Exploring Student Life in Singapore

9 minute read
Exploring Student Life in Singapore

The modern garden city-state of the world, Singapore is one of the most lively cities in the world. Its infrastructure, greenery, culture, and acceptance among people have attracted many students globally. It is often called the city of the future. It also enjoys low levels of crime rate which makes it one of the safest cities for students. Education in Singapore has the perfect blend of assistive and modern technology along with a pleasant environment, innovations, and diversity. Let’s explore the congenial and enjoyable student life in Singapore.

Why Study in Singapore?

Singaporean institutions give their pupils the best resources and a top-notch education. The medium of teaching is English, and the diverse student body at universities contributes to the multicultural nature of the educational environment.

Students can find a secure and welcoming environment at institutions. The nation offers first-rate university campus transportation options in addition to a strong healthcare system.

International students can feel safe and secure in the country even when they leave the university campus because of its stringent legislation that guarantees a crime-free environment.

Options for courses

Singapore is home to both private and public universities, some of which are ranked among the best in the world. Among the classes offered by universities are:

  • Diplomas and advanced diplomas- They cover a wide range of subjects and are completed in two to three years.
  • Bachelor’s programs- These include honours courses and have a duration of three or four years.
  • Master’s programs- These courses have a duration of one or two years.
  • Doctoral programs- Doctoral programs have a duration of two to five years.

Discover Life in Singapore

Singapore has the best quality of living in Asia according to ‘Quality of Living Ranking’ by Mercer, 2015. With a captivating standard of Living and efficient laws, Singapore is the happiest city in Asia. It also offers the best Economic environment for people with open-trade policies and negligible corruption. The clean-and-green environment, good sanitation facilities, affordable health care and strict cleanliness orders add to the pleasant student life in Singapore. Public transport services are mostly used by people due to their clean, safe, cheap and comfortable services.

Did You Know? Singapore introduces the first F1 night race in the World.

Campus Life

The university campus is an independent establishment that offers resources for a range of pursuits, including theatre, sports, and the arts.

There are many places to have fun, such as bars and nightclubs. On campus, there are chances for community involvement and cultural engagement. There are eateries and cafes to suit every palate for foodies.

Every significant neighbourhood off campus has a community centre and a mall. Students can use the community centre’s workout facilities and gymnasium.

Adventure sports like wakeboarding, dragon boat racing, and windsurfing are available in the tropical climate.

Getting Around

Touring around Singapore is very convenient owing to the city’s smallness. You can go about in another region of the state within 45 minutes and explore the city easily. Want to know which cities have the best student life in Singapore? Check out the list given below:

  • Orchard
  • Bukit Timah
  • Dover
  • Sentosa
  • Clementi

The local people in Singapore speak Singlish, not just English!

Selecting the Right Accommodation and Work Opportunities

Start looking for accommodations once you’ve made your decision about studying in Singapore. There are many on and off-campus accommodations for you to choose from. Housing Development Board usually costs around SG$ 1,000 – SG$ 2,000. Private accommodations are another option that will cost you around SG$ 1,000 – SG$ 3,000 per month.

Living in Singapore certainly requires a high- budget. To cover up for the expense, students are allowed to do a part-time job to cover extra expenses with many companies hiring students for a part-time job which makes student life in Singapore easier.

They should have a work permit (training work permit, training employability pass) to apply for a part-time job in Singapore. Approximately, 44% of the workforce is completed by non-Singaporeans; its rapidly growing economy attracts professionals and students from abroad. The average monthly cost of living for students (including Rent, transport and meals) is 922 SGD. However, different rentals have varied prices.

Build Your Network

Owing to the rich and diverse culture Singapore has, it should be easy to find a comrade. People from various walks of life can experience entertainment and choose their pick. Singapore has extremely unique events, festivals, museums and sparkly nightlife. Singapore is famous for its food festivals and various other Indian festivals like Diwali. From festivals like ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ for the bibliophiles to the beautiful fireworks and dance during the Chinese Lunar New Year; Singapore’s exuberant lifestyle will always keep you moving.

Singapore is home to the world’s first night zoo in the world!

Safety

Singapore is crime-free thanks to strict regulations, hefty penalties, and physical punishment. Travel websites rate the city-state as safe; it receives a “low-risk” designation for pickpocketing, mugging, and using taxis and other forms of transportation.

Pickpockets do, however, operate in tourist destinations. Although you should exercise extra caution in some areas, you should be safe if you dress sensibly and avoid tourist traps.

However, restaurants are open and the streets are generally secure even at night. The government has placed street cameras almost everywhere for public safety.

Recall that using drugs recreationally carries a death sentence and that crimes like riots, graffiti art, and drug and visa offences result in jail time.

Weather

Singapore is tropical and mostly sunny, with no set seasons. Although it only rains for about an hour, it pours when it does.

The highest average temperature, 29 degrees Celsius, is recorded between April and August, whereas the highest average temperature, 32 degrees Celsius, is recorded between March and June.

At 27 degrees Celsius, January is the coldest month, and January and February have the lowest average temperatures, both at 24 degrees Celsius.

Because of the constant humidity (eighty per cent), your sweat glands will be working extra hard.

