[hcueva]

I am going to transfer to CUHK starting August 2006. CUHK campus is located in Sha Tin, so my first idea was that I should live in the Sha Tin area (living on-campus is just not an option due to many reasons). Since this is the first time that I'm going to live in Hong Kong (or live alone anywhere, for that matter... I'm 20) I am intimidated by the idea of furnishing an apartment, buying a refrigerator, signing an internet contract, and so on... so I decided that I should seek for serviced apartments.

This is where all the problems begin. I've been searching the web like crazy but the only serviced apartments that I found in Sha Tin (below 10 000 per month, which is the most I could spend due to my budget) was Horizon Suites, but it turns out it's a bait scam and they don't really offer apartments for that price. Plus, it is 10 min. by bus to the nearest KCR East Rail station (they offer shuttle buses but just a couple of hours a day). Since I'm gonna be probably coming and going to the CUHK campus several times a day, or returning late at night, the shuttle buses wouldn't be any helpful.

I've found many places that look really good, i.e. New Town Plaza, Hilton Plaza, Sha Tin Plaza. They are specially great since, from what I understand they're right there next to the KCR Sha Tin station, but none of them offer serviced apartments! Most of what I found aren't furnished at all, so they automatically get disqualified.

I am so frustrated that now I am considering finding a serviced apartment even when it is far away from Sha Tin, just as long as it is less than 10k per month and that it is very near (less than 3 minutes walking distance) to any MTR/KCR station. Now that I've decreased my filters in number, I have found many cool places like Wstudios, for example. However, and this is the reason for this post (sorry I know it is too long) I am not sure if it'd be smart studying in Sha Tin and living in the island.

This is my question: is it too insane to live in Sha Tin and live in the island (or Kowloon if i find something there)?

[Nudle]

There're no reasons for you to be apprehensive and afraid of being self sufficient. I just moved from the US here 2 weeks ago, not able to speak a lick of English and unfamiliar with the surrounding. I decided to settle into Shatin because of the reasonable rental price & semi-peace & quiet compared to the overcrowded HK island, etc... Those places (NW plaza, etc..) you mentioned are perfect for your commute to CUHK so you should not rule it out. If you find the apartment via an agent, by all means enlist their help in obtaining the utils. After all, you'll be shelling out mucho $ for their commission so let them work for it. But even if you get the apartment on your own or the agent's being uncooperative, doing all the tasks you mentioned are easy enough. I don't know what gender you are but that shouldn't matter as no hard labor is involved.

1. Furnishing the apartment: Ikea is located IN Shatin at NW plaza where you can spend a morning/afternoon and get everything you need for your new pad. The good thing will be you can pick and choose your furniture according to your taste. They deliver AND assemble for a very reasonable fee as well which I suggest doing as you won't need to worry about getting tools, or headache of worrying about putting together the wrong things.

2. Utils - All can be arranged by phone. Agents/Landlord can provide you phone #s. The CS speaks English and will only require address of your place and your name, passport #. Water comp will ask for the size of your place in sq ft. All will ask for a deposit which is payable when they send you the bill. Towngas might ask you to fax in the lease but the quicker alternative is to walk in the many offices they have with the lease and they'll sort it out for you.

3. Cable/internet - Options galore with those many touts on the street or you can ring them directly. I suggest reading through the Tech threads to choose the right company.

All in all, the saving in $ and better yet, the sheer satisfaction that you're being self sufficient in a foreign land will outweigh the pros of being in a self service studio. After all, isn't that why most of us choose to travel/living in a different environment? Feel free to PM me with any questions.

[greentea]

I would suggest you to look for the flat in Shatin City One. They have many choices for you, as it is a big estate.

[PrettyStoked]

You should take it easy and apply for on campus housing then!! its only around 3,000 for a whole semester, try living in ihouse where its more suitable for single living.. or just search for people wanting roommates nearby, i just saw one in central, yeah its a little far, but make your classes on mtw or something like that..