Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) Regarding Student Dormitory Inquiries

Terms and reference
2024-06-27

No.1 Does the University offer accommodation for new visiting research students?

Priority of University housing resources is given to the full-time enrolled students. The SHRL will allocate accommodation based on availability until all spaces are filled.

 

No.2 I am currently on a short business trip and am not in Guangzhou. Will I be required to check out?

Students in a normal academic status and physical condition generally will not be notified to vacate their accommodation. Situations that require students to check out include:

  1. Continuing students, regardless of their mode of study, are not entitled to University student accommodation.
  2. Students who withdraw, transfer, take a leave of absence, or participate in long-term international (overseas) exchanges lasting more than one semester are required to complete the check-out procedure after their student status changes.
  3. Students who are medically certified by a relevant healthcare institution and the University as unsuitable for residing in the student dormitory due to special reasons will need to check out.
  4. Students who violate regulations and have their right to reside in the dormitory revoked by the University, either temporarily or permanently, will need to check out.

 

No.3 How can I apply for a room change to another shared room?

Room Change Process: Applications for a room change can be submitted through the one-stop system. It is recommended to clearly state the reason for the application and your preferred room number: https://onestop-online.hkust-gz.edu.cn/fp/view?m=fp#act=fp/formHome.

Ways to confirm your preferred room number include:

  • Checking with friends or roommates to see if there are suitable dormitories available.
  • Administrators send out room selection invitations (which must be communicated to the administrator in advance, and the room selection permission is generally valid for 2 days). 

Room Change Restrictions: Each student can only successfully apply for a room change once per year.

Room Change Approval Time: Applications are processed collectively from the 1st to the 9th of each month.

 

No.4 It is not yet the room change period (from the 1st to the 9th), but I have a specific room number in mind. Can you assure me that I will be able to change to that room? 

The room change period runs from the 1st to the 9th of each month and has been coordinated with all relevant departments. During this process, each student who gets approval has equal opportunities to select and change rooms, with the system operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

No.5 Am I eligible to apply for a single room? How can I apply for a single room?

Currently, only students with disabilities and married students are eligible to apply for studios or suites, which are referred to as accessible rooms and couple rooms.

If you would like to apply for one of the special room types, please submit the relevant documents or medical proof for review as follows. If you wish to apply for a room change to a shared room, please submit your application through the One-stop Service System and indicate your preferred room number: https://onestop-online.hkust-gz.edu.cn/fp/view?m=fp#act=fp/formHome.

According to Regulations for Postgraduate Accommodation:

  • Applying for an Accessible room.

Accessible rooms are only open to students with disabilities. Applications must be referred by the student’s academic supervisor, and the SHRL staff shall interview the student. The SHRL will approve the application based on related documents and proofs.

  • Applying for a couple room.

Eligible married students will be allocated to couple rooms on a first-come, first-served basis until all available rooms are filled. The couple's room is designated for the student and their spouse only; children and other family members are not permitted to reside there. Students are generally not allowed to change dormitories after moving into a couple's room.

A.Applying for a couple room with a Chinese marriage certificate requires the following conditions to be met.

(a) Applicants must be a full-time enrolled student enrolled of our University (priority is given if both spouses are full-time enrolled students of our university);

(b) Applicants must submit a clear scanned copy of the marriage certificate.

(c) Applicants must prove their spouse’s workplace or habitual residence is Guangzhou, and there is a need for regular stay in Guangzhou for 4-7 days a week (e.g., by submitting their spouse’s residence permit or work permit).

B.Applying for a couple room with a foreign marriage certificate requires the following conditions to be met:

(a) Applicants must be a full-time enrolled student enrolled of our University (priority is given if both spouses are full-time enrolled students of our University);

(b) If applicants’ spouse is of foreign nationality, they must submit their passport, marriage certificate (documents not in Chinese/English must be translated into English), and visa. If applicants’ spouse is of Chinese nationality, the documentation required is the same as for those holding a Chinese marriage certificate.

 

No.6 Where can I find the application processes related to the dormitory?

