History

University Hall

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The bastion is older than HKU itself,
And our bonds will last longer still.

Traditions
History

Traditions. Maketh. Men.

Steeped in the rich tapestry of traditions that have shaped generations of scholars, University Hall stands as a testament to the enduring truth that traditions maketh men, forging character, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose that will forever define the lives of those who call this hallowed place home.

Bai Sun
Bai Sun (also worshipping) is an annual ritual of University Hall and it follows the Chinese tradition. We share some roasted suckling pig from the ceremony and hope for good fortune, health and peace for the coming year.
Nazarene Night
The Nazarene's Night is a moment of celebration and memories. Fresh graduates will come back to the Castle to take their second cup of Hall blood, and they will share with the current Castlers their memories in University Hall. In addition, awards would be presented to acknowledge the achievements of outstanding Castlers in the past year.
Island Ride
This is a night on which all the Castlers mount on their bikes and cycle around the Hong Kong Island. In this long and winding journey, Castlers will engage themselves in this ride that will leave them with memories lasting for a lifetime.
High Table Dinner
It is a longstanding tradition of residential Halls of the University of Hong Kong to have High Table Dinner. It is a time to learn; students can broaden their horizons through the talk delivered by our Guest of Honour after the dinner, and is therefore one of the most important events in University Hall for the enrichment of hall education.
Founder's Nite
In this event, greenhorns drink their first cup of hall blood, whereafter they officially become Castlers. Also, before they take the hall blood, they have to set an aim for themselves, which they will pursue throughout their university life.
Dragon Boat's Race
Every Tuen Ng Festival, Castlers would join the Dragon Boat race in the Stanley community. They spend much time practising and perform their best in the race. The result is not the most important, but the memories and brotherhood they could experience during the process.
Reunion Dinner
Every year on this night, graduated Hall mates, old or new, come back and have a dinner with the current Hall mates. Meanwhile, members of the proposed cabinet of University Hall Students' Association introduce themselves as well.
Global Night
This is an occasion where local Hall mates invite international Hall mates and dine together to have hot pots. They can get to know about each other and perhaps this also serves as a house-warming in September for everyone.
Superpass dinner
The Superpass Dinner is more of a HKU tradition. Before the dinner, Warden gives Hall mates Superpass ‘lai sees’ (red packets, the lucky money). Castlers write Superpass ‘fai chuns’ (red scrolls) to wish themselves and the others every success in the examinations before the dinner starts.
Halloween Party
Halloween Party The Castle of University Hall gives people a chilly and spooky feeling, especially late in the middle of the night. It is thus a perfect place to hold the Halloween Party. During this annual event, girls ...

Heritage. Molds. Men.

Steeped in a rich heritage that molds the very essence of who we are, University Hall stands as a beacon of inspiration, forever shaping the heroes who will forge the future.

Now

Historical Monument

University Hall was formally declared a historical monument by the Antiquity and Monument Office of Hong Kong on 15 September 1995.

Joined HKU

In 1954 the University of Hong Kong purchased the Nazareth from the French Mission for the purpose of setting up undergraduate students’ hostel there.

When alteration completed in two years, the chapel was converted into a dining hall and the crypt became the common room.

1900

Narareth House

The French Mission redeveloped Douglas Castle into the Nazareth, a facility for missionaries from all over Asia to rest and refresh.

When completed in 1896, Nazareth had a new complex block of dormitory, chapel and printing workshop attached to the old Douglas Castle main building.

Douglas Castle

A renowned merchant Douglas Lapraik obtained the small hill by the side of the Pokfulam Reservoir under construction. He built on the top of the hill his home, the Douglas Castle.

The cross-shaped tower walls symbolized that crossbow-men were ready to shoot arrows any time from behind the embattled parapets.

Open to Freshmen, alumni, exchange students, public organizations, partners, and all members of the public!

Email: uhall@connect.hku.hk
Phone: 2595-0966

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