive half-fare on the MTR.
- CPD
- Central Podium Levels, the main classroom hub located in the Centennial Campus.
- CYM
- Chong Yuet Ming Buildings, which include the Cultural Centre and Amenities Centre.
- HKU Portal
- The central online gateway for student records, course registration, and university email.
- KB
- Knowles Building, housing the Faculty of Architecture and various administrative offices.
- KKL
- K.K. Leung Building, primarily used by the Business School.
- MB
- The Main Building, the oldest and most iconic historic building on campus.
- Moodle
- The official learning management system used for accessing course materials and submitting assignments.
- so330
- so330
- st_john_s_college_dining_hall
- St. John's College Dining Hall
- tai_tai_foodtopia
- TAI TAI FOODTOPIA
- TTI
- Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing, a high-tech maker space for engineering students.
- U-card
- The official University Student ID card used for library access, building entry, and facility booking.
Quick answers
Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.
- What academic term is relevant now?
- First Semester 2026 runs Sep 1, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026.
- How much campus context is included?
- 22 approved campus terms and 15 local details are included in full.
- Are all approved campus terms included?
- Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
- Where does this guide come from?
- Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.