Education System in Singapore

A child must complete six years of required education, which consists of primary school from grades 1 through 4 and an orientation stage from classes 5 through 6. Together with music, arts, craft, physical education, and social sciences, the curriculum includes instruction in mathematics, English, and the mother tongue. Science is taught starting in third grade.

In secondary education, there are four or five years of special, express, and regular courses offered in government-funded, assisted, or independent institutions. The first two help pupils get ready for the four-year Singapore-Cambridge GCE-O level exam.

When choosing the standard route, students follow either the academic or technical tracks and finish the GCE-N level exam in four years, followed by the GCE-O level exam in the fifth year if they pass.

Following the GCE-O, pupils have the option of enrolling in a two-year pre-university course at a junior college or a three-year term in a centralized institute. Students take the GCE-A level exam after their junior college years.

Students can choose between domestic universities and universities having partnerships with foreign universities after completing the exam.

Prominent local universities with collaborative programs with foreign universities include Singapore Management University (SMU), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Best Universities and Scholarships and Student Grants in Singapore

The most primary and important aspect of studying in Singapore is the options of the world’s renowned universities in the world which provide high-class education with the best technology facilities. Universities in Singapore promote entrepreneurial qualities in students and extensive research. Each university provides its distinctive contribution to the betterment of student life in Singapore. With the high standard of living and expensive rates, the Government of Singapore facilitates students with various ways to get financial assistance and encourages the flow of international students. The forms of financial aid are:

  • Fellowship Programs
  • Scholarship Programs
  • Ministry of Education student grant

Also Read: Singapore’s restrictions and a better future for Hong Kong academic freedom

Average Cost of Living in Singapore

Tuition at public universities usually ranges from SGD 8,000 to SGD 9,000 annually. This is a subsidized pricing, though. It costs SGD 10,000 or more for non-Singaporean students who are not eligible for financial aid. Several programs in Singaporean schools are also funded by the government, regardless of the nationality of the students.

Cost factorExpenses per month in Singapore dollars
RentS$2800
UtilitiesS$104
Public transportS$120
GroceriesS$24

Basic Requirements

  • A valid Passport and submit a copy of particular pages.
  • Certified copies of transcripts/mark sheets along with a recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Scorecards of IELTS (6 scores or above required)/ TOEFL and GMAT/GRE are required.
  • For students pursuing an MBA course, a minimum work experience of 3 years is necessary.
  • For students pursuing a doctoral program, the required number of letters of recommendation (LOR) and statement of purpose is to be submitted.
  • A medical report of the student’s previous health concerns is also essential.

Tips to Live Well in Singapore

Singapore’s universities are among the best known in the world, even though the country is only half the size of London. One such establishment is the ESSEC Business School Asia-Pacific (ESSEC), which is renowned for its distinctive educational methodology that gives aspiring leaders the tools they need to make a constructive contribution to society. To help students make the most of their time living in Singapore, it also provides extracurricular social initiatives.

Accept diverse cultural backgrounds

The ethnic groups that make up Singapore’s multicultural society are mostly Chinese, Malay, and Indian. This offers a variety of experiences, including delicious food, rich cultural customs, and stunning architecture.

Look for possibilities for networking and growth

Profit from Singapore’s distinctive and many professional and networking possibilities. The city-state serves as a major financial and technology centre in Asia and as a point of entry for numerous international corporations looking to expand into the region. Students can use this as a fantastic starting point to grow their networks and establish relationships in preparation for future employment prospects.

Examine the nation-state

Singapore is among the safest cities in the world with a relatively low crime rate, so students should come and explore everything it has to offer. Getting suggestions from others is another approach to finding hidden gems, and it will also help students make friends along the way.

Tips for settling down

  • Before relocating, find your accommodation.
  • Improve your English, but also pick up some “Singlish.”
  • Join clubs and activities on campus without being shy.
  • Make an effort to understand the customs and culture of the area.
  • Combine the chilly air conditioning indoors with the hot and muggy outdoors.
  • Travel to neighbouring nations, but don’t overlook the natural wonders of the area
  • Enjoy yourself, but keep your books off the top shelf.

Key Takeaways

Academic excellence is available in a wide range of subjects in Singapore, including specialized courses, highly regarded universities like the National University of Singapore, flexible master’s programs, internships, international employment opportunities, education driven by passion, and career development paths for Indian students.

Indian students studying in Singapore must manage their finances well. This includes budgeting for monthly expenses, looking into scholarships, finding reasonable accommodation alternatives, obtaining a part-time work permit, and taking advantage of job opportunities.

FAQs

Q1. Is Singapore a good place for students?

Ans. Yes, Singapore offers world-class education facilities, a safe environment, and a high standard of living for students.

Q2. What is Singapore like for international students?

Ans. Singapore offers an ideal combination of urban living and peaceful quiet places to international students.

Q3. What is the best thing to study in Singapore?

Ans. Some of the best courses to study in Singapore are engineering. medicine, law, economics. and architecture.

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Study MIM in Singapore in 2024Top 5+ Engineering Colleges in Singapore: Everything You Need To Know

Hope this blog helped you know about various details regarding student life in Singapore. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad

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