Commuting, sharing and other tips?

[hcj]

Hi all,

I'm a gal in my mid-twenties from Scandinavia moving to HK for 12 months in September to do research for my PhD. My research is multisited and I expect to do research in Tuen Mun, Kowloon, on the Island, as well as popping across the border every third month or so. I'll also be stationed at HKU and CUHK both. As such, commuting is pretty inevitable, and so I thought it doesn't really matter where I end up living, as long as it's somewhere I'm happy to come home to at the end of long days out in the field. In other words, somewhere close(ish) to green areas, not too crowded and not too crammed. I don't need heaps and heaps of space, but if I can turn around in the kitchen/bathroom, that'd be great. Does most places come semi/fully furnished?

Being a research student I'm on a budget too. I figured I could spend somewhere between 8-12k a month on rent. I'd rather live a little further out and have more space. I spent two years at a college out in Wu Kai Sha back in the days, and quite liked that area, but I'm open for suggestions. I've noticed that two bedrooms seem to be the norm rather than one bedroom flats. I suppose I could sue one as a write up room, but it does seem a wee bit excessive. Leading me on to my next question; to share or not to share?

I've had some pretty good flatshares in the Uk over the years, but I've also had friends who've not been lucky. I really need home to be somewhere to re-energize and calm down, so I wonder if anyone here has any experiences to share? Is it OK to share in this city, or is there a majority of loonies on the sharing market? I'm in to keeping things tidy, clean and bug free, but I'm happy as long as I don't have to clean up other people's stuff.

Any other tips and suggestions are very welcome!

[chingleutsch]

It definitely sounds as if you'd be happier in the New Territories than in the more densely populated bits of Kowloon or HK island, and you'd also get considerably more space for your money. I don't know what the prices are like these days, but in your place I'd start by looking at floors of village houses in the "walk up" villages close to Shatin EastRail station, such as Pai Tau and Sheung Wo Che. There's no vehicular access to most of the houses (which brings the prices down), but if you don't mind the 10 - 15 minute walk to the station you can get not only the trains to CUHK and the mainland border, but also buses to HK island and Tuen Mun.
Most rental places in HK come unfurnished, or if they are furnished, it is just with the landlord's cast-offs but in my last place I got lucky and had pretty OK stuff and the landlord had knocked out one bedroom wall to make a larger living area.

[justjoe86]

Have you looked at the possibility of on campus accommodation? I know at hku there is some quota especially for non local students, and also some especially for post grad. The value for money is unbeatable and because you'd be sharing with post grads you can be confident it will be a reasonably peaceful environment.

[hcj]

chingleutsch: Yeah, I think I'd be happier in NT too, which is fortunate seeing as it's cheaper. I've heard that it's pretty hit or miss with the village houses, that sometimes security is compromised etc., but I guess I'll have to check it out for myself. I wouldn't mind living as far out as Fanling or Tai Po, I think ... is it a far commute, say to the Island? I've heard that about the furniture, oh well... I guess there's always IKEA for essentials such as new bedding and matress, kitchen stuff, but surely there's second hand stuff to be had somewhere, too? I usually accumulate too much crap whenever I stay somewhere for a year or more

justjoe86: Good tip, but I don't qualify for it. I'm simply an affiliated researcher, or as is the case with CUHK, an honorary research assistant, a.k.a. no pay, no benefits beyond a library card and free internet access. Besides, I'll admit that I'm a bit beyond student accomodation, I'm in my 7th year of Uni and I feel too old

[cjjenks]

try ma on shan. may be able to get a furnished serviced apt at horizon suite hotel for 12 or less K... I lived there for two years. now live down the street in a 1100 square ft apt... pay 15 for it.

[MovingIn07]

I second ma on shan but there are much cheaper options than horizon. Try the big complex on top of the mtr station - friend there is on 50th floor, 2 bed for 8k.

[hcj]

I love Ma On Shan, the views are lovely and there's easy access to hikes and kayaking. It's also fairly well connected I think, with buses and the rails. I'm not too keen on a serviced apt though... does your friend live on top of Sunshine City? That place brings back memories, haha, great noodle place and interesting wetmarket.

What is considered 'high' level flooring? I've noticed in ads that they split it into low, mid and high. I'd love to live high up to avoid some noise and pollution, but have no idea what 'high' actually mean, above 20th floor? 30th? Obviously it's more expensive, but I suppose it's worth it in the long run.

[MovingIn07]

Yes that rings a bell (sunshine city).