10 helpful tips when studying in Singapore

In the beginning stages of registering as an NUS student, the school will send out many emails containing information about entry requirements for covid, set up a virtual orientation for briefing and questions as well as provide an online handbook that provides instructions for every step of the registration process. Although they are available through email to answer questions, the handbook usually has the answer already. 

To pay for transportation you can use an EZ-link card purchasable from 7-eleven (and they are made with cute characters on them). The only downside of these cards is that you can only refill them with cash with the machines located within the MRT stations unless you have set up a bank account with a Singapore company or your card is able to make those transactions. Instead of continously visiting the ATM for cash, you can also use your personal debit/credit card or apple pay.

I made this mistake during my first few weeks in Singapore. Unlike in Hawaii, where taking the bus only requires a one-time pass or entry payment, Singapore's buses have a tap-in tap-out system which you can use an EZ-link card or a debit/credit card. If you forget to tap out when exiting the system will charge you for the max distance the bus goes for which is only about 2.50 SGD. ​

​Singapore is generally a safe country from crime, and you can leave your things where they are but, in certain districts you should use your best judgement when deciding whether to leave things. On campus students usually leave their belongings at the table they were using and no one will touch it. 

Hawker centers are similar to food courts where you have public seating and food stalls. During peak hours, it can be hard to manage finding a table and keeping track of the food you orderd. Thanks to the local Singapore students, they taught us that if you want to save a table just place a nonvaluable item on the table such as a tissue packet or hand sanitizer.

It's convenient to use for food delivery and taxi services. They also sometimes offer coupons that can be used torwards rides. 

From my experience living at Prince George's Residencies on campus, the washer and dryer machines give you the option to pay with coins or a NETs card. This type of card is similar to an EZ-link card where you tap to pay but not only can it be used for transportation, it can pay for store and service purchases. But NET cards are hard to obtain on exchange because they are connected to a bank account. I fortunately had a close family freind lend me their card so I didn't have to worry about having enough dollar coins. 

This app helps keep track of the campus bus, find the nearest bus stops, and gives you information on what bus to take to get to a specific location.

This is a great app to use for directions as it tells you which train line or bus to take.

Although Singapore’s weather is hot all year round, inside the malls and school classrooms it can get quite cold so I reccomend you have a light jacket if you easily get cold.