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Hong Kong students normally use Cantonese with each other socially rather than English, which can affect overseas students’ participation in some local student clubs and activities. However, many institutions have set up arrangements to build cross-cultural friendships. The majority offer a “buddy” system to pair overseas students with either a local or mainland student to help with the settling-in process. In addition, institutions often prefer to room overseas students with a mainland or local student. Some have special facilities to encourage interaction between local and international students and most organise social outings. Friendships among international students from different countries are also common. Many higher education institutions have excellent sporting facilities, including swimming pools, sports tracks, gymnasia, soccer pitches, and fitness centres, among others. Licensed bars are not found on Hong Kong university campuses but are well represented in the city.
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