The University of Hong Kong Main Building

I guess almost everyone’s impression towards HKU is this gorgeous Main Building. Actually I’m not an exception. When I was a senior secondary student, I always dreamed of getting into this beautiful university with the longest history in Hong Kong. As an Arts student, I particularly love this iconic building of the Faculty. Thus I went there to commence my first day of study. It’s like stretching out of my comfort zone and starting a new chapter of my life here in HKU.
In fact the first day I stepped on this campus was the Registration Day. The first stop was exactly the Main Building, the oldest structure in HKU. We climbed up the stairs to reach Loke Yew Hall, which is the grand hall in the building. I felt excited to get into the hall, and I couldn’t imagine I really became a student here until I finished the registration process. That was it — it wasn’t a dream at all, it’s real!
Sometimes when you’re accustomed to something, you start to overlook its beauty. It’s true. I had this kind of feeling after I guided a tour for some university students from the Mainland. After being here for a year, I appeared to take everything for granted. When I had tutorials in the Main Building, I just rushed here and rushed back to the Centennial Campus for other lectures. Even though I had time I seldom thought of having a relaxing stroll around this historical building. Yet when I accompanied the Mainland students in their visit, I started to view this place as if I was a visitor who hasn’t acquainted with it — the whole picture with the symbolic clock tower, the courtyards, the tall palm trees, the red bricks, etc. is just perfect. This is where everyone studying in HKU can relate to. This is where we belong. This is the unique beauty of our campus.
Though now the Faculty office has been moved to the Centennial Campus, the Arts atmosphere here is much stronger. The peeling posters on the boards, the former staff office, the labels of the Faculty and Schools still remains. How relaxing it is to have lectures in this heritage, and to read on the wooden bench facing the clock tower. Hope I’ll have at least a chance to have a lecture, especially English Studies, here, and try immersing myself in this superb environment — no need to rush for the next lesson!
During graduation season you’ll usually see fresh graduates wearing their gowns and caps here. Hope three years later I’ll take a series of graduation photos here with my beloved ones!