November 2011 – Orienting Orientation

University orientation camps, or o’camps, in Hong Kong have come under scrutiny in recent years. Media coverage concentrates on shock stories of sexual impropriety and ‘obscene’ games. But for most students, o’camp is an unforgettable experience, an introduction to university life and the place where friendships are made. Varsity takes a closer and more comprehensive look at the o’camp phenomenon:

Hong Kong’s o’camps down the ages – a look at how o’camps have changed over time and what it tells us about our society

Why the media is obsessed with negative stories about o’camps and the reasons for the ‘offensive’ games students play

What makes Hong Kong’s o’camps so distinctively Hong Kong? How do they compare with orientation activities in other places?