Students happy with dorms despite pressures

Hall patriotism common at HKU

University Hall students cheer for their hallmates at athletic meets. Their strong hall spirit annoys some. (Eric Tsang)

By Eric Tsang

On a lazy Sunday morning, the usual silence in Pokfulam was broken by the thunderous sounds of steps and chants.

Dozens of young men and women, all dressed in purple, were representing St. John’s College, one of the student residences at the University of Hong Kong.

They shouted the victory chant while marching into the University of Hong Kong’s Stanley Ho Sports Center:

Oh when the saints
Go marching in
Oh when the saints go marching in
Oh, Lord, I’d like to be in that number
Oh when the saints go marching in. . . .

It was the day for battle — the annual Inter-hall Athletics Meet.

“We brothers and sisters shall stand shoulder to shoulder,” said Ray Chun, a Year 3 St. John’s College resident studying chemistry and management.

He is the captain of the St. John’s College softball team and was external vice chairman of the college’s student association last year.

Ray said he fell in love with St. John’s College long before he was admitted to the residence.

“I couldn’t wait to join their big family.

“Bonded, smart and dignified,” he recalled of his first impression of St. Johnians.

Some students at the University of Hong Kong complain that hall activities take up too much of their time and get annoyed at times because they feel they are forced to participate in activities.

But Ray has a different point of view. He said, “I don’t see any drawbacks in compulsory participation.”

Though he has sacrificed leisure time for college activities, Ray has no regrets.

“Not only do I spend less time on television, magazines and with friends, but also in family gatherings.

“Sometimes I do feel as if I am disconnected from the world outside Pokfulam.
“But nonetheless, I am proud to be a busy St. Johnian.

“I think there is nothing irrational about being ‘hall-patriotic’.

“As long as I perfectly understand my choices.

“The alumni meeting in January was a memorable event,” he said. “I even met some St. Johnians who graduated in the ’60s and ’70s.

“Although I am just a nobody to them, it’s like the reunion of a huge family clan.”

“To me, being a St. Johnian is a life-long business,” he added.

Turning away from the conversation, Ray continued to cheer for his sports team.

According to George Cheng, University Hall’s resident tutor, there is a “point system” to govern students’ participation in hall activities.

“The more they show up, the more points they earn.

“As a result, quality is compromised by quantity.

“Students might treat their hall activities indifferently and have no genuine enthusiasm in the participation.”

Raymond Mak, resident of Ricci Hall and chairman of the Hong Kong University Students’ Union, said, “It’s unavoidable for senior students to order the freshmen around.”

He also added that this kind of “parental authority” may cause conflicts between freshmen and seniors.

Raymond said the larger problem lies within the policies of the University of Hong Kong. According to him, the university has not formulated any policies to regulate hall education.

“The university doesn’t believe in the importance of hall education,” he said.
Each hall has its own culture, which usually reflects its history.

“There is an urge to preserve the traditions that characterize the University of Hong Kong,” Raymond said.

Besides the Athletics Meet, there are other chances for students to demonstrate their enthusiastic hall spirit.

George said, “For example, we demonstrate our own cheers at the main entrances of other halls.

“This kind of hall visit is conducted in a peaceful manner.

“We see it as an occasion for sharing our hall spirit.

“We won’t glorify ourselves by trampling on others,” he said.

Hall non-residents may find it hard to understand the meaning behind activities such as orientation camp.

“Our orientation is often criticized as a brainwashing process. However, the philosophy behind it is neglected.

“They actually comprise the essentials of hall beliefs.

“After the camp, the warden and tutors answer questions in a debriefing session for the freshmen,” George said.

The warden and tutors share many of their hall experiences, from skills in time management to students’ roles in the hall with the freshmen.

“To be a leader, an executor or a follower? Students are encouraged to develop their own unique way of thinking.

“Hall education can be pivotal for students, but it can be of no value, too.

“It’s ideal if they are able to retain their hall experiences and transform them into social use,” he said.

At the Athletics Meet that Sunday morning, George ran in the 110-meter men’s hurdles.

“I hope my participation can act as a leading force to my fellows,” he said.

The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the campus.

The students were still chanting for the athletes on the field in the stadium, which is situated in a small valley.

The chanting echoed back from the surrounding little hills.

Beyond those hills, it was as quiet as it would be on any other Sunday night.

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