Hengrui Zhang - Philosophy
Supervisor: Carolyn Mason
Why did you choose to study at the سԹ (UC)?
“When I was applying for my PhD, I wasn’t just thinking about academics—I also wanted to consider the lifestyle and environment of the city. Christchurch offered incredible possibilities for outdoor activities, which was a big draw for me as a snowboard instructor and Frisbee coach. I also enjoy diving, surfing, and badminton, so the location is perfect. At the same time, UC provides a peaceful environment for my academic work. I think of people as balancing between sociability and solitude, and both Christchurch and UC strike that balance really well for me.”
How did you first learn about UC?
“I learned about UC through the International Graduate Scholarship Fair (IGSF) in China in 2023. The fair sets up a platform for students to connect with overseas universities individually. I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Graham Wise, which gave me a much clearer understanding of what UC has to offer.”
What do you like most about UC?
“I only arrived in Christchurch at the end of August, so I'm still exploring the city and getting to know UC. But what stands out so far is the friendliness of the people—whether it’s at the university or around town, even strangers say hi to you on the street. I really appreciate the welcoming atmosphere.”
What makes the education at UC stand out?
“UC’s world ranking and academic reputation were important factors for me, especially when considering future job prospects back home. After enrolling on September 1, I met my supervisor team and was really impressed by the level of care and attention they provide. They organise ethics reading groups and seminars, which made for a fantastic first impression.”
How do you find the academic staff at UC?
“Even though I’ve only been here for about ten days, I’m already impressed by my supervisor team. They are strict but very approachable, and they really encourage new PhD students. What stands out to me is how they observe each student’s personality and research style, tailoring their approach based on our individual progress, learning abilities, and English proficiency. The personalised guidance here is helping me work towards my academic goals at my own pace.”
What do you enjoy most about your studies at UC?
“What I appreciate most is that supervisors at UC don’t force students into projects they’re not interested in. Instead, we have the freedom to explore the questions that truly fascinate us, and our supervisors respect our choices as we develop our thesis. It’s a very supportive environment for research.”
How was your transition to UC?
“I started preparing for my PhD while completing my Master’s degree in China. During my Master’s, I worked part-time as a project director for a media company, managing a live commerce team with a large following. That experience helped me develop social and problem-solving skills, which have been invaluable in adapting to my PhD journey at UC.”
What support does the Graduate School offer international students?
“I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received from the UC Graduate School. From the beginning, they helped me connect with and find the right supervisors when I was applying for the CSC scholarship. They were prompt in arranging interviews and even confirmed my request to change my start date quickly. The support continues now that I’m here, with regular meetings with Kaitoko every six months to help guide my progress. UC Graduate School has been incredibly responsive and helpful throughout the process.”
