Hall Life Education: A Reflection on Cultivating Independence in Hong Kong University Students

In a densely populated city such as Hong Kong, one of the most remarkable experiences young university students may have is staying at the student residence and becoming “independent” in terms of taking care of themselves. Resident places in the university are highly competitive, not only because of its location on campus but also because of its relatively economy compared to renting a place in the commercial market. Young university students who would like to experience a relatively independent and private life may find this option most attractive, as the residence halls are run by the university, and thus are well-supported, safe, convenient, and generally designed to facilitate personal and intellectual growth. The author is an academic, concurrently a new Resident Master of a student residence hall in Hong Kong. The paper is a reflection on the “other” aspect of university education that is different from what takes place in the lecture theaters. From this first-hand experience of being Resident Master, the author would like to review an example of Hall Life Education, and reflect on its effectiveness in nurturing personal and intellectual growth in Hong Kong young people. Among the various factors in personal development, independence in self-care, intercultural competence, adaptation of a healthy lifestyle, and critical thinking would be the main factors discussed.