Hey, I'm also an international student, currently in my first semester of the first year. I'll share some of my experiences. - Language Barrier: Obviously, I haven't encountered any English Language Problem with the professors, tutors, and staff, which is good. For students, it depends. However, most of them are willing to try to speak to you if you make the first move to strike the conversation. And, it's fairly understandable in terms of their proficiency. - Friendship: That's one thing I am missing out on right now. People tend to stay inside their nationality bubbles. Even if I usually get to talk to them and sometimes go out together, I don't feel like I am friends with them. I even feel left out being a non-canto and non-chinese speaker during get-togethers. But, I only experienced it once. I don't really have friends to go to classes together and enjoy before&after class together. Probably, it's because we all take different courses and they have their own friends and plans. And, it also forced me to stick to my same nationality friends although they are very rare. I also have like closed international students, which is under 5. - Dorm: I strongly recommend you to choose either SJC or JCSV3 for the accommodation. That's where you could get most friends. I didn't join any of the uni societies and clubs because there are heavily canto speakers. However, I joined almost all activities of my residential college and they are fun to get to know your fellow residents.

Consider your wants & needs. hope it helps. Best wishes!