Eusoff Hall – A student’s perspective

By Felecia Ogunnuga, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Food Review

The first aspect of living at Eusoff Hall that I want to review is the food options. Living at Eusoff Hall means you that have to purchase a mandatory meal plan, which honestly, I wasn’t too excited about at first. Coming from the independent living experience of UoM halls and private housing, I was expecting it to be daunting. But honestly? I’m so glad its a requirement. Groceries here in Singapore aren’t cheap, and the meal plan keeps me fed without hassle. It’s super affordable too—averaging $1-2 per meal, which is a steal compared to eating out, and it makes Eusoff one of the cheapest options at NUS. The meal plan covers breakfast and dinner, so you’ll need to find lunch elsewhere (but no problem, there’s a super-stretch of restaurants and a 7-Eleven just five minutes away). If you’re a picky eater and don’t fancy the food options then don’t worry, there’s a shared kitchen with electric cookers—although, as a heads up, there’s no oven, so forget about those frozen pizzas. As for the food itself, some days it can be really enjoyable (shoutout to the honey sesame chicken and rice), however on other days, it may not have the best options. Veggies can be a bit scarce unless you go for the vegetarian option, so stock up when you can. However the affordability and accessibility of food makes up for it. Something else that is important to mention is that there is no dinner on Saturdays and no breakfast on Sundays, so either make use of the shared kitchen or head out on to try some of the food from the many hawker centres in Singapore on weekends, but there’s no need to worry as you will always find something.

Room Review:

Air Conditioning vs. Fan: The Battle Against the Heat

The heat in Singapore can be relentless, and at Eusoff Hall, you’re faced with a choice: air conditioning or a fan. The rooms don’t come with air conditioning unless you request it and pay for the additional electricity costs, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons. Personally, I’m testing how long I can survive without caving to the aircon. So far, I’ve managed with just the ceiling fan, especially since the rainy season brings cooler winds that make it more bearable. The fan has worked well after the first month, but during hotter spells, it might feel like a losing battle.

For those who struggle with heat, a portable air conditioner is allowed as long as it is disclosed, and it might be a worthwhile investment if the fan just isn’t cutting it. I’ve heard from fellow students that once you experience air conditioning, there’s no going back. So, it’s definitely something to consider if you want to make your stay more comfortable.

Update: I caved and purchased an electric stand fan, it was only £25 and so worth it. Would recommend!

Room Setup and Comfort

The bed is… okay, however it is nothing that the mattress comforter from IKEA can’t fix—definitely recommend it for extra comfort. The room is spacious, more so than I expected, with plenty of room to move around. Storage won’t be an issue either; there’s ample wardrobe space, much more than you’ll likely need, especially if you’re trying to pack light due to flight restrictions.

There’s one large mirror in the room, but if you prefer a mirror on your desk, you’ll need to bring one or pick one up locally. The desk is functional with a built-in lamp, which is great for studying late at night. The rooms are definitely bigger than they appear in pictures, and while the single bed might seem small, there’s enough space to make it feel cozy without feeling cramped.

All in all, the room setup is better than I expected, and with a few personal touches, you can make it feel like home quite quickly.

Social Life at Eusoff Hall

Eusoff Hall is incredibly social, with a new event happening every week. From freshers’ events like Angel & Mortal (Secret Santa) and Culture Night to special food nights like Korean BBQ and numerous international and exchange student gatherings, there’s always an opportunity to meet new people. You’ll be added to a group chat via email, so make sure to keep an eye on your NUS inbox for the link. The chat is very active, and if you ever need help or have a question, just ask—someone will always be there to assist. Eusoff is also very sports-centric, so joining a sport is a great way to get involved and meet even more people.

Tip: How to Make Friends

The best way to make friends is simple: message the Hall group chat and ask if anyone wants to grab a meal—someone will always say yes. Even if the first group you meet doesn’t become your regular crowd, it’s a great way to avoid feeling isolated in the beginning. As you attend more events, you’ll naturally start meeting new people. Don’t hesitate to join events alone either—Eusoff’s collaborative culture means someone will likely approach you, or you can go up to one of the Block Committees and ask to hang out—they’re always happy to welcome new people.

Hall Rules:

At first glance, the hall rules might seem strict, especially from a Western perspective. However, after almost a semester here, I’ve realized that following them isn’t as difficult or intrusive as I initially thought. Some of the key rules include no guests after 11 pm, no alcohol on campus (since it’s alcohol-free), and if you have a guest of the opposite sex, you must keep your door ajar. Breaking these rules can lead to demerit points, and accumulating 16 points in a semester could mean you’ll either have to leave the hall or be ineligible to stay for the following semester. That said, the rules aren’t enforced as strictly as they sound—just be mindful.

Location

Eusoff Hall is in a great location, especially if you’re a social science student, as it’s only a 5-7 minute walk from the School of Social Sciences. I’m studying a Chinese language module, so being able to leave just 10 minutes before class is a major perk. For law students, the hall is a bit farther from the Bukit Timah campus, but there’s a convenient bus stop right outside Eusoff that will take you straight there. Luckily, the law campus is set to move back to Kent Ridge next year, which will eliminate long bus journeys for early morning lectures. In terms of accessing other faculties, it’s just a short bus ride away, making it a convenient spot to live.

Final Thoughts:

Despite the lack of air conditioning and the hit-or-miss food options, I wouldn’t trade my experience at Eusoff Hall for anything. The hall has a warm, friendly atmosphere and is far more social than other housing options. I’ve made lifelong friends here, and it truly feels like a close-knit community. If you’re an incoming exchange student at NUS, I highly recommend Eusoff Hall—it’s a place where you’ll feel at home from day one.