v-confuzzled

[v-confuzzled]

Preparing for Hong Kong!

It's 9 PM, and I've just had dinner. Then a thought hits me. Can I use cellular data when I'm abroad???? Hi! My name is Joy, and I'm a freshman studying Computer Science in Engineering at the University of Michigan. For this summer, I've been given the opportunity to study in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for about 2 months. I'm super excited, but I've definitely got some worries.

One thing I'm super concerned about is how I'm going to navigate a new country. Sometimes, I can't even navigate my own college campus. Google Maps is my lifeline wherever I go, but I'm not too sure if I can use it abroad without access to cellular data. I've been looking into it, and I think I've got some solutions:

Get an eSIM- I learned that you can download a digital SIM card that allows you to access local data plans! The only thing you need to check is if your phone can support an eSIM.

International Travel Plan- Most phone service providers let you add an international travel plan to your existing wireless plan. 

Wi-Fi only... going rogue I see

I've heard a lot of horror stories about roaming charges when people go abroad, so looking into these options has definitely helped me feel more prepared. Besides a few more worries about what clothes I want to pack and what flight I should take, I've been super into planning what I want to do in Hong Kong along with my studies!

Food! Food!! Food!!! I'm so excited to try the food in Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong is a "dim sum capital", this is #1 on my list. I also love egg tarts, and I've only ever heard good things about Hong Kong egg tarts. There's no doubt those are on my list too! As a boba enthusiast and cafe lover, I can't wait to try the boba and see the cafe culture around Hong Kong too. I think I have too many food things I want to try. I even made a vision board for my food! :)

Besides food, I'm excited to explore the areas around HKUST as well. I've been making lists of places I want to visit and how far they are from the campus using Google MyMaps. Quarry Bay seems to be where a lot of the popular Hong Kong attractions are, but I'll be in Clear Water Bay since that's where the campus is located. I've been trying to figure out bus routes and other travel methods around Hong Kong to make sure I can see the places I want to go.

The famous "Monster Building" in Quarry Bay that I want to visit.

Overall, while I'm planning the logistics of my travel, I'm also planning my adventures too! I'm excited to meet new people while I study and explore. I hope to make the most out of this experience as I continue to prepare for my summer in Hong Kong!

- Joy Wu