Accommodation at the National University of Singapore: Kent Ridge Hall

By Khay Muhammed, The National University of Singapore, Singapore

There are a variety of accommodation options available at NUS, so many that it can be quite overwhelming. After spending a semester at the university, I would categorise the options into three main types: Halls, PGP, and UTown. To give you a clearer comparison with Manchester’s accommodation, Halls are most similar to Richmond Park or Whitworth, PGP is like Daisy Bank, and UTown is similar to Unsworth. Within each category, there are many options, each with different features such as en suites, air conditioning, shared rooms, and the types of activities they offer. In this blog post, I will be sharing my experience and reviewing Kent Ridge Hall.

I opted for Halls because I wanted a more authentic student experience in Singapore, surrounded by a mix of local and exchange students, rather than just exchange students who mostly gather in UTown. Halls also offer a wide range of sports societies, with numerous interblock and interhall tournaments. Many students engage in up to four sports, fostering a highly active and inclusive community that PGP and UTown generally don’t match. This semester, I joined the netball, floorball, and football teams.

Every Hall of residence includes a meal plan that covers breakfast, lunch (collected during breakfast), and dinner. Initially, I thought it might be unnecessary, but looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for it. After a long day in the heat studying, playing sports, and socialising, it’s such a relief not to worry about what to eat for dinner, as everything is planned and readily available. We also have access to the weekly menu, so if there is something I’m not keen on, I can easily head to one of the countless hawker centres nearby. This convenience is one of the biggest perks of living in Singapore. You are never far from delicious and affordable food. There is a communal kitchen available, but groceries in Singapore can be quite expensive, especially when eating out is significantly cheaper, more accessible, and far more convenient overall.

Top Tip: Try 4Fingers Crispy Fried Chicken! And definitely try the honey milk tea with pearls from KOI Thé!

The heat in Singapore is no joke; it is literally the most humid country in the world. For this reason, do not bother with just a fan. Invest in a portable air conditioner during your first week. Opt for a 12k BTU unit instead of a 10k BTU one, as the latter is not strong enough. You can find great options on Carousell, which is Singapore’s equivalent of Vinted or eBay. I found my AC unit for £130. I thought I would eventually adjust to the heat, but there really is no getting used to that level of humidity. After two months, I finally caved and got an extremely cold AC unit, and I am thankful every single time I step into my room.

Overall, I love my room at Kent Ridge. The people are lovely, and I’m just a five minute walk from both the business and social sciences buildings. The gym is well equipped, and the multipurpose sports hall offers a wide range of sports to try. I do wish I played an instrument or danced, as there is a band room and a dance hall available. Plus, the bus stop is right outside the Hall, making commuting incredibly convenient. I would definitely recommend choosing Kent Ridge!

Top Tip: Don’t bring too much decor for your room. You will get loads from Korea and Japan!