Insights from a visit to Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in China

The Head of the Internship Office, Dr Fiona Whitehouse, recently visited the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). Here are valuable insights from her experience at HUST, along with practical tips for University of Oxford students preparing for an on-campus internship secured through our Summer Internship Programme.

A Summer at HUST

To those of you preparing for your internships at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) this summer, I’ve just returned from a visit so wanted to share a few insights ahead of your arrival. First off, I am SO glad I went. The campus is amazing, one of the largest and greenest I’ve seen. It spans 470 hectares with more than 70% green coverage: think tree-lined boulevards, landscaped courtyards, and small parks throughout. It’s well-planned and well-resourced, with everything from budget-friendly canteens and restaurants to fresh produce markets, supermarkets (also very cheap), sports facilities, gyms, libraries, banks, a post office, and even a hospital. The food I had on and off campus was some of the best I’ve ever eaten.

Getting Around

Transport on campus is easy. Students mostly use bikes or electric mopeds, while staff tend to drive. At first, the layout felt a little chaotic (cars often park on pavements), but everyone drives slowly on campus, so weaving your way around feels surprisingly safe. The campus is enclosed and secure and you’ll need your ID to enter, which HUST staff will organise when you arrive.

Accommodation

The lovely Vivian (your main administrative contact at HUST) showed me the newly built student accommodation, it’s modern and fresh inside. Each room has a bunkbed with a desk below, and there are spacious communal kitchens and laundry areas. There are no fridges though; Vivian mentioned most students shop daily or eat out. If you need a fridge for medical reasons, it’s best to request one in advance. The accommodation is conveniently located near shops and restaurants, great for settling in quickly.

International Community

HUST hosts over 2,000 international students from across Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Russia. This year, Oxford students will be joined by peers from the University of Padova, a great opportunity to build a diverse and dynamic summer cohort.

Internship Planning

I had the chance to meet with the departments hosting our students (see photo). They’re enthusiastic about your arrival and committed to offering a rich academic experience. Several departments have organised supplementary lectures and local cultural excursions alongside your research placements. They were genuinely welcoming and excited to meet you.

Climate and Practicalities

A quick heads-up: July in Wuhan is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. It’s important to stay comfortable and safe in the heat, so bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, high-factor sun protection, and a reusable water bottle (available to buy on campus if needed). You may also find a small handheld fan or cooling wipes useful for days when you're out and about.

Also, if you have any allergies or particular needs, it might be worth using a translation app. I am allergic to gluten and I didn’t have an app, so when I was ordering on my own it became a high risk game of charades….

Etiquette and Expectations

Chinese professional culture tends to be formal and respectful. A few things to bear in mind:

• Be punctual - always arrive early for meetings and lectures.
• Respect hierarchy - titles and roles are important, and you may see formal seating and speaking orders.
• Be tactful - avoid direct criticism, especially in groups. Sensitive topics like geopolitics should be approached carefully.
• Ceremonies matter - both the opening and closing ceremonies are very important to your hosts, so please attend both. It means a lot to them.
• Oh and I was asked about the Royal Family more than once. It seems to be a topic of real interest!

Beyond HUST

My trip was brief, but I’d highly recommend visiting the Wuhan Zoo to see the pandas. While I’m not a fan of animals in captivity, the Chinese panda conservation programme is internationally respected, and the two pandas in Wuhan are on loan from that initiative (as far as I understood!). Seeing them was very exciting.  I also explored one of Wuhan’s many “downtowns” and strolled around East Lake, which is beautiful and not far from campus. Last year’s interns loved exploring Wuhan, but it’s a vast city so I’d recommend teaming up with local students for your first few outings.

A Final Word

It was a pleasure to visit HUST and meet the staff who will be working with you. The university is ambitious, fast-growing, and globally connected and you’re joining a programme that’s both prestigious and full of promise. I hope you make the most of it.

One final tip: bring printed copies of all your documents. I forgot my official invitation letter and got into a bit of a pickle at the airport!

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions before you go. Wishing you all the best in your preparations!