  1. Application Form for Living Off-campus
  2. Dormitory Application
  3. Application for PG Room Change
  4. Application of University Card for student spouse
  5. Application for Proof of Accommodation

 

No.7 Do the electrical appliances I brought violate the regulations?

Our University's accommodation regulations have provisions regarding electricity usage and electrical appliances as follows:

  1. Students are prohibited from using low-quality electrical appliances without 3C certification, and open-flame devices in the dormitory.
  2. Electrical appliances over 800 watts are prohibited in student dormitories, except for those provided by the University.
  3. The storage and use of items that may cause fires, such as electric blankets and electric roaster, are forbidden.
  4. Charging electric bikes, hoverboards and the batteries, or other rechargeable devices inside the dormitory building is strictly prohibited.
  5. Students are also not allowed to make unauthorised connections to electrical wires, telephone lines, or network lines, or make unauthorised installation or modification of facilities and equipment within the dormitory.
  6. Students shall develop the habit of switching off the power when not in use and unplugging the associated power cords when not using electrical appliances.
  7. In the absence of occupants in the dormitory, all power sources, especially extension cords and mobile phone charger, shall be disconnected, following the practice of “power off when no one is around”, to prevent fires.

 

No.8 What behaviours violate the regulations?

Violations are categorized into safety-related violations and hygiene and order-related violations, and violators will be punished according to the relevant regulations.

 

Safety-related violations

  1. Students are not allowed to engage in pyramid selling, commercial activities, or fee-based activities within the dormitory.
  2. The visiting hours for the student dormitory are from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visitors must register at the front desk and leave before 10:00 PM. Unauthorized visits, visits during which the visitor is unaccompanied, or overstays by visitors will be considered violations. If such violations are discovered, the University will impose penalties on the visited student according to relevant regulations.
  3. Students are not allowed to engage in fraud, theft, or improper use of others’ property.
  4. Engagement in any dangerous activities such as climbing doors, windows, rooftops, or railings within the dormitory is strictly prohibited.
  5. The electrical appliances, furniture, and various equipment provided in the dormitory’s common areas are for use within those common areas only and shall not be dismantled. Students shall operate electrical appliances and facilities safely in accordance with the usage instructions. Furniture and facilities in the dormitory and common areas shall not be moved without permission from the dormitory manager.
  6. Students are strictly prohibited from storing flammable, explosive, and corrosive items, virus specimens, highly toxic and radioactive hazardous items in the dormitory.
  7. They are not allowed to conduct any experiments or store or possess controlled knives, imitation firearms, clubs, crossbows, or any weapons in the dormitory.
  8. Bringing prohibited items identified by the University’s security department based on relevant laws and regulations into the dormitory is also forbidden.
  9. The entrance, corridors, stairs, rooftop access doors, and other public areas of the student dormitories shall be kept clear and unobstructed, and parking of vehicles and stacking of items are not allowed.

 

