There are plenty of things to be amazed by in Singapore. From the moment you step off the plane, the airport alone is impressive: not many airports warrant a separate dedicated trip, but this one, with its landmarks such as the Jewel Rain Vortex and the sheer amount of stores and restaurants, indeed does. Get around using public transport, which is convenient and affordable. Dine at hawker centres for cheap local food, with so many choices you will not know where to start. Visit Gardens by the Bay and so much more in the area. Singapore is a country all about meticulous details, and you will notice that in everything, down to each tree. Whether you are interested in shopping, nature, food, or sightseeing, you will find opportunities to enjoy yourself.
The Nanyang Technological University campus is some way from the city centre and provides a totally new perspective on university life. The campus is surrounded by greenery. You will not have to worry about missing the rich flora and fauna of New Zealand: plenty of curious birds, reptiles, and even a few campus cats will always be around. I recommend catching the sunrise at least once while you’re here. Not only is it gorgeous, but it will also give you sounds of wildlife that the cityscape of Auckland definitely misses out on. Simply walking around campus (when the heat is not too unbearable) is also stunning, with small parks, ponds, and plenty of walkways to enjoy while you get your steps in.
On campus, you will find all the basic necessities you need. Food halls offer plenty of affordable options, and convenience stores sell food and various day-to-day products, including a 24/7 7-Eleven perfect for any late study sessions (or snack cravings). You can also find other fundamental services readily available on campus such as an ATM, a stationary store, a photo booth for IDs, a medical centre, etc. Not too far from campus, you will also find a mall that will cover all your other needs and offer even more delicious food options: Jurong Point. Students and staff are polite and helpful and will rescue you if you get lost. But, despite the size of the campus, orienting yourself around it is not all that hard, and you can get the hang of it fairly quickly. There are also plenty of shortcuts (hint: look up; they love their suspended walkways here).
As an Arts student, I have been positively impressed by all my courses so far. Some highlights: a film course that is held in a classroom that is literally a small movie theatre room, a psychology course which gives you the opportunity to participate in other students’ studies, and a creative writing course with engaging workshops and class-wide feedback sessions. The enrollment process was also not too stressful at all. NTU walks you through things with straightforward instructions at all steps of the way. You will not have to sit in front of your computer counting down the minutes to rush your course applications, which is an incredible relief. Another pro: when enrolling for courses, you will immediately be able to see if and when their exam will be held. This is a small detail, but it makes a massive difference for international students who must worry about flight tickets.
The classroom facilities are also nothing short of jaw-dropping. The Hive looks as impressive from the inside as it does from the outside, and casually strolling in for a tutorial still feels surreal. The Arts, Design, and Media building will amaze all arts students. Not only is it gorgeous, but it is full of creativity and artsy details on every wall, corner, and even in how every student is dressed. Keep an eye out, as markets are sometimes held within this building, where students get to display and sell their hand-made creations (talk about a perfect souvenir).
This is just a brief overview of what I have seen so far. Let me conclude with a few more tips:
- Make sure to have cash on you; you will run through a lot of it.
- The biggest culture shock you might experience is the temperature shock between outdoor and indoor. Do consider bringing a hoodie or jacket to class. The AC is brutal; don’t get sick.
- Always carry an umbrella with you. Bring an umbrella, even if it’s hot and sunny with no clouds in the sky. You think the weather in New Zealand is unpredictable? The weather here has given me entirely new trust issues.
- Singapore is a very safe country, but always remember to keep yourself safe, too.
- So far, so good, and I would recommend it 100%!