hygiene and order-related violations

  1. Students are expected to keep the common areas tidy, conscientiously bag their waste and place it in designated recycling bins. Additionally, they are responsible for clearing any garbage near the dormitory entrance and are strictly prohibited from throwing objects from heights.
  2. Students are not allowed to dismantle or move any furniture or facilities; make unauthorised installation or replacement or cause any damage to the dormitory door locks; or damage the dormitory walls, including drilling holes, attaching hooks, painting, and pasting stickers; do not dispose of any items in toilets, sinks, or similar fixtures to prevent clogging the drainage system.
  3. Students are not allowed to transfer, rent out, or lend their beds without authorisation. They are also prohibited from lending their access cards to others.
  4. Keeping pets in the dormitory is strictly prohibited.
  5. Engagement in any activities in the dormitory that violate Chinese laws and regulations is strictly prohibited.
  6. Students are strictly prohibited from smoking (including e-cigarettes), using drugs, excessive drinking, and gambling in the dormitory; watching or organising the viewing of materials with violent, pornographic, or other harmful content, as well as facilitating such activities, is also prohibited.
  7. Students are prohibited from staying in others’ rooms and engaging in noisy or disruptive behaviour (such as loud conversations, playing music or electronic devices at high volume, forcefully closing doors, etc.) from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
  8. Preaching and gathering for religious activities are prohibited in the dormitory.
  9. Students are required to adhere to the dormitory management regulations and show respect towards dormitory staff. They must cooperate with management in the performance of their duties and refrain from any unreasonable behavior. Insulting or assaulting management personnel is strictly prohibited.
  10. Students are prohibited from harassing, threatening, intimidating, assaulting, coercing, insulting, or physically harming anyone through verbal, written, or physical means, to prevent harm to the health, safety, or other interests of others.
  11. Installing electronic surveillance cameras in the dormitory area, as well as making audio or video recordings without the knowledge or consent of others that may cause harm or stress to them, is strictly prohibited.
  12. Provision of false and/or misleading information or forged documents by any individual to dormitory management or other University personnel is prohibited.
  13. Students shall comply with the policy guidelines of the ITD of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) when using the campus network.
  14. No unit or individual is permitted to post posters, banners, advertisements, or any promotional materials in the dormitory area without prior approval from the University.
  15. International students with expired visas are not allowed to stay in the campus. They shall complete the check-out procedure and move out of the dormitory according to the University’s regulations before the visa expiry date.

 

No.9 What should I do about the poor sanitation in the common areas of the dormitory?

  1. Students are required to maintain a quiet, clean, and aesthetically pleasing environment in the dormitory. The University encourages prompt communication regarding any conflicts or issues that may arise during their stay. Students are encouraged to establish a regular cleaning schedule to address sanitation concerns.
  2. If internal communication and negotiation prove ineffective, students may seek assistance from the dormitory management officer to mediate the situation.

 

No.10 Can students seek assistance when conflicts or issues arise during their residence? What processes does the University have in place to address these concerns?

  1. Students are encouraged with mutual supervision, mutual assistance, and timely communication and resolution if conflicts happen.
  2. If unable to resolve the conflicts independently, students may seek assistance from the dormitory management officer.
  3. If the conflicts remain unresolved, the dormitory management officer may refer to SHRL for assistance. Students seeking assistance have the responsibility to prove the occurrence of the incident and provide relevant evidence.

 

Once the issue is reported to SHRL, we will assist in its resolution through the following process:

  1. Verification of Complaints: We will verify the written records and relevant evidence submitted by the individual seeking assistance. This may include contacting both parties involved or conducting on-site investigations to thoroughly understand and assess the issue.
  2. Outcome of Verification: If the situation cannot be verified, the individual seeking assistance will be informed of the investigation's status and provided with appropriate recommendations. Should the situation be verified, any violations will be documented. The designated faculty members will communicate with the parties involved and based on the severity of the issue, will collaborate with the student supervisor or responsible authority to address the matter.
  3. Repeat Offenses: In the event of a recurrence of the issue, a written warning will be issued. SHRL has the right to refer violations to the Student Discipline Committee for further action. For those who show no improvement or commit serious offenses, the University has the right to revoke their accommodation eligibility. Those suspected of illegal activity will be reported to the public security authorities for handling.

 

No.11 I have applied for a leave of absence from my studies. Can I retain my original room until I return?

  • In accordance with the Ministry of Education's Order No. 41, Section 4, Article 28, which states: "Students on leave of absence must complete the necessary procedures to leave the school. During the leave of absence, the school shall retain their student status, but they will not enjoy the privileges of students attending classes." Our university adheres to the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Education, and students on leave of absence are required to complete the check-out procedures and vacate their room during their time away.
  • According to our "Regulations for Postgraduate Accommodation," students must complete the check-out process within five working days after any change in their student status. Therefore, please contact the dormitory management officer as soon as possible to initiate the check-out process. If you require assistance with packing or the check-out process, it is advisable to authorize a fellow student to help or to contact Cainiao E-station on campus or the dormitory management officer for support.

 

 

For any other inquiries, please contact:

  • The front desk of each dormitory building (Duty hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
  • The SHRL public email: 
  • In-person consultations at the One-Stop Service Center: